Maya Rudolph Comes Out Of The ‘SNL’ Closet After 17 Years To Host Show

Maya Rudolph has been hiding in a Saturday Night Live closet for 17 years and is now ready to come out and host the show.

In a promo ahead of Rudolph hosting the NBC late-night sketch show, Andrew Dismukes and Chloe Troast are walking the halls of 30 Rock when they notice a door and laughing noises coming from within.

When they open the door, they surprise a stunned Rudolph, who says, “Oh, hello there. I wasn’t expecting visitors.”

When Troast asks Rudolph how long she’s been there, the Loot star says she’s been there since 2007, when she ended her tenure at SNL.

“I never left,” Rudolph says, noting her reasons adding, “Why would I leave? I have everything I need here. My books, my porridge, and my dear friend Kenny.”

Rudolph’s friend Kenny was a mop with googly eyes.

Troast reminds Rudolph that she’s hosting the show this week, to which she responds, “Oh, then, would you mind closing the door? I’m going to need to freshen up.”

Dismukes and Troast give Rudolph space, and as they close the door, Rudolph appears outside dressed up and ready to take on her SNL hosting duties.

“Hey guys! See you Saturday,” Rudolph tells the duo after the jump scare.

Rudolph hosts SNL, with musical guest Vampire Weekend, on Saturday, May 11 at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT on NBC.

Jake Gyllenhaal will follow Rudolph, hosting SNL on Saturday, May 18, which is set to be the Season 49 finale.

Watch the SNL promo above.