Nov. 18--Cecily Strong delivered an emotional tribute to Paris on the most recent episode of "Saturday Night Live," but the Second City alumna said she initially didn't want to "go near" the opening monologue.
"They knew that I spoke French, and Paris is a city that I really love, and it's always been important to me," Strong told New York Magazine Monday. "It was all (executive producer) Lorne (Michaels') idea."
Strong, who was raised in Oak Park, delivered the brief speech in French and English. More than 125 people were killed in terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday.
"I was sort of wandering around, wanting to do something. I was like, 'How can I find a T-shirt or something?'" said Strong, 31, adding, "I was really honored to even have that opportunity. It meant a lot to me."
