The 15th Anniversary Special featured montage clips, tributes and performances from Dan Aykroyd, Jim Belushi, Chevy Chase, Billy Crystal, Jane Curtin, Tom Hanks, Buck Henry, Steve Martin, Laraine Newman, Mary Tyler Moore, Martin Short, O.J.
Simpson and Robin Williams with musical performances from Prince and Paul Simon.
[4][5] All performers were credited as repertory:[6][7][8] Also in attendance included numerous actors, musicians, comedians, and celebrities such as:[9][10] The special was SNL's first anniversary celebration; it featured original cast members Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, and Laraine Newman, with tributes to the late John Belushi and Gilda Radner.
Notably absent were former cast members Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy.
[12] Executive Producer Lorne Michaels stated the reasoning behind the anniversary special: "I think he [NBC Entertainment President Brandon Tartikoff] felt it was time we brought the old and new groups together.