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After an incredible 50-year run, Stephen 'Demo' DeMaria, the beloved set builder for Saturday Night Live, is officially retiring. DeMaria, a Brooklyn native and now 87 years old, has been an integral part of the show's history, contributing his craftsmanship and expertise since before its very first broadcast on October 11, 1975.

DeMaria's journey with SNL began with a crucial task: constructing the audience seating for the show's inaugural season. Little did he know, this would mark the beginning of a half-century-long dedication to the iconic late-night program. Over the years, he's been instrumental in building countless sets for some of the most memorable sketches in television history. From elaborate political satire to whimsical musical performances, DeMaria’s hands helped bring those visions to life.

“Demo is a legend,” Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator and executive producer, told Variety. “He’s been a part of this show since the beginning. He’s seen it all, built it all. He’s family.” This sentiment is echoed by many of the show’s cast and crew, who consider DeMaria a cornerstone of the SNL family.

DeMaria’s career has spanned decades of television history, witnessing the evolution of comedy and the rise of some of the biggest names in entertainment. He’s seen hosts come and go, sketch formats change, and the show adapt to the ever-shifting cultural landscape. Throughout it all, his commitment to his craft and his quiet dedication to SNL has remained unwavering.

While DeMaria's retirement marks the end of an era, his legacy will undoubtedly live on within the walls of 30 Rock and in the countless memories of those who have worked alongside him. His contribution to the show’s success is immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed by the entire SNL team. He leaves behind a body of work that embodies the creativity, ingenuity, and enduring spirit of Saturday Night Live.

The news of his retirement has been met with an outpouring of well wishes and tributes from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating the remarkable career of a true television icon. SNL is not just a show; it's a cultural institution, and Stephen 'Demo' DeMaria has been an essential architect of that institution for five remarkable decades.