"SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" WELCOMES BACK VETERAN HOST STEVE MARTIN JANUARY 31, JASON MRAZ MAKES HIS DEBUT AS MUSICAL GUEST

New York, NY - January 21, 2009 - Steve Martin will make his SNL record 15th appearance as host when he returns after three years to Studio 8H on January 31st. Martin is joined by singer Jason Mraz, making his debut alongside the legendary performer.

Martin is one of the most diversified performers in the motion picture industry today-actor, comedian, author, playwright and producer. The 2007 recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor, Martin will return in the role of Inspector Clouseau in "The Pink Panther 2," which opens February 6th. He has a score of film roles to his credit and received critical praise in the 2006 film "Shopgirl" (which he adapted from his novella), as well as in the hits "Cheaper By The Dozen" and "Bringing Down the House." Martin has starred in several comedy classics; "The Jerk," "All of Me" "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" "Father of the Bride," "Parenthood" and "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." Martin scripted and starred in the hit acclaimed comedies "Three Amigos," "Roxanne," "L.A. Story" and "Bowfinger;" and the drama "Grand Canyon."

Additionally, Martin has won Grammy Awards for his comedy recordings and for his banjo work on Earl Scruggs' 75th Anniversary album. He has won raves for his essays in The New Yorker and the play "Picasso at the Lapin Agile;" as well as his books "Shopgirl" and "The Pleasure of My Company." Late last year, Martin had two books published: "The Alphabet from A to Y with Bonus Letter Z!", and his autobiography, "Born Standing Up". Martin will also release his first full-length music album, "The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo" on January 27, 2009. The bluegrass-flavored album has been 45 years in the making, and will feature special vocal appearances by Mary Black, Vince Gill, Tim O'Brien, Dolly Parton and musicians Earl Scruggs, Pete Wernick and Tony Trischka.

Martin is joined by Grammy Award-nominated artist Jason Mraz. The San Diego-based tunesmith has been honored with a trio of Grammy Award nominations, including a prestigious "Song of the Year" nod for "I'm Yours." The song also was named in the "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" category, while Mraz's acclaimed new album, "We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things." was acknowledged for "Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical." "I'm Yours," the hit single off Mraz's third album, has reached number one at CHR/Top 40 radio outlets nationwide, as well as been awarded with a variety of certifications including double platinum and triple platinum status around the world. "We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things," debuted at number three on the SoundScan/ Billboard 200 album chart upon its release, and continues to climb the charts.

"Saturday Night Live" is from SNL Studios in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels. Steve Higgins produces. Marci Klein produces. Seth Meyers is head writer. Don Roy King directs.