Ariana DeBose celebrates theatre as SNL host: "Broadway changes lives"

The Golden Globe-winning actress made her SNL hosting debut on 15 January.

Tonight, tonight, won't be just any night, especially now that West Side Story's Ariana DeBose has made her Saturday Night Live hosting debut. The Golden Globe-winning actress hosted Saturday Night Live on 15 January, and spoke about her performance as Anita, as well as the power of Broadway. 

During her opening monologue, DeBose said: "It is great to be here representing not only the Latino community as an Afro-Latina, but also the Broadway community. Obviously, Broadway has been through a lot the past couple of years, but we are a community that perseveres, and I believe Broadway changes lives... Broadway has this magical ability to bring people together." She was then joined by SNL star Kate McKinnon for a West Side Story parody mashup, including songs "I Feel Pretty", and "Something's Coming." 

As well as starring in West Side Story, DeBose has appeared in musical films including The Prom, and also features in the Hamilton film on Disney+. DeBose has been in Broadway musicals such as Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, A Bronx Tale, and the original cast of Hamilton.

DeBose was one of two actresses to win a Golden Globe for West Side Story. Rachel Zegler won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance as Maria. Find out more about the 2022 Golden Globe winners.

Watch Ariana DeBose on Saturday Night Live below.

^{Photo credit: Ariana DeBose on Saturday Night Live (Photo by Will Heath, courtesy of NBC)}