As Saturday Night Live celebrates its 50th anniversary, columnist Cindy Adams reflects on her own experience with the show—

an experience that was anything but a celebratory moment for her. 

Decades ago, SNL took aim at her and her late husband, humorist Joey Adams, in a sketch that she describes as far from flattering. 

And yet, despite their satirical jab, she’s still standing, still writing, and still wearing the same Gucci jacket she had on when SNL mocked her. 

If longevity is the best revenge, she’s certainly had the last laugh.

A Legacy in Entertainment and Advocacy

Adams and her husband Joey were deeply embedded in the world of entertainment, with strong ties to major figures, including former President Ronald Reagan. While Reagan served as president of the Screen Actors Guild out west, Joey was the head of the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) in the east. Together, they championed the rights of performers, advocating for fair treatment and opportunities for those in the industry.

Their work in entertainment even led them to international efforts. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy personally sent Joey Adams on a mission to Southeast Asia. The goal? To use entertainment as a bridge for diplomacy, sending a troupe of performers to foster goodwill and cultural connections. The mission was a success, proving the power of entertainment to transcend borders.

However, Adams believes that SNL, with its quick comedic jabs, likely had no idea about any of this history when they targeted her and her husband in their 1990 sketch.

Surviving a War Zone in Vietnam

Adams’ recollections go beyond her SNL experience, diving into the harrowing reality of her time in Vietnam. When she traveled to Saigon, it was during an era of intense conflict, with the Viet Cong engaging in guerrilla warfare. Upon arriving at Tan Son Nhat airport, she and her group were greeted with chaos—a grenade had just exploded nearby. The ongoing war created a state of uncertainty, and the Americans in the region lived under the constant threat of attack.

Despite the dangers, Adams and her troupe pressed on, performing for wounded soldiers in hospitals. These medical facilities were overcrowded, with up to three patients crammed into a single bed. A nun stationed outside a church expressed gratitude, holding up a sign that read, “Thank you for caring. And thank America for their help.”

Even Viet Cong prisoners received medical attention, though they were often chained to their beds. The war’s impact was also evident in orphanages, where hundreds of children stood in line, clutching handmade signs while singing “God Bless America.”

Adams recalls these moments vividly, acknowledging the hardships but also the resilience and gratitude of those they encountered. She endured illness, navigated treacherous terrain, and even ventured through the infamous Cu Chi tunnels—a 75-mile labyrinth infested with snakes, explosives, and other dangers.

The Power of Persistence

Fast forward more than six decades later, and Adams is still doing what she does best—writing. She credits New York Post editor Steve Lynch for encouraging her to keep sharing her thoughts and experiences. As for SNL? She acknowledges the show’s ongoing presence but remains unimpressed by its modern lineup of hosts, taking a dig at the program for featuring celebrities like Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Steven Seagal.

Her take on SNL remains lighthearted, albeit with a sarcastic edge. The framed photo from their 1990 sketch mocking her still hangs in her personal bathroom, a place she considers fitting for their portrayal of her.

Final Thoughts

For Adams, longevity in the business speaks volumes. While SNL may have taken its shots at her decades ago, she’s outlasted many of the show’s producers and cast members. Reflecting on it all, she maintains her signature wit, closing with a joke about a leopard and a zebra—a reminder that, in her world, humor is just another part of survival.

Mocked but never silenced, Cindy Adams continues to hold her ground, proving that sometimes, resilience is the best punchline of all.

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