Heidi Gardner, known for her role on Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently shared some behind-the-scenes insights about her experience working with Travis Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, during his hosting gig on the show in March 2023. As a devoted Chiefs fan herself, Gardner had expressed her desire to see Kelce host SNL to Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator. Michaels agreed, under the condition that Kelce’s team won the Super Bowl, which they did.
During a recent appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna, Gardner reminisced about her time with Kelce on SNL. She revealed that she took extra steps to make Kelce feel comfortable on set, including providing him with his favorite game day snacks, Uncrustables. Gardner’s attention to detail and effort to ensure Kelce’s comfort highlighted her dedication as a cast member and a fan of the Chiefs.
One memorable skit that Gardner recalled was “Garrett from Hinge,” where she and Kelce portrayed a couple in bed, only to be interrupted by Gardner’s Hinge date, played by Bowen Yang. Amidst her storytelling, Gardner jokingly apologized to Taylor Swift, referencing the scene where she and Kelce were depicted in bed together. Kelce’s comment about enjoying Uncrustables just before filming added a humorous touch to the anecdote.
It’s worth noting that the SNL episode featuring Kelce and Gardner was filmed before Kelce and Swift publicly announced their relationship. Gardner’s playful apology to Swift and her humorous recounting of her time with Kelce offered a glimpse into the camaraderie and fun atmosphere behind the scenes of SNL.
As a Kansas City native and a longtime Chiefs fan, Gardner’s admiration for Kelce predates his relationship with Swift. Her genuine excitement and fond memories of working with Kelce underscored the unique blend of fandom and professional collaboration that SNL fosters.
Overall, Gardner’s anecdotes shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of SNL and the camaraderie among its cast members, as well as her own dedication to ensuring a positive experience for guest hosts like Kelce.
