Patrick Oconnell
Will Ferrell, playing Harry Caray in a Saturday Night Live sketch titled Space: The Infinite Frontier, poses a question to his guest, astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller: Do you think the French have so many baguettes because the moon is made of cheese? Ferrell then asks a variation of the same question: Hey! Would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs? This prompts a discussion about the potential existence of life on one of Jupiter's moons due to volcanic activity. The sketch, which aired in 2002, showcases Ferrell's comedic genius and ability to blend humour with scientific topics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Host | Harry Caray |
| Guest | Astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller |
| Topic | Space: The Infinite Frontier |
| Question | If the moon was made of cheese, would you eat it? |
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What You'll Learn
Will Ferrell as Harry Caray
Will Ferrell's impersonation of the late baseball broadcaster Harry Caray on Saturday Night Live (SNL) is considered one of the funniest sketches by many. In the sketch titled "Space: The Infinite Frontier", Ferrell as Caray, with his trademark oversized glasses and thick moustache, interviews astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller (played by Jeff Goldblum). Caray begins the show with his signature high-energy and quirky style, welcoming the audience and introducing the guest.
Ferrell's Caray then asks Dr. Waller about the recent discovery of potential life on one of Jupiter's moons. Dr. Waller explains that life could theoretically exist below the surface of planets due to the heat caused by volcanic activity. Caray, in his eccentric way, then poses a hypothetical question to Dr. Waller: "Would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs?" This line, in particular, has become quite famous, with some sources indicating that the question was posed in a different way, asking if the French have so many baguettes because the moon is made of cheese. Ferrell's comedic timing and delivery of these lines added to the humour of the sketch.
The sketch continues with Caray's quirky one-liners and witty banter with Dr. Waller, showcasing Ferrell's talent for physical comedy and character acting. At one point, Caray refers to Dr. Waller as a "good kid" and ends the show with his catchphrase, "Cubs win! Cubs win!" Ferrell's portrayal of Caray's unique personality and mannerisms, combined with the clever writing and absurd premise of the sketch, made it a memorable and hilarious moment in SNL history.
Will Ferrell's portrayal of Harry Caray on SNL not only showcased his exceptional comedic skills but also paid tribute to the iconic broadcaster, capturing the essence of his larger-than-life personality and leaving a lasting impression on audiences.
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French baguettes and the moon
It is a well-known fact that the moon is not made of cheese. However, this idea has been a topic of humour and speculation for many, including actor and comedian Will Ferrell. In a skit on Saturday Night Live, Ferrell, playing the role of Harry Caray, asks the question: "Do you think the French have so many baguettes because the moon is made of cheese?" This playful inquiry combines two seemingly unrelated topics: the abundance of French baguettes and the hypothetical composition of the moon.
While the connection between French baguettes and the moon may seem tenuous, it is essential to understand the cultural significance of both elements. The French baguette is a staple food in France, renowned for its crispy crust and chewy texture. It is a symbol of French baking expertise and a beloved part of daily meals, often enjoyed fresh from the bakery. On the other hand, the moon has captivated humanity for centuries with its mysterious presence in the night sky, influencing art, literature, and scientific exploration.
Ferrell's lighthearted comment draws a humorous link between these two iconic entities. By suggesting that the abundance of French baguettes could be a result of the moon being made of cheese, he plays with the idea that the French may have an unlimited supply of cheese readily available in the form of the lunar body. This notion adds a whimsical twist to the cultural appreciation of both French baguettes and the moon.
Furthermore, the concept of the moon being made of cheese is a playful twist on the age-old question of whether the moon is made of green cheese. The phrase "green cheese" refers to a young, fresh cheese that has not fully matured, indicating a naive or simplistic view of the moon's composition. By combining the French baguette with the idea of the moon being made of cheese, Ferrell adds a unique layer of humour to the longstanding joke about the moon's hypothetical edibility.
In conclusion, Will Ferrell's comedic speculation about the relationship between French baguettes and the moon showcases his ability to find humour in unexpected places. By connecting the abundance of French baguettes to the hypothetical composition of the moon, he creates a whimsical scenario that blends cultural symbols with playful imagination. This lighthearted approach to a scientific impossibility highlights the power of comedy to transform familiar topics into sources of laughter and entertainment.
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Life on Jupiter's moons
In a skit from the 2002 episode of Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell, playing Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray, introduces astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller to discuss the exciting possibility of life on Jupiter's moons.
Jupiter has 16 moons, four of which are known as the Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. These moons were discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610. The possibility of life on these moons has been a topic of scientific interest and speculation.
Io, the top right moon, has one of the thickest atmospheres among the moons in our solar system, although it is still relatively thin compared to Earth's atmosphere. Io is bathed in high amounts of radiation from Jupiter, and there is no evidence of water on its surface. However, scientists believe that water may have been present during Io's early formation, and there is a chance that some form of life could exist underground.
Europa, the bottom left moon, is believed to have a subsurface ocean of liquid water beneath its icy surface. This ocean is estimated to be about 100 kilometres deep, lying beneath 50 to 100 miles (80 to 170 kilometres) of ice. The presence of water, an essential ingredient for life, makes Europa a prime candidate for the search for extraterrestrial life. NASA's Galileo mission provided images revealing ridges and features on Europa's icy crust, suggesting convection and potential habitability.
Ganymede, the largest moon, is composed of roughly equal amounts of rock and ice. It is thought to have a deep ocean of salty water, interspersed with layers of ice due to extreme pressure. The possibility of life existing in this ocean is intriguing, and future missions aim to explore it further.
Callisto, the furthest Galilean moon from Jupiter, has a thin atmosphere and is believed to contain an ocean as well. Its distance from Jupiter reduces the impact of radiation and makes it less geologically active than the other Galilean moons. This lower radiation environment could potentially be more conducive to supporting life.
While the search for life on Jupiter's moons continues, the presence of water, organic compounds, and potential habitability factors make these celestial bodies fascinating targets for exploration and scientific investigation.
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Dr Ken Waller
Dr. Ken Waller is a fictional character played by Jeff Goldblum in a Saturday Night Live sketch alongside Will Ferrell, who plays Harry Caray. In the sketch, Dr. Ken Waller is introduced as an astrophysicist from Caltech. Harry Caray welcomes him to the show and talks about the recent discovery of potential life on one of Jupiter's moons due to the heat caused by volcanic activity.
The sketch includes a reference to the concept of the moon being made of cheese. Will Ferrell, as Harry Caray, asks: "Do you think the French have so many baguettes because the moon is made of cheese?" and "I mean, I'd eat the moon if it was made of ribs". This is a humorous take on the long-standing myth that the moon is made of cheese, with Harry Caray's character even stating, "We all know the moon isn't made out of green cheese... but if it was made out of barbeque spare ribs, would you eat it?".
Dr. Ken Waller, played by Jeff Goldblum, is a straight-laced character who provides a comedic contrast to Harry Caray's outlandish statements and questions. While Dr. Waller engages in a serious discussion about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, Harry Caray interjects with humorous non-sequiturs and odd questions, including the one about the moon being made of cheese. This dynamic between the two characters adds to the comedic effect of the sketch.
The sketch, titled "Space: The Infinite Frontier," first aired in 1996 and has since been remembered as one of the memorable and funny moments from Will Ferrell's time on Saturday Night Live. The combination of the serious scientific discussion and Harry Caray's eccentric behavior, including his musings about the moon, creates a unique and entertaining segment.
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Space: The Infinite Frontier
In a Saturday Night Live (SNL) episode, Will Ferrell, playing Harry Caray, hosts a show called "Space: The Infinite Frontier". During the show, Harry Caray makes a humorous remark about the moon being made of cheese, asking if the French have so many baguettes because of this supposed fact. He also poses a question to his guest, Dr. Ken Waller (played by Jeff Goldblum), about whether he would eat the moon if it were made of ribs. This is a playful take on the common phrase "the moon is made of green cheese", with Caray's character suggesting that even if the moon were made of something tasty, like cheese or ribs, there might be other reasons not to eat it.
The show, "Space: The Infinite Frontier", is a playful take on the wonders of space, with Harry Caray introducing the show and welcoming his guest, astrophysicist Dr. Ken Waller, who has joined from Caltech. Harry Caray begins by discussing the possibility of life on one of Jupiter's moons, which excites the doctor, who explains that there could theoretically be life below the surfaces of planets due to volcanic activity. This segment with Dr. Waller is a light-hearted take on the wonders of space exploration and the exciting discoveries that lie beyond our planet.
The show continues with Harry Caray asking Dr. Waller a series of humorous questions, including one about choosing between being the top scientist in his field or having mad cow disease. Dr. Waller, of course, chooses the former, and Harry Caray jokes that he was worried he would choose mad cow disease. This playful exchange highlights the comedic tone of the show and how it combines elements of science and entertainment.
"Space: The Infinite Frontier" with Will Ferrell as Harry Caray, is a fun and imaginative take on space exploration, combining humour with intriguing scientific topics. The show engages the audience with a unique blend of education and entertainment, leaving a lasting impression and providing a memorable experience for viewers.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Ferrell said, "We all know the moon isn't made out of green cheese...but if it was made out of barbeque spare ribs, would you eat it?".
Will Ferrell made this comment while playing the character Harry Caray on Saturday Night Live in a sketch titled "Space: The Infinite Frontier."
Jeff Goldblum played Dr. Ken Waller, an astrophysicist, and Mark McKinney played the Station Manager.
Will Ferrell, as Harry Caray, said, "Hey! Do you think the French have so many baguettes because the moon is made of cheese?". He also asked Dr. Ken Waller if he would eat the moon if it were made of ribs.
