Reuters, LOS ANGELES: Another American domino has fallen for Russell Brand.
The English actor appeared on "Saturday Night Live" on Saturday in his first-ever hosting gig for the U.S. comedic television institution.
In his opening monologue, the funnyman better known as Mr. Katy Perry to some Americans rather than for his own stand-up material or acting roles, riffed on the nature of fame.
"Fame really looses its edge if you have to tell people you have it," he said, referencing his notoriety in the Britain versus his lower profile in the United States.
Critical reaction was mixed for the show.
Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker said of one sketch, "Brand managed an American accent to deliver dialogue that would have required a private detective to locate any punchlines." He called Brand's opening of the show "high-energy" but "low-amusement."
Curiously, Brand's pop singer wife Katy Perry didn't say much on Twitter after his set aired. Perry only gushed before Brand appeared live Saturday on the show, saying, "If you're looking to LAUGH tonight check out my highlarious hubby @rustyrockets HOSTING SNL TONIGHT!!!"
Brand, who recently played a series of well-received surprise shows in small venues in Los Angeles, finished the night off in good cheer.
"I bled for you," the star of the upcoming movie remake of "Arthur" said as the show drew to a close.
