Paul McCartney's Genius Exit Move: The SNL 50th Anniversary Strategy

"I want you to meet my nephew!" But there was no nephew. Paul McCartney, the Beatles legend, just demonstrated a masterclass in how to escape a tedious conversation during one of the biggest parties of the decade.

Paul McCartney SNL 50th Anniversary: A Shift in Tone

According to Entertainment Weekly, SNL alum Kevin Nealon recently shared a hilarious yet awkward encounter with McCartney at the SNL 50th anniversary celebration in February 2025. Nealon, who was a cast member from 1986 to 1995, noted that while McCartney was warm a decade ago, this time felt like "pulling teeth."

Despite Nealon's attempts to praise the musician’s performance of "Golden Slumbers," McCartney remained indifferent, attributing the song choice to producer Lorne Michaels. It became clear that the rock legend was looking for the nearest exit from the small talk.

The Art of the 'Fake Nephew' Maneuver

The highlight of the story involves McCartney's ingenious escape tactic. Nealon recalled McCartney suddenly looking across the room and shouting about meeting a "niece or nephew." He then led Nealon toward a group of four tall men who bore no resemblance to him.

"He just puts me into that circle, and he slowly inches away and leaves," Nealon said on the 'What's Our Podcast?'. It turned out the strangers weren't relatives at all—they might have even been valet staff. Nealon admitted it was a "great move" by someone who has spent over 60 years in the spotlight.