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43 Years Ago, This ‘SNL’ Joke Accidentally Triggered a Real Bomb Scare

Joel Hodgson left fake dynamite behind after a 1983 ‘SNL’ appearance, prompting a hotel evacuation and a visit from bomb experts.

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Prior to creating Mystery Science Theater 3000, Joel Hodgson was a prop comic/magician known for his appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and Saturday Night Live. Although those guest spots helped expose Hodgson to a wider audience, a prop he used during one gig landed him in a little hot water.

On November 12, 1983, Hodgson performed his act on SNL, which included a joke about blowing up the audience. After being told that he had roughly three minutes left, Hodgson pulled out a bundle of dynamite, set the........

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