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Michael Phelps Scores 'Saturday Night Live' Gig

The Olympic champion will host the show's season premiere

By Rick Porter

August 27, 2008

Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps
Sure, Michael Phelps is the most decorated athlete in Olympic history and arguably the greatest swimmer of all time. But is he funny?

TV viewers will get a chance to find out when Phelps hosts the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" on Saturday, Sept. 13. He'll be joined by musical guest Lil Wayne.

The show will mark the acting debut for Phelps, who will add his name a pretty sizable roster of athletes who have hosted the show. He'll also be aiming to join the list of jocks who are remembered for their successful stints as host (Joe Montana, Peyton Manning) rather than those who have fallen flat (LeBron James, Wayne Gretzky).

Phelps, of course, is coming off his historic performance in the Olympics, where he won a single-Games record eight gold medals in swimming and set or helped set seven world records. He's currently making the talk-show rounds and will appear on "The Tonight Show" Sept. 8 before heading to New York for "SNL."

Hip-hop star Lil Wayne has had a pretty good summer too. His album "Tha Carter III" sold more than a million copies in its first week of release and has spawned three top-10 singles. He'll also be making his "SNL" debut.

"Saturday Night Live" is leading off its season with four straight new episodes and seven originals in its first eight weeks. The cast and crew will also produce a trio of prime-time election specials that will air on Thursday nights in October.

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