Meryl Streep's surprise appearance on "SNL50" was not just a cameo; it was a masterclass in dedication, according to former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Amy Poehler. During a conversation on the "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" podcast, Poehler recounted her experience of sharing a dressing room with the legendary actress and witnessing firsthand Streep's meticulous preparation for her role in a "Close Encounters" sketch.

The sketch, which also featured Kate McKinnon, Pedro Pascal, and Woody Harrelson, saw McKinnon reprising her popular character Colleen Rafferty, known for her outlandish tales of alien encounters. Streep played Rafferty's mother, who, as it turns out, had her own close encounters of the extraterrestrial kind. Poehler was particularly struck by Streep's commitment to rehearsing, noting, "She was getting ready for her sketch and really rehearsing it and I remember thinking, ‘I have never rehearsed as hard as Meryl Streep is in this one moment.’"

The shared dressing room situation arose from the sheer number of guest stars assembled for the "Saturday Night Live's" 50th-anniversary celebration. Poehler, clearly starstruck, admitted, "I took a picture of the door that said my name and Meryl Streep and it was really cool." The evening was filled with such surreal moments for Poehler. As she found her seat in the audience, she was seated next to Jack Nicholson, a longtime friend.

Streep's dedication serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished performers prioritize thorough preparation. It was a memorable night for Poehler, filled with exciting encounters and the opportunity to witness one of acting's greats at work.