Will Ferrell Pranks Diddy on SNL Set After Rapper Demands Closed Set in 1998.

In 1998, Saturday Night Live was known for its unpredictable moments, but one particular prank involving Will Ferrell and guest star Sean “Diddy” Combs (then known as Puff Daddy) remains legendary among the show’s cast. Ana Gasteyer, a former SNL cast member, recently recalled the hilarious incident that unfolded when Diddy demanded a “closed set” during his guest appearance.

Diddy, at the peak of his fame and juggling a hectic schedule, insisted on a private environment while filming his segments on the SNL set. A closed set typically means no interruptions, no outsiders, and certainly no pranks—except, of course, when Will Ferrell is involved. Ferrell, known for his mischievous antics, decided that no amount of privacy would stop him from having some fun.

Despite Diddy’s request for seclusion, Ferrell found a way to sneak into the closed set and surprise the rapper. While the exact details of the prank remain a mystery, Gasteyer recalls the scene with laughter, highlighting how the SNL cast was always ready to push the boundaries of comedy—even if it meant poking fun at A-list celebrities like Diddy.

This moment serves as a testament to SNL’s unpredictable atmosphere, where anything could happen behind the scenes, especially when a comedy icon like Will Ferrell was involved. For Diddy, it was a lesson in the playful, irreverent nature of the SNL experience—a tradition that continues to define the show’s legacy.

While the prank may have been a surprise for Diddy, it became just another legendary story from the set of Saturday Night Live, showcasing the fine line between professionalism and comedic chaos that has made the show an institution for decades.