In a revealing interview on the “Fly On The Wall” podcast with Dana Carvey and David Spade, Hollywood icon Sharon Stone shared a gripping account of her first time hosting “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1992, an experience that left her “terrified.” The actress, widely acclaimed for her roles in “Basic Instinct” and “Casino,” took listeners back to a time shortly after “Basic Instinct’s” release when her opening monologue on the live comedy sketch show was abruptly disrupted by protesters.
Stone recalled the harrowing moments when she was confronted by a group of protesters storming the stage with threats against her life. Amidst the chaos, SNL’s executive producer, Lorne Michaels, played a pivotal role in safeguarding Stone. “The security froze, having never seen anything like it. It was Lorne who sprung into action, reprimanding the security and physically intervening to pull the protesters back,” Stone narrated. The dramatic scene unfolded live, with the actress witnessing people getting handcuffed in front of her.
The protest, according to Stone, stemmed from her budding efforts as an AIDS activist, which at the time was misunderstood, leading to misplaced anger and accusations of homophobia and misogyny against Hollywood. “No one understood what was happening… Instead of waiting for an intelligent, informative conversation, they thought, ‘Oh let’s just kill her,'” Stone expressed, highlighting the intensity of the misunderstanding and fear surrounding AIDS activism during that period.
Despite the terrifying experience, Stone’s career was not solely defined by her acting; it took a significant turn towards activism, especially after a life-threatening stroke in 2001 that saw her battling for survival and facing a long recovery process. “I had a 1% chance of survival… I haven’t had jobs since,” Stone revealed, speaking about the impact of her health crisis on her career and the change it prompted in her life’s direction.
Overcoming these challenges, Stone has dedicated more than two decades to global advocacy, working with the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and governments worldwide. “I decided to work so that you could be heard,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to using her platform for advocacy rather than personal acclaim.
Stone’s candid recounting of her SNL experience and her subsequent journey from Hollywood stardom to global activism offers a compelling narrative of resilience, transformation, and the power of using one’s voice for change. Her story not only sheds light on a pivotal moment in live television history but also underscores the importance of understanding, empathy, and action in the face of adversity and misunderstanding.