Tom Hanks has had a storied career in Hollywood, but one of his most iconic and hilarious roles has been as a host on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Specifically, his appearances on the show's popular sketch "Black Jeopardy" have left audiences in stitches. For the uninitiated, "Black Jeopardy" is a parody of the classic game show Jeopardy!, with contestants competing to answer questions about African American culture and history.
In this article, we'll take a look at five of the funniest Tom Hanks "Black Jeopardy" moments that showcase his impeccable comedic timing and wit.
The Origins of "Black Jeopardy"
Before we dive into the hilarious moments, let's take a brief look at how "Black Jeopardy" came to be. The sketch was first introduced in 2014, created by SNL writers Keenan Thompson and Bryan Tucker. The show's premise is simple: three contestants compete to answer questions about African American culture, history, and current events. The twist? The questions are often intentionally obscure, leading to humorous misunderstandings and cultural faux pas.
Tom Hanks' First Appearance
Tom Hanks first appeared on "Black Jeopardy" in 2015, playing a lovable but clueless white contestant named "Doug." Hanks' performance was a hit, and he went on to appear in several more "Black Jeopardy" sketches throughout his SNL hosting gigs.
Moment #1: Tom Hanks' Misunderstanding of Afrofuturism
In one memorable sketch, Tom Hanks' character Doug is asked to explain the concept of Afrofuturism. Hanks' response is a masterclass in comedic confusion, as he describes Afrofuturism as "like, when black people go to space?" The audience erupts in laughter as the other contestants struggle to correct him.
Moment #2: Tom Hanks' Take on Kendrick Lamar
In another sketch, Doug is asked to identify a quote from Kendrick Lamar's lyrics. Hanks' response is a hilariously off-base interpretation, where he insists that the quote is actually about "eating pancakes." The other contestants are baffled by his answer, and the audience is left in stitches.
Moment #3: Tom Hanks' Misadventures with African American History
In this sketch, Doug is asked to identify a historical figure from African American history. Hanks' response is a cringe-worthy misinterpretation, where he insists that the figure is actually a "famous jazz trombonist from 19th century Europe." The other contestants are aghast at his mistake, and the audience is left laughing at the absurdity of it all.
Moment #4: Tom Hanks' Confusion Over Beyoncé
In another hilarious sketch, Doug is asked to identify a song by Beyoncé. Hanks' response is a confused mess, where he insists that the song is actually a "famous lullaby from the Civil War era." The other contestants are baffled by his answer, and the audience is left in stitches.
Moment #5: Tom Hanks' Redemption (Sort Of)
In one of his later appearances on "Black Jeopardy," Doug is asked to identify a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Hanks' response is surprisingly accurate, but he quickly ruins it by adding a bizarre and humorous caveat, insisting that King's speech was actually "about the importance of avocado toast."
Gallery of Tom Hanks' Black Jeopardy Moments
FAQs
What is Black Jeopardy?
+Black Jeopardy is a parody of the classic game show Jeopardy!, where contestants compete to answer questions about African American culture and history.
How many times has Tom Hanks appeared on Black Jeopardy?
+Tom Hanks has appeared on Black Jeopardy multiple times, playing the lovable but clueless white contestant Doug.
What is Afrofuturism?
+Afrofuturism is a cultural and intellectual movement that explores the intersection of science fiction, technology, and African diasporic culture.
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