At a Glance
- Teyana Taylor uses her Saturday Night Live monologue to showcase her daughters scrolling on phones.
- The performance follows her recent Golden Globes win and a Critics Choice nomination.
- Taylor shares her parenting philosophy amid a high-profile divorce.
- Why it matters: The star’s blend of humor and candidness highlights the everyday realities of celebrity parenthood.
Teyana Taylor has turned her Saturday Night Live debut into a playful family showcase, inviting her daughters to join her onstage and poking fun at a familiar parenting dilemma. The 35-year-old, who recently won a Golden Globe for One Battle After Another, used her monologue to spotlight the screen-obsessed generation while reminding her audience-and her own kids-that family time matters.
SNL Monologue: Phones, Fame, and Family
During the opening segment, Taylor began by explaining why she always brings her children along, even to high-profile events:
> “Man, I really, really love my kids so much, so I bring them everywhere with me. I ain’t even gonna front,” she said.
She recounted a moment at the Golden Globes where she caught a glimpse of her daughters, Rue Rose (5) and Iman “Junie” Tayla (10), scrolling on their phones. The moment became the centerpiece of her SNL joke:
> “When I was giving my speech at the Golden Globes, I looked up to see my babies – I wanted to see their faces, you know – just to see that they were scrolling on their phones. So I’m like, ‘This is so amazing. Get off them phones. What an honor. Get off them phones.'”
Taylor’s performance ended with a playful admonition to her kids:
> “Get off your phones,” she told them.
The monologue was a mix of humor and a subtle reminder that, even for a superstar, family moments are precious.
Award-Season Highlights
Taylor’s recent success at the awards circuit adds weight to her onstage message. She earned a Critics Choice Awards nomination and secured a Golden Globe win for her role in One Battle After Another. She also appeared in Ryan Murphy’s All’s Fair, further cementing her status as a versatile performer.
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Globe | 2026 | Best Actress – Television Series – Drama |
| Critics Choice Award | 2026 | Best Actress – Television Series – Drama |
These accolades underscore the career momentum that Taylor is proud to share with her daughters.
Parenting Philosophy in Public
In addition to her SNL appearance, Taylor has spoken candidly about parenting in interviews. Speaking to Vanity Fair, she described divorce as “grieving the death of a living being” and emphasized the importance of co-parenting:
> “I think once children are involved, you understand the importance of really still having to show up for each other.”
She added that she wants to avoid people fearing marriage, describing it as a beautiful thing:
> “At least for the next 18 years, and being the best co-parents that we can be… I don’t want people to start feeling scared of marriage, because marriage is a beautiful thing.”
These comments reveal a mother who balances personal growth with a commitment to her children’s well-being.
Co-Parenting After Divorce
Taylor’s personal life has seen significant changes. She and former NBA player Iman Shumpert, who she co-parents with, announced their separation in September 2023 after seven years of marriage. In a 2024 Instagram post, Taylor clarified the reasons for their split:
> “In all fairness, Iman and I are separated and have been for a while. To be 1000% clear, ‘infidelity’ ain’t one of the reasons for our departure. We are still the best of friends, great business partners and are one hell of a team when it comes to co-parenting our 2 beautiful children.”
She emphasized that the family unit remains intact:
> “Most importantly we are FAMILY & in the 10yrs together, 7yrs married, we ain’t ever played with or about THAT.”
The couple’s public statements portray a cooperative approach to raising their daughters, despite the challenges of divorce.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Taylor’s engagement with fans extends beyond live performances. She frequently shares moments from her family life on Instagram, often with a humorous twist. Her recent posts highlight her daughters’ playful interaction with technology, mirroring the jokes she made on SNL.
The actress’s openness has resonated with many parents who face similar screen-time dilemmas. By turning a personal anecdote into a broader commentary, Taylor has sparked conversations about balancing fame, family, and modern distractions.
Key Takeaways
- Teyana Taylor used her SNL debut to spotlight her daughters and the universal challenge of kids on phones.
- She has recently achieved significant awards recognition, reinforcing her professional credibility.
- Taylor’s candid remarks on divorce and co-parenting demonstrate her commitment to her children’s emotional health.
- Her public persona blends humor with heartfelt insight, making her relatable to a wide audience.
Taylor’s blend of personal storytelling and professional triumphs illustrates how celebrity platforms can be used to discuss everyday family issues. Her willingness to share both triumphs and trials offers a fresh perspective on modern parenting in the spotlight.
