SEATTLE — Two first-time guests will take the stage for the season opener of Saturday Night Live this weekend and one of them is from right here in Seattle.
Actress Jean Smart is hosting SNL for her first time, and is joined by musical artist Jelly Roll, also making his first appearance. The show will begin at 8:30 p.m. PST on KING 5 and also streaming on Peacock.
Smart was born in Seattle, and graduated from Ballard High School before earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Washington. She completed UW's Professional Actor Training Program (BFA) in 1974, according to the school's website.
Smart has credited her high school drama teacher Earl Kelly for helping her to develop her acting talent.
Earlier this month, she won her third best actress in a comedy award for the third season of Max’s “Hacks,” in which her stand-up comic character Deborah Vance tries to make it in late-night TV.
She was up against Quinta Brunson ("Abbott Elementary"), Ayo Edebiri ("The Bear"), Selena Gomez (“Only Murders in the Building"), Maya Rudolph ("Loot”) and Kristin Wiig (“Palm Royale”) in the category.
Smart has six Emmys overall, including two for her role as Lana Gardner on the NBC sitcom "Frasier" and another as Regina Newley on "Samantha Who?"
This spring, the Hollywood Reporter honored Smart with the Trailblazer Award at the Seattle International Film Festival.
In October, SNL will feature three new episodes. On Oct. 5, comedian Nate Bargatze will host for the second time and be joined by musical guest Coldplay. "Wicked" star Ariana Grande will also host for the second time on Oct. 12, alongside Stevie Nicks. And "Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, with Billie Eilish scheduled as the musical guest. Both will be making their fourth appearance on SNL.
On Nov. 2, musical sensation Chappell Roan will join as a musical guest with comedian John Mulaney hosting a sixth time.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
