For five decades, Saturday Night Live has been the proving ground for comedy’s biggest names, a chaotic and exhilarating live experiment that has launched more careers than perhaps any other entertainment institution. The show’s influence extends far beyond its late-night time slot; it has shaped the trajectory of American comedy, setting the stage for sitcoms, stand-up careers, blockbuster films, and entire comedic sensibilities.
Yet, SNL is also a paradox. It’s both a star-making machine and a brutal trial by fire. Cast members are thrown into a weekly whirlwind of sketch writing, frantic rehearsals, and live performances where anything can—and frequently does—go wrong. Not everyone thrives in this high-pressure environment, but those who do often go on to redefine comedy itself.
Release Date
October 11, 1975
Network
NBC
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Al Roker
Self / Margaret Jo McCullin / Various
Some of the greatest talents in comedy didn’t just pass through SNL—they exploded from it, using the show as a springboard to something even bigger. They turned their brief (or long) stints into enduring success, proving that whether you’re a sketch chameleon, a master of impressions, or a singular comedic presence, SNL is just the beginning.
15
Bowen Yang
(2019 – Present)
Bowen Yang is one of the most exciting SNL cast members of the modern era, bringing a sharp, distinct comedic voice that blends pop culture irreverence with deeply specific character work. As the show’s first Chinese-American cast member and an openly gay performer, he has infused SNL with a fresh, necessary perspective, making waves with instantly iconic sketches like his Weekend Update appearances as the iceberg that sank the Titanic, the “proud” Chinese spy, and an over-the-top version of the evil M3GAN. His character-driven humor—whether playing a high-maintenance soul cycle instructor or a catty trade daddy in the Pride Month Song—feels both effortless and meticulously crafted. He’s also mastered the art of absurdist humor, breathing new life into SNL’s traditional structure with sketches that feel more like TikTok comedy fever dreams than classic NBC bits.
The Future of SNL Comedy
Since making SNL history, Yang has quickly built a career beyond late-night sketch comedy. His film roles in Fire Island (2022) and Dicks: The Musical (2023) have established him as a scene-stealer, proving his range in both heartfelt rom-coms and outlandish satire. Meanwhile, his work on the podcast Las Culturistas has cemented his place as a cultural critic with a razor-sharp wit. With his unique comedic sensibilities and an already impressive resume, Yang is poised to become one of the defining comedic voices of his generation.
14
Kate McKinnon
(2012 – 2022)
Few SNL performers have transformed themselves as seamlessly as Kate McKinnon. From the moment she joined the cast in 2012, she proved to be a sketch comedy powerhouse, bringing an unmatched level of commitment to every bizarre, unhinged character she portrayed. Whether she was playing an abducted, chain-smoking weirdo in the Close Encounters sketches, a desperately flirtatious Rudy Giuliani, or a hilariously deadpan Hillary Clinton, McKinnon had a way of elevating every scene with her fearless physicality and impeccable comedic timing. Her offbeat weirdness became the heart of SNL in the 2010s, making her one of the show’s most beloved cast members.
The Queen of Impressions
Since leaving SNL, McKinnon has continued to dominate comedy, proving she can translate her sketch sensibilities into larger projects. She stole scenes in films like Barbie (2023), where her portrayal of “Weird Barbie” became one of the most talked-about performances, and Bombshell (2019), where she flexed her dramatic chops while maintaining her comedic edge. With her ability to balance slapstick absurdity and deeply nuanced performances, McKinnon is carving out a career that ensures she will remain a fixture in comedy for years to come.
13
Bill Hader
(2005 – 2013)
Bill Hader wasn’t just an SNL cast member—he was a sketch comedy technician, a performer so skilled that even his castmates often broke character in his presence. Best known for his work as Stefon, the club-obsessed nightlife correspondent on Weekend Update, Hader turned what could have been a one-note character into one of the show’s most beloved recurring bits. His ability to lose control mid-sketch—often because writers deliberately fed him new jokes at the last second—only made Stefon more iconic. But beyond Stefon, Hader showcased an unparalleled range, crafting eerie and hilarious impressions of Vincent Price, Al Pacino, and Alan Alda while also excelling at original characters like the incomprehensible Italian talk show host Vinny Vedecci.
The King of Impressions and Chaos
Since SNL, Hader has redefined his career, proving that his talents extend far beyond sketch comedy. His HBO series Barry (2018-2023) demonstrated his remarkable ability to balance dark humor and psychological depth, earning him multiple Emmy Awards for his performance as the title character. He has also become a sought-after voice actor in projects like Inside Out (2015) and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009), showcasing his knack for bringing absurd characters to life. With Barry solidifying him as both a writer and director, Hader has successfully transitioned from SNL standout to one of the most exciting creators working in television today.
12
Maya Rudolph
(2000 – 2007)
Maya Rudolph’s tenure on Saturday Night Live was defined by versatility, impeccable timing, and an almost regal ability to command a sketch with sheer presence. Whether playing the extravagant Donatella Versace, an over-the-top Beyoncé, or a deeply unhinged Oprah, she had a way of turning every impression into something larger than life. But what made her truly great wasn’t just mimicry—it was the way she injected a layer of unpredictability into everything she did. Whether singing off-key as a member of the Gemini’s Twin Destiny’s Child parody, playing a hormonal, screaming, half-human baby in Wake Up Wakefield, or performing an absurdly sultry “National Anthem” as Maya Angelou, she could take any concept and elevate it to comedic brilliance. She was also one of SNL’s best musical performers, seamlessly blending her natural singing talent with comedic absurdity—her duet as Prince with Fred Armisen’s Beyoncé remains legendary.
The Queen of Musical Comedy and Impressions
Since leaving SNL, Rudolph has had one of the most seamless transitions into mainstream comedy stardom. She stole scenes in Bridesmaids (2011), headlined Loot (2022) on Apple TV+, and became a beloved voice actor in Big Mouth and The Mitchells vs. The Machines. But perhaps her greatest post-SNL legacy is her role as Hollywood’s go-to awards show MVP—whether hosting SNL as Kamala Harris or appearing in sketches alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, she remains a comedic powerhouse who elevates anything she touches.
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11
Will Ferrell
(1995 – 2002)
Will Ferrell wasn’t just funny—he was completely, deliriously committed. He could take the simplest premise and push it to absurd heights, whether it was playing a father screaming at his son to get off the shed, an aggressively patriotic George W. Bush, or an office worker who took casual Fridays way too far. His brand of comedy on SNL was big—physically, emotionally, and often at a decibel level that could shake the rafters. Who else could turn wearing a too-small crop top as a cheerleader into a recurring character, or make yelling “More cowbell!” one of the most quoted lines in television history?
The Man Who Made Loud and Weird Masculinity a Genre
Ferrell’s post-SNL career is the textbook definition of SNL-to-Hollywood success. His breakout role in Old School (2003) made him a leading man, and Anchorman (2004) turned him into a comedy legend. He followed that with an unparalleled run of absurdist classics like Talladega Nights (2006), Step Brothers (2008), and Elf (2003), proving that his SNL sensibilities translated seamlessly to film. Beyond acting, he co-founded Funny or Die, becoming one of the most influential forces in online comedy. Decades after leaving SNL, Ferrell remains a singular presence in comedy—loud, weird, and utterly unforgettable.
10
Kristen Wiig
(2005 – 2012)
Kristen Wiig was the rare SNL cast member who could do everything—absurd physical comedy, surrealist sketches, painfully awkward characters, and biting social satire. She had a way of making you laugh while making you deeply uncomfortable, a skill that became a signature in sketches like Target Lady, Gilly, and Penelope, the compulsive liar who always had to one-up everyone in the room. But where Wiig truly shined was in sketches where she played normal characters reacting to something unhinged—her desperate attempt to keep it together in Surprise Party Sue and her tragically tone-deaf turn as a performer in Secret Word showcased her ability to create humor out of discomfort.
The Ultimate Comedy Chameleon
After SNL, Wiig pulled off one of the most impressive pivots in comedy history. Bridesmaids (2011), which she co-wrote and starred in, didn’t just cement her as a major comedic force—it reshaped the landscape for female-led comedies. Instead of sticking to pure comedy, she has since tackled a wide range of roles, from indie dramas (The Skeleton Twins, Mother!) to outright villainy (Wonder Woman 1984). Despite her success in film, she still returns to SNL frequently as a guest, proving that her ability to disappear into bizarre characters is as sharp as ever.
9
John Belushi
(1975 – 1979)
John Belushi was SNL’s first true breakout star—the kind of performer who didn’t just deliver laughs but demanded attention. A ball of chaotic, unpredictable energy, Belushi embodied SNL’s early counterculture spirit, pushing the boundaries of what comedy could look like on live television. His performances as a raging Samurai, a grumbling Joe Cocker, or a sloppy but brilliant Weekend Update commentator were legendary, but nothing captured his essence quite like The Blues Brothers. Alongside Dan Aykroyd, Belushi transformed what could have been a throwaway sketch into a full-fledged musical act that would go on to sell out arenas and spawn a cult classic movie.
SNL’s Original Rock Star
Belushi’s post-SNL career was meteoric, fueled by hits like Animal House (1978) and The Blues Brothers (1980). But his fast rise was accompanied by a darker side—his well-documented struggles with substance abuse ultimately led to his tragic death in 1982 at just 33. Though his career was cut short, his impact on comedy is undeniable. Every wild, unpredictable, high-energy SNL performer that came after—Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Kate McKinnon—owes something to Belushi. He was the blueprint for SNL’s rockstar mentality, and his legacy remains deeply embedded in the DNA of the show.
8
Phil Hartman
(1986 – 1994)
Phil Hartman wasn’t just one of SNL’s greatest performers—he was the foundation of the show during its late ‘80s and early ‘90s resurgence. Dubbed “The Glue” by his castmates, Hartman brought a rare combination of brilliance, stability, and adaptability to SNL, excelling in every role he took on. Whether playing an oily Bill Clinton devouring a McDonald’s meal mid-interview, an unhinged Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, or a perfectly measured Frank Sinatra, he elevated every sketch with his calm, almost professorial presence. Unlike some of his more manic castmates, Hartman never needed to scream to be funny—his comedy was precise, deliberate, and effortlessly sharp.
The Glue That Held SNL Together
Post-SNL, Hartman continued to shine, voicing the unforgettable Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz on The Simpsons while starring on NewsRadio, where he once again proved himself to be one of the greatest comedic actors of his time. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1998 when he was killed by his wife in a shocking murder-suicide. His loss remains one of the most devastating in SNL history, but his comedic influence endures—few performers have ever matched his blend of intelligence, absurdity, and effortless charm.
7
Chris Farley
(1990 – 1995)
Chris Farley didn’t just do comedy—he attacked it. He hurled himself, both literally and figuratively, into every performance with a physicality that felt simultaneously reckless and masterful. Whether he was flailing through tables as motivational speaker Matt Foley, making David Spade break character as a clueless Chippendale’s dancer, or screaming “Da Bears!” with the Superfans, Farley turned excess into an art form. He had the rare ability to make people laugh before he even opened his mouth—his energy, his expressions, and his sheer presence on stage were enough to make an audience erupt. But beneath all the yelling, sweating, and slapstick, there was something deeply endearing about Farley. His comedy was big, but his heart was even bigger.
The Tornado of Chaos and Heart
Farley’s transition from SNL to Hollywood was both wildly successful and tragically short-lived. His films Tommy Boy (1995) and Black Sheep (1996) solidified him as a box-office star, but his battles with addiction overshadowed his success. He was set to be the voice of Shrek before his passing in 1997 at just 33 years old. His death was a gut-wrenching loss for comedy, but his legacy remains intact—no one has ever been able to replicate the pure, chaotic joy that Farley brought to the screen. Even today, his sketches are some of the most rewatched and beloved in SNL history.
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6
Amy Poehler
(2001 – 2008)
Amy Poehler arrived at SNL in 2001 and immediately injected the show with her signature mix of high-energy absurdity and razor-sharp wit. From her time co-anchoring Weekend Update (first with Tina Fey, then with Seth Meyers) to playing unhinged characters like the chaotic Kaitlin (“Rick! Rick! Can we stop at 7-Eleven?”) and a deranged, hyperactive Hillary Clinton, Poehler thrived in every corner of the show. What made her truly exceptional was her versatility—she could go full-tilt ridiculous (Bronx Beat with Maya Rudolph) or completely own a political impression (Hillary Clinton during the 2008 election cycle). Her comedic chemistry with Fey helped define the early 2000s SNL era, and her fearless, go-for-broke approach made her one of the show’s most reliable stars.
The MVP of Modern SNL
Poehler’s SNL success led to one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time—Parks and Recreation (2009-2015), where she turned Leslie Knope into a pop culture icon. She continued her reign in comedy with Broad City (as a producer and recurring guest), Inside Out (as the voice of Joy), and Making It (a feel-good competition show with Nick Offerman). Alongside Tina Fey, she’s become Hollywood’s go-to awards show host, and her work behind the camera has proven she’s just as talented as a producer as she is a performer. Few SNL alums have maintained such a consistent comedic presence, but Poehler has done it all with the same boundless enthusiasm that made her a star in the first place.
5
Tina Fey
(2000 – 2006)
Tina Fey’s impact on SNL wasn’t just as a performer—it was as a force behind the scenes. As the first female head writer in the show’s history, Fey helped reshape SNL in the early 2000s, bringing sharper, smarter, and more culturally relevant comedy to the forefront. Her tenure on Weekend Update, first with Jimmy Fallon and later with Amy Poehler, introduced a wry, knowing wit that set the standard for modern political satire. But Fey wasn’t just a great writer—her Sarah Palin impression during the 2008 election became one of SNL’s most defining pop culture moments, so eerily accurate that people still quote “I can see Russia from my house” despite the fact that Fey never actually said it.
The Brains Behind SNL’s Modern Revival
After SNL, Fey proved that her talents extended far beyond the sketch format. 30 Rock (2006-2013), her absurdist send-up of network television, remains one of the sharpest comedies ever made, blending rapid-fire dialogue with ridiculous, self-referential humor. She followed that with Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and a string of successful films (Mean Girls, Sisters), cementing herself as one of comedy’s most influential voices. Whether she’s writing, acting, or producing, Fey’s signature comedic voice—a mix of self-deprecating intellect and gleeful absurdity—remains unmistakable.
4
Gilda Radner
(1975 – 1980)
Gilda Radner wasn’t just a great SNL performer—she was SNL’s first true star, the kind of comedian who could make you laugh uncontrollably while also radiating warmth and vulnerability. As one of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players, Radner helped define what SNL could be, creating an entire lexicon of unforgettable characters: the endearingly bizarre Lisa Loopner, the wildly unpredictable Roseanne Roseannadanna, and the hilariously confused Emily Litella (“Never mind”). Her physical comedy was fearless, her characters were larger than life, and her energy was completely infectious—she didn’t just play the fool, she loved being the fool, and that love translated into some of the most joyous moments in early SNL history.
The Heart and Soul of SNL
After SNL, Radner continued her success with a one-woman Broadway show (Gilda Radner – Live from New York), a memoir (It’s Always Something), and a marriage to fellow comedian Gene Wilder. Tragically, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986 and passed away in 1989 at just 42. Her influence, however, remains immeasurable. She paved the way for every female SNL star who followed, from Kristen Wiig to Kate McKinnon, proving that women in comedy didn’t have to be sidekicks or romantic leads—they could be the funniest person in the room. Today, the cancer support organization Gilda’s Club stands as a testament to her legacy, ensuring that her name is associated not just with laughter, but with love.
3
Mike Myers
(1989 – 1995)
Mike Myers was a SNL workhorse, a performer who didn’t just create great sketches but built entire worlds within them. He specialized in recurring characters that weren’t just funny for a few minutes—they became full-fledged cultural phenomena. Wayne’s World wasn’t just a sketch; it became a defining piece of early ‘90s comedy, spawning two films and introducing “Schwing!” into the pop culture lexicon. He also gave us Sprockets, with his hilariously robotic German art critic Dieter, and the aggressively enthusiastic Linda Richman in Coffee Talk (“It was like buttah”). Myers wasn’t just funny—he was obsessive about comedy, tweaking his characters and sketches until they were just right, and that perfectionism paid off.
The Character Chameleon Who Built a Franchise Empire
After SNL, Myers didn’t just transition to film—he dominated it. Austin Powers (1997) wasn’t just a hit, it was a franchise-defining moment in comedy, creating a character as quotable as anything in SNL history. Then came Shrek (2001), proving that his comedic sensibilities translated across generations. While his later career has been more sporadic, Myers’ impact remains undeniable. He helped define ‘90s and early 2000s comedy, proving that sketch comedy wasn’t just for live TV—it could be the foundation for some of the biggest blockbusters in Hollywood history.
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2
Eddie Murphy
(1980 – 1984)
By the time Eddie Murphy joined SNL in 1980, the show was on life support. The original cast had left, ratings had tanked, and many predicted the end of the sketch comedy institution. Then came Murphy—a 19-year-old wunderkind whose sheer comedic force didn’t just revive SNL, it redefined it. He wasn’t just a standout; he was the show. From Buckwheat and Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood to his gum-smacking, leather-clad take on Stevie Wonder, Murphy didn’t just perform sketches—he owned them, imbuing each moment with an electric energy that made him impossible to look away from. His parody of A Christmas Carol (“White Like Me”) was a comedic and cultural landmark, and his iconic James Brown Hot Tub sketch remains one of the greatest examples of physical comedy in SNL history.
The Man Who Saved SNL
Murphy’s post-SNL career was nothing short of meteoric. He quickly became the biggest comedy star of the ‘80s, with Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Trading Places (1983), and Coming to America (1988) turning him into a bona fide movie star. His stand-up specials (Delirious and Raw) pushed the boundaries of comedy, and even when his career hit lulls, Murphy always found a way to reinvent himself—whether through voice acting (Shrek), family comedies (The Nutty Professor), or prestige performances (Dolemite Is My Name). His 2019 return to SNL was proof of his enduring legacy—he didn’t just come back; he reclaimed his throne.
1
Adam Sandler
(1990 – 1995)
Adam Sandler’s SNL tenure was a chaotic, weird, and deeply him experience. Unlike some of his more polished, impression-heavy castmates, Sandler’s comedy was raw, goofy, and often completely absurd. He wasn’t doing political satire—he was singing about lunch ladies and making up ridiculous songs about Hanukkah. His characters, from the slow-talking Canteen Boy to the aggressively loud Cajun Man, were built on juvenile absurdity, but there was something about Sandler’s sheer commitment to silliness that made it work. His time on Weekend Update—where he would half-sing, half-yell original songs about the holidays or absurd characters—became his signature, and it helped establish him as one of SNL’s most unique voices.
The Goofball Who Became a Box Office King
Sandler’s post-SNL career is one of the most successful in comedy history. After being fired from the show in 1995, he quickly proved the network wrong with Billy Madison (1995) and Happy Gilmore (1996), two cult classics that cemented him as the king of ‘90s man-child comedy. From there, The Waterboy (1998), Big Daddy (1999), and 50 First Dates (2004) kept him at the top of the box office, making him one of the highest-paid comedians in Hollywood. But in recent years, Sandler has also proven his dramatic chops, delivering critically acclaimed performances in Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Uncut Gems (2019), and Hustle (2022). Whether he’s making dumb comedies with his friends or turning in Oscar-worthy performances, Sandler has built a career on his terms—something few comedians can say.
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