'SNL' pays tribute after deaths of rap legend DMX, original 'SNL' writer Anne Beatts
"Saturday Night Live" paid tribute to two recent deaths that touched the "SNL" family: one of the show's original writers from the '70s, Anne Beatts, and rap legend DMX.
Cast member Chris Redd held up a sign that read "R.I.P. DMX" during the end credits of Saturday's episode, and at another point, a graphic flashed onscreen that read "DMX" next to his photo.
The legendary rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons, died Friday at age 50 after suffering a heart attack a week prior.
He appeared as musical guest on "SNL" in 2000 on an episode hosted by Julianna Margulies.
DMX first made a splash in rap music in 1998 with his first studio album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The multiplatinum-selling album was anchored by several hits including “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” “Get At Me Dog” and “Stop Being Greedy.” He earned three Grammy nominations including nods for "Party Up (Up in Here)".
He also built his career as an actor, appearing in more than a dozen movies and TV shows, including the 1998 film “Belly” and “Romeo Must Die” a few years later with Jet Li and the singer Aaliyah. DMX and Aaliyah teamed up for the film’s soundtrack song “Come Back in One Piece.”
DMX's most iconic lyrics and quotes: About hip-hop, family, addiction and faith
"SNL" also honored Beatts, one of its original writing staff members, with a graphic card showing the writer at work, with text that read "Anne Beatts, 1947-2021."
The groundbreaking comedy writer, who was on the original staff of "SNL" and later created the cult sitcom “Square Pegs,” died Wednesday at age 74 at her home in West Hollywood, California.
Starting in 1975, she was among a team of gifted writers that included Rosie Shuster, Alan Zweibel, Marilyn Suzanne Miller and cast members such as Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase who helped make “SNL” a phenomenon.
Shuster recalled Beatts, her former writing partner, as "witty" and "good at editing" in an Associated Press interview published Saturday.
'She was really something': Sarah Jessica Parker honors original 'SNL' writer Anne Beatts, dead at 74
“She had a lot of courage,” Shuster said. “She got out there and fought for what she believed in, and that was great for me. She could really pitch an idea at a meeting. There was a definiteness about her that made you think you needed to make a mark.”
Contributing: Rasha Ali, USA TODAY, and The Associated Press
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'SNL' honors DMX, original 'Saturday Night Live' writer Anne Beatts
