Frederic Melton
In a 2002 episode of Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell portrays Harry Caray, a broadcaster, who hosts a show called Space: The Infinite Frontier. During the episode, Caray interviews astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller (played by Jeff Goldblum) and asks him a series of bizarre questions, including whether he would eat the moon if it were made of ribs. Caray also discusses the possibility of life on Jupiter's moons and expresses his interest in astronomy. The sketch is well-known and has inspired various references in popular culture, including moon cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host | Harry Caray |
| Host's Occupation | Chicago Cubs broadcaster |
| Guest | Astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller |
| Guest's Place of Work | CalTech |
| Topic | Discovery of life on one of the moons of Jupiter |
| Harry Caray's Favorite Planet | The Sun |
| Harry Caray's Food Preference | The Moon if it were made of ribs |
| Harry Caray's Beverage Preference | Budweiser |
| Guest's Confusion | Mad Cow Disease |
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What You'll Learn
Will Ferrell plays Harry Caray in a Saturday Night Live sketch
In a Saturday Night Live sketch, Will Ferrell plays Harry Caray, a broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs, who hosts a show called "Space: The Infinite Frontier". The show is a science program that features an interview with an astrophysicist, Dr. Ken Waller, played by Jeff Goldblum. During the interview, Caray asks Dr. Waller about various scientific topics, including the possibility of life on one of Jupiter's moons and whether the moon is made of green cheese. Caray also asks Dr. Waller if he would eat the moon if it were made of ribs, to which Dr. Waller responds with confusion. Caray continues the sketch by discussing mad cow disease and expressing his excitement for Thanksgiving.
The sketch is a comedic take on a science show, with Caray's character displaying a mix of enthusiasm and confusion about scientific concepts. Ferrell's portrayal of Caray adds a layer of humor to the sketch, with his unique delivery and interactions with the other characters. The sketch also includes a running joke about Caray's intention to interview Albert Einstein, despite the scientist having died 42 years prior.
Ferrell's portrayal of Harry Caray in the Saturday Night Live sketch captures the broadcaster's distinctive personality and mannerisms. Caray is known for his eccentric style and playful sense of humor, which Ferrell embodies in the sketch. The character's unique perspective and playful curiosity about scientific topics add to the comedic effect of the sketch. Ferrell's performance showcases his ability to embody larger-than-life characters and create memorable comedic moments.
The sketch, titled "Space: The Infinite Frontier," first aired during the "Saturday Night Live: The Best of Will Ferrell" special in 2002. It has since become a well-known and beloved example of Ferrell's comedic talent, with its unique blend of science and humor. The sketch's popularity has also led to the creation of quotes and references that have taken on a life of their own, such as the discussion of whether the moon is made of cheese or ribs.
Overall, Will Ferrell's portrayal of Harry Caray in the Saturday Night Live sketch combines humor, enthusiasm, and a unique take on scientific exploration. Through his performance, Ferrell adds a layer of comedy and humanity to the character of Harry Caray, creating a memorable and entertaining sketch that has left a lasting impression on audiences.
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Harry Caray hosts Space: The Infinite Frontier
In a segment of Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell plays the role of Harry Caray, hosting the show "Space: The Infinite Frontier". Harry Caray introduces the show and welcomes astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller to the studio, who has come all the way from Caltech. Harry mentions the exciting discovery of potential life on one of Jupiter's moons due to volcanic activity. He then asks Dr. Waller about his favourite planet, to which the doctor replies that he doesn't have a favourite as he finds them all fascinating. Harry discloses that his favourite is the sun, referring to it as the "King of Planets", which Dr. Waller gently corrects by reminding him that it is a star.
Harry then brings up the topic of the moon, stating that everyone knows it is not made of green cheese. He poses a hypothetical question to Dr. Waller, asking if he would eat the moon if it were made of barbecue spare ribs. Dr. Waller expresses confusion, while Harry enthusiastically declares that he would not only eat it but also have seconds and finish with a cold beer. Harry continues to press for an answer, and Dr. Waller eventually agrees. Harry light-heartedly brings up mad cow disease, asking what Dr. Waller would choose if given the option between being the top scientist in his field or contracting the disease. Dr. Waller selects the former, and Harry expresses his relief, stating that he is just a "worrier" and that his friends call him "Whiskers".
Harry thanks Dr. Waller for joining the show, and they bid each other farewell. Harry mentions that the following week's guest will be Albert Einstein, to which the station manager whispers something. Harry seems surprised to learn that Albert Einstein has been dead for 42 years but remains determined to have him on the show. He concludes the segment by enthusiastically cheering for the Cubs and celebrating Thanksgiving, mentioning the traditional dishes and festivities associated with the holiday.
The skit showcases Will Ferrell's comedic portrayal of Harry Caray, blending humour with a touch of absurdity and a playful engagement with scientific topics.
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Dr. Ken Waller is a guest on Harry Caray's show
In a skit from the 2002 TV Special of Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell plays Harry Caray, a Chicago Cubs broadcaster, who hosts a show called "Space: The Infinite Frontier". Harry Caray welcomes astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller, who has joined in the studio all the way from Caltech, to discuss the possibility of life on one of Jupiter's moons. Dr. Ken Waller expresses his excitement about the discovery that life can theoretically exist below the surface of planets due to volcanic activity.
Harry Caray then asks Dr. Ken Waller about his favourite planet, to which he responds that he doesn't have a favourite as he finds them all fascinating. Harry Caray reveals that his favourite is the sun, referring to it as the "King of Planets", to which Dr. Ken Waller politely corrects him by stating that it is actually a star.
The conversation takes a humorous turn when Harry Caray asks Dr. Ken Waller if he would eat the moon if it were made of ribs. Initially confused by the question, Dr. Ken Waller eventually answers yes. Harry Caray imagines indulging in the moon made of ribs, even having seconds, and washing it down with a tall, cool Budweiser. He then brings up the topic of mad cow disease, asking Dr. Ken Waller if he would rather be the top scientist in his field or have the disease. Dr. Ken Waller chooses the former, expressing his confusion as to why Harry Caray thought he might select the latter option.
Harry Caray concludes the interview by thanking Dr. Ken Waller for joining the show, calling him a good kid. He ends the segment by promoting the next week's guest, Albert Einstein, despite being informed that Einstein has been dead for 42 years.
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The moon is not made of green cheese
In a 2002 episode of Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell plays Harry Caray, a broadcaster who hosts a show called "Space: The Infinite Frontier". In this episode, Harry Caray is joined by astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller (played by Jeff Goldblum). Caray begins the show by introducing the recent discovery of potential life on one of Jupiter's moons.
Caray then goes on to ask Dr. Waller a series of whimsical questions, including whether he would eat the moon if it were made of ribs. Dr. Waller is confused by the question, to which Caray responds, "Now Ken, we all know that the moon is not made of green cheese." Dr. Waller agrees, and Caray continues, asking again whether Dr. Waller would eat the moon if it were made of barbecue spare ribs. Caray imagines eating the moon made of ribs, polishing it off with a beer, and even going back for seconds.
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Harry Caray and Dr. Ken Waller discuss the possibility of life on Jupiter's moons
In a segment titled "Space: The Infinite Frontier", Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray and astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller discuss the possibility of life on Jupiter's moons. Caray begins by mentioning the recent discovery of potential life on one of Jupiter's moons, to which Dr. Waller responds enthusiastically, explaining that volcanic activity can make it possible for life to exist below the surface of planets.
Caray then asks Dr. Waller about the possibility of life on Jupiter's moon, Europa. Dr. Waller explains that Europa is indeed one of the best candidates for habitability due to the presence of an ocean beneath its icy surface. This ocean is believed to be in contact with the moon's rocky core, allowing for the exchange of minerals and the potential emergence of life.
Caray, curious about the implications of these findings, asks Dr. Waller if he thinks there might be alien creatures on Europa. Dr. Waller responds that while it is challenging to determine the presence of life without further exploration, the conditions on Europa certainly raise intriguing possibilities. He highlights the upcoming Europa Orbiter satellite mission by NASA, which aims to use radar technology to detect and confirm the existence of subsurface water.
The discussion between Caray and Dr. Waller continues, delving further into the potential for life on Europa and the significance of volcanic activity and ocean composition in creating habitable environments. They also touch upon the impact of Jupiter's radiation on the moon's habitability, with Dr. Waller explaining that while Jupiter emits high levels of radiation, it also provides a source of energy that could potentially support life.
Throughout the segment, Caray brings a lighthearted tone to the conversation, occasionally steering the topic toward humorous tangents, such as his preference for the sun as his favorite "planet" and his interest in food-related analogies, asking if Dr. Waller would eat the moon if it were made of ribs. Despite these comedic interludes, the discussion ultimately returns to the intriguing possibilities of life on Jupiter's moons, leaving viewers with a blend of entertainment and scientific curiosity.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Ferrell played Harry Caray in a 2002 episode of Saturday Night Live. In the episode, Harry Caray hosts a show called "Space: The Infinite Frontier" and interviews astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller, played by Jeff Goldblum. During the interview, Harry Caray asks Dr. Ken Waller if he would eat the moon if it were made of ribs.
During the interview, Harry Caray also asks Dr. Ken Waller if he would rather be the top scientist in his field or get mad cow disease. At the end of the episode, Harry Caray mentions that Albert Einstein will be the guest on the next show and is surprised to learn that Albert Einstein has been dead for 42 years.
Will Ferrell has also played other characters on Saturday Night Live, such as Chris Kattan's friend in a Thanksgiving sketch.
