Anne Hathaway’s Iconic “Saturday Night Live” Moment with Penelope
When Anne Hathaway hosted Saturday Night Live in 2010, she had a memorable encounter that audiences still talk about today. It showcased not just Hathaway’s comedic chops, but also the brilliance of Kristen Wiig’s iconic character, Penelope—a woman with an unparalleled talent for one-upping everyone around her, even in the realm of charity.
The Penelope Phenomenon
Penelope, a character played by Wiig, first appeared in sketches from 2007 to 2010 and quickly became a fan favorite. Known for her outrageous ability to outdo everyone, Penelope pushed the boundaries of absurdity. “Thanksgiving,” which aired on November 20, 2010, marked her last appearance, and it was nothing short of iconic. In this sketch, Penelope volunteers at a soup kitchen run by Hathaway’s character, Mary, who, unaware of what she’s getting into, soon finds herself in over her head.
The Soup Kitchen Showdown
In the skit, Mary exclaims her joys and struggles while volunteering, only to be consistently overshadowed by Penelope’s exaggerated anecdotes. For instance, while Mary is proud of her Mayflower ancestors, Penelope casually claims her relatives arrived on the “Aprilflower.” The humor ascends to an uproarious crescendo when Mary reluctantly reveals her family of three—only for Penelope to reveal she has a family of six.
This escalating competition perfectly illustrates Penelope’s character: relentless, hyperbolic, and decidedly over-the-top. As Hathaway’s Mary spirals into frantic outbursts, her unhinged meltdowns include wild claims, such as driving a tanning bed to work, illustrating the frantic energy that Hathaway so masterfully exudes.
The Thanksgiving Rivalry
The skit culminates with Penelope declaring, “Happy Thanksgiving! I’m not thankful for anything; I’m thankful five, which is just a little bit more than you.” This hilarious declaration perfectly sums up the character’s absurd yet endearing competitiveness. It’s moments like these that make Penelope a memorable figure in SNL history.
Revival of Penelope in Pop Culture
Although Penelope’s last sketch aired in 2010, her legacy continued to resonate. In 2016, Wiig brought her back in a brief but hilarious moment on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. When asked for a Real Housewives tagline for Penelope, Wiig promptly responded, “I’m living the dream, but I’ve always been living the dream, ’cause I made up dreams, and dreams are mine.” This tagline captures Penelope’s essence, showcasing her grandiosity and commitment to maintaining her status as the ultimate icebreaker.
Inspiration Behind Penelope
Kristen Wiig has revealed that Penelope’s character was inspired by a peculiar personality trait she noticed in someone she knows. It provides insight into how relatable humor can be derived from real-life experiences. Wiig described it as an odd tendency to one-up mundane statements, crafting a character that stems from not just imagination, but reality.
Ongoing Legacy
The impact of Penelope’s character stretches beyond her appearances on SNL. Given Wiig’s unique ability to blend humor with a touch of realism, Penelope resonates with anyone who’s experienced that frustrating friend or acquaintance who often steals the spotlight. The character remains a staple of comedic genius, rooted firmly in the ridiculousness of human interaction.
For audiences seeking to relive the hilarity, the classic Penelope sketch can be watched on NBC or streamed on platforms like Peacock. The brilliant dynamics of Hathaway and Wiig in the “Thanksgiving” sketch continue to bring laughter and joy to fans old and new.
As Saturday Night Live continues to evolve, characters like Penelope remind us of the funny, competitive, and sometimes absurd nature of our social interactions, ensuring that her legacy will not be forgotten anytime soon.