Tom Hanks' Lorne Michaels Impersonation Inspired SNL's Five-Timers Club

Robert Smigel, a longtime SNL writer and former cast member, says he wrote the first Five-Timers Club sketch after hearing Tom Hanks do a spot-on impression of Lorne Michaels during Hanks' early hosting stints. Smigel shared the story on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon during a June 22 appearance.

On the talk show Smigel recreated Hanks’ Lorne Michaels bit, which traced a host’s feelings from imposter syndrome on the first show to growing confidence by the third or fourth. He said the sketch grew from that idea and from SNL’s reputation for velvet-rope parties — imagined as a wood-paneled members’ lounge where guests wear luxurious robes.

Smigel said Lorne Michaels helped write the first sketch with Conan O’Brien and Greg Daniels; O’Brien appears in the sketch as a maître d’ who welcomes Hanks and gives him his robe. Steve Martin also appears, delivering Smigel’s favorite line: "I like the cut of your jib, young man," followed by Hanks' delighted reply and Martin’s, "Please.

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