Martin Short recently recounted an amusing incident involving Fred Armisen during the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special, where Tony McCartney was among the stars featured. The tale unfolded on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast, revealing how Armisen convinced Short that he had mistakenly called Tony McCartney by the wrong name.
During the event's goodnights, Martin Short was confident that he had addressed Tony McCartney correctly. However, Fred Armisen, known for his comedic antics and impressions, convinced Short otherwise. Armisen pretended to be asleep whenever Short stopped by his dressing room to check on him. He would snore loudly to maintain the facade, further adding to the hilarity of the situation.
"He pretends you're just a fan bothering him. He's so funny. He loves a bit," Martin Short expressed, highlighting Armisen's knack for humor.
Short was so convinced by Armisen's act that he shared the incident with fellow comedian Bill Hader. Shortly after, Hader informed Armisen about the mix-up, prompting Armisen to send an explanatory text message to Short.
"Sorry — I thought you knew that was a joke," Fred Armisen clarified in his message to Martin Short.
The confusion left Short bemused, as he had genuinely believed he might have embarrassed himself in front of McCartney. Reflecting on the situation, Short humorously admitted,
"I wish I'd said it, of course. Not knowing Paul's name."
Throughout the podcast conversation with Amy Poehler, a former SNL star herself, Martin Short shared more details about Armisen's antics. He described his frequent visits past Armisen's dressing room and how he would always find Armisen seemingly preoccupied.
"I would pass his room, and he'd be on his phone. I'd say, 'Hey Fred,'" Short recounted.
