Jimmy Fallon To Host 'Saturday Night Live' For First Time

He was a cast member for six years, helmed the Weekend Update desk alongside Tina Fey, and is currently in his third season as host of his own late night talk show on the same network, but he's actually never hosted "Saturday Night Live." Until now, that is.

NBC announced Monday morning via press release that alumnus Jimmy Fallon, host of "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," will have his debut appearance as host of "SNL" on December 17, and by all accounts, Fallon is ecstatic.

On his twitter page he exclaimed, "I'm trying to find words... Dec. 17th!!! SNL!!!" and followed up one minute later with the cheeky, "I'm incredibly honored to be heading back to 8H where it all started. And by 'it' I mean Will Ferrell's awesome movie career."

Fallon had some ups and downs after leaving "SNL" in 2004 to pursue a film career. Among other roles, he had a small but pivotal part in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous," appeared opposite Queen Latifah in the much-maligned "Taxi," and starred alongside Drew Barrymore in the Farrelly brothers' romantic comedy "Fever Pitch." His infectious charm in the latter notwithstanding, it wasn't until he was tapped to helm Conan O'Brien's vacated "Late Night" spot that Fallon seemed to truly come into his own.

Now things seem to have come full circle with the star returning home to Studio 8H (although he hasn't been a stranger... he made a memorable cameo in last year's live action "Ambiguously Gay Duo" sketch with Jon Hamm). And since the episode will most likely serve as the holiday offering for the long-running sketch show, there are sure to be lots of surprises -- and cameos -- in store.

Here's one of Fallon's most beloved recurring "Late Night" sketches featuring some other "SNL" alumni you'll recognize.