Kick, Stretch, And KICK! The 5 Most Iconic Moments Of SNL's Sally O'Malley "I'm 50" Skit And Her Triumphant Return

The "I'm 50" catchphrase is back, louder and prouder than ever. The legendary sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL) celebrated its monumental 50th Anniversary on Sunday, February 16, 2025, and no celebration would be complete without the triumphant return of one of its most physically dynamic and hilariously age-defiant characters: Sally O'Malley. The fiery redhead in the iconic red jumpsuit, portrayed by the incomparable Molly Shannon, graced the stage to proclaim her age—and the show's—with her signature high-kicking gusto, reminding millions of fans why the "I'm 50" skit remains a cultural touchstone. This deep dive explores the character's history, her most memorable moments, and the significance of her recent comeback.

The enduring popularity of the Sally O'Malley character is a testament to Molly Shannon's comedic genius and her ability to create characters who are both absurdly funny and deeply relatable. Her return for the SNL 50: The Anniversary Celebration special was one of the night's highlights, perfectly marrying the character's famous line with the show's own half-century milestone. As she declared, "I'm proud to say I'm 50 years old—just like Saturday Night Live!", the audience erupted, solidifying the sketch's place in SNL history as an anthem for embracing age with unbridled energy.

Molly Shannon: A Biography of the Woman Behind the Red Jumpsuit

Molly Shannon is a comedian, actress, and writer best known for her six seasons as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2001. She is revered for her commitment to physical comedy and her creation of some of the show's most memorable and enduring characters, including the fiercely Catholic, perpetually nervous Mary Katherine Gallagher.

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• Full Name: Molly Helen Shannon
• Born: September 16, 1964, in Shaker Heights, Ohio
• Education: New York University's Tisch School of the Arts (Drama, 1987)
• SNL Tenure: 1995–2001 (Cast Member)
• Iconic SNL Characters: Sally O'Malley, Mary Katherine Gallagher, Helen Madden (The Licensed Specialist), Miss Colleen, Jeannie Darcy (The Monotone Comedian), and Circe Nightshade.
• Post-SNL Career Highlights: Roles in films like Superstar (as Mary Katherine Gallagher), Wet Hot American Summer, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, and critically acclaimed television roles in The White Lotus, Divorce, and I Love That for You.
• Awards: Nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, winning for her voice work on The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning and for her guest role on The White Lotus.

The Anatomy of a Viral Catchphrase: "I Like to Kick, Stretch, and KICK! I'm 50!"

The Sally O'Malley character first debuted in 1999 and quickly became a fan favorite, largely due to her sheer, unadulterated enthusiasm and her signature moves. The sketch is a brilliant piece of physical comedy that satirizes the societal pressure to hide one's age while simultaneously celebrating the vitality that can come with maturity.

The brilliance of the character lies in her relentless self-promotion. Sally O'Malley is a former Rockette, a choreographer, and a proud woman who refuses to let anyone forget her age. She is a walking, high-kicking monument to confidence, dressed in a tight, bright red jumpsuit and sporting a massive, gravity-defying bouffant hairstyle. Her catchphrase is not a lament; it is a battle cry.

The line "I'm 50" is always delivered with a forceful emphasis, often punctuated by her signature three-part move: a kick, a stretch, and a final, powerful kick. This sequence is a masterclass in comedic timing, often causing her interviewers—who are usually trying to hire her for a job wildly inappropriate for her age or skill set—to recoil in awkward disbelief. The contrast between her youthful energy and her insistence on her age is the core comedic engine of the sketch.

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The 5 Most Iconic Sally O'Malley "I'm 50" Skit Moments

While the recurring setup of Sally O'Malley auditioning for a new job or appearing as a guest on a talk show remained consistent, a few specific sketches stand out as the most memorable and culturally impactful. These moments define the "I'm 50" legacy.

1. The Rockette Open Audition with Danny DeVito

   This is arguably the most famous and foundational Sally O'Malley sketch. In this classic setup, Sally auditions to be a Rockette, a job she is clearly too old and physically unsuited for, despite her claims of being a "Rockette Police Officer." The sketch’s highlight is her interaction with the deadpan choreographer, played by host Danny DeVito. As DeVito tries to politely dismiss her, Sally launches into her full "kick, stretch, and KICK!" routine, dazzling and terrifying him in equal measure. The sheer star power of DeVito's reaction to Shannon's manic energy made this a legendary SNL moment.

2. The SNL 50th Anniversary Celebration Return (2025)

   The most recent and freshest moment, Sally O'Malley's return on February 16, 2025, was a perfect piece of meta-comedy. Appearing in a sketch with host Emma Stone, Sally seized the opportunity to link her character’s age to the show’s milestone. Her declaration, "I'm proud to say I'm 50 years old—just like Saturday Night Live!", was a brilliant, self-referential joke that celebrated the show's longevity and the character's enduring relevance. This appearance ensured that the "I'm 50" catchphrase is once again part of the current cultural conversation.

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3. The Jonas Brothers Audition

   In a more recent appearance, Molly Shannon brought Sally O'Malley back to audition as a choreographer for the Jonas Brothers. The absurdity of the pop group needing a choreographer who insists on her age and uses a questionable dance style provided a hilarious contrast. This sketch demonstrated the character's ability to remain funny and relevant, even when paired with contemporary musical guests, proving the timelessness of her comedic premise.

4. The Runway Model Audition

   Another classic sketch featured Sally O'Malley auditioning to be a runway model. The humor here stemmed from her attempts to incorporate her signature high-kicks and vigorous stretches into the slow, serious walk of a high-fashion model. Her refusal to conform to the industry's standards, all while proudly stating her age to the young, bewildered casting directors, made for a sharp and funny commentary on the fashion world's obsession with youth.

5. The Stripper Choreographer

   The character's backstory is often as funny as the sketch itself. Sally O'Malley is not just a dancer; she's also a "Stripper Choreographer." This detail, often dropped casually amidst her energetic claims of vitality, adds a layer of unexpected absurdity and a hint of a wilder past. It's a small but vital detail that adds to the character's topical authority and deepens the joke of her over-the-top, proud-to-be-50 persona.

The Enduring Cultural Impact of Sally O'Malley

The "I'm 50" skit is more than just a funny sketch; it has become a cultural phenomenon and a source of inspiration for many. Sally O'Malley is a character who actively rejects the notion that women should become invisible as they age. She is a symbol of vitality, confidence, and owning your truth, no matter how awkward that truth might make others feel.

The character’s influence is evident in how her catchphrase is used in real life. For people turning 50, the line "I like to kick, stretch, and KICK! I'm 50!" has become a personal mantra—a way to embrace a new decade with the same manic energy and enthusiasm that Molly Shannon brought to the screen. She taught a generation that aging is not something to be ashamed of or hidden, but something to be celebrated with a loud, proud, high-kicking declaration.

As Saturday Night Live continues its run, the legacy of characters like Sally O'Malley will endure. Her recent return for the 50th Anniversary special ensures that new generations will discover the joy of a woman who is not afraid to tell her real age and who likes to kick, stretch, and KICK her way through life. The vibrant red jumpsuit and the relentless energy of Sally O'Malley will forever be synonymous with the best of SNL's physical comedy and Molly Shannon's unforgettable talent.