Saturday Night Live Turns 50: A Look Back at Its Greatest Stars

From Eddie Murphy to Kristen Wiig: The 20 Best SNL Cast Members

SNL at 50: The Show That Made Comedy History

Fifty years. That’s half a century of sketch comedy, legendary performances, and some of the biggest stars in entertainment. Saturday Night Live isn’t just a show—it’s a cultural institution. From its wild early years to its digital-age dominance, SNL has shaped modern comedy, launched Hollywood’s biggest names, and somehow survived through ups and downs, cancellations scares, and so much controversy.

So, as the show hits its golden anniversary, we’re taking a deep dive into its legacy, its unforgettable stars, and the top 20 cast members who left an undeniable mark on comedy history.

How SNL Became a Comedy Empire

SNL first hit the airwaves on October 11, 1975. Created by Lorne Michaels (who’s still running the show at 80—legendary behavior), it was a bold experiment: a late-night comedy show with a rotating cast of comedians performing live sketches, parodies, and musical performances. The first episode featured George Carlin as the host, and from there, it was chaos. Good chaos.

Over the decades, SNL has produced hundreds of stars—many of whom went on to become Hollywood icons. From the OGs like John Belushi and Bill Murray to modern greats like Kate McKinnon and Pete Davidson, it’s been a launchpad for some of the funniest people on the planet.

But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. The show has flirted with cancellation multiple times. Cast shakeups, controversial sketches, and declining ratings have put SNL on thin ice more than once. But like any true icon, it always finds a way to reinvent itself.

And now, after 50 years, it’s still standing—ready to celebrate in a big way.

The 20 Greatest SNL Cast Members of All Time

Narrowing this list down was brutal—so many iconic names, so many unforgettable sketches. But after deep deliberation (and some friendly arguments), here are the top 20 cast members who truly defined SNL:

20. Kenan Thompson

Kenan Thompson is SNL. Literally. With an incredible 22 seasons (and counting), he’s the longest-running cast member in the show’s history. And it’s not just about longevity—Kenan’s got that effortless, old-school charm that makes every sketch feel just a little bit funnier. Whether he’s playing a goofy dad, an overenthusiastic game show host, or an over-the-top commentator on What Up With That?, he makes even the simplest punchlines land.

But what really sets Kenan apart is his consistency. While some SNL stars burn bright and fade fast, he’s been reliably hilarious year after year. He’s not the guy who always steals the spotlight—but he’s the guy who always delivers. His ability to bring warmth and likability to every role makes him an SNL legend.

And let's not forget: Kenan was also a trailblazer behind the scenes. In 2013, he announced that he would no longer play Black female characters, pushing for better representation instead. His impact on SNL’s diversity, humor, and culture is undeniable.

19. Will Forte

Will Forte wasn’t just funny—he was fearlessly funny. Some comedians play it safe, but Forte built his SNL legacy on pure, chaotic energy. His performances were always just a little too much, which was exactly what made them brilliant. His best-known character, MacGruber, was the perfect example: a ridiculous parody of MacGyver that took things way too far, way too fast. (And yes, it even got its own movie.)

Forte thrived in weird, offbeat roles that no one else could pull off. Whether he was playing a crazed sports fan, a disturbing sex offender in The Falconer, or just some unhinged background character, he brought an unpredictable energy that made every sketch more exciting.

His time on SNL set the stage for a career full of bizarre yet unforgettable performances (Last Man on Earth, anyone?). And while he may not have had the mainstream breakout success of some of his peers, there’s no denying that Forte was one of the most original comedians to ever step onto the SNL stage.

18. Maya Rudolph

If SNL had a queen of charisma, it would be Maya Rudolph. Whether she was playing a larger-than-life pop diva, a power-hungry politician, or an unhinged game show contestant, Maya owned every moment on screen. But what made her stand out wasn’t just her ability to nail impersonations (even though her Beyoncé, Kamala Harris, and Oprah were golden). It was her ability to bring soul to every character.

Unlike some impersonators who rely solely on mimicry, Maya infused every role with her own unique spark. Her Donatella Versace sketch, for example, wasn’t a spot-on impression—but it was so damn funny that it didn’t matter. She had an energy that elevated even the most average sketches into instant classics.

And then there’s her musical talent. Whether she was singing in Prince Show or breaking into an impromptu ballad, Maya had the kind of voice that made her one of SNL’s most versatile cast members. Even after leaving the show, she’s remained a comedy powerhouse, proving that SNL was just the beginning of her legendary career.

17. Bill Murray

To an entire generation, Bill Murray is a movie star—a Hollywood icon known for his dry humor and effortless cool. But before Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, Murray was the defining star of SNL’s early years. When he joined the cast in 1977, he had some big shoes to fill (replacing Chevy Chase, who had just left), but he made the transition look easy.

Murray’s comedic style was different from the slapstick-heavy antics of his castmates like John Belushi. Instead of going over-the-top, he brought a laid-back, sarcastic energy that felt fresh and unpredictable. His Nick the Lounge Singer character—a cheesy, washed-up entertainer who improvised the worst versions of popular songs—was one of SNL’s first truly iconic characters.

But for all his on-screen charm, Murray’s time on SNL wasn’t without drama. Stories of behind-the-scenes clashes with other cast members (especially Belushi) have become legendary. Still, his influence on the show is undeniable. Without him, SNL wouldn’t have developed its signature mix of smart, satirical, and effortlessly cool comedy.

16. Norm Macdonald

Norm Macdonald was an acquired taste. Not everyone got his humor, but for those who did, he was comedy gold. His dry, deadpan delivery made him the perfect Weekend Update anchor—and one of the most fearless comedians to ever sit behind that iconic desk.

Unlike most Weekend Update hosts, who kept things light and playful, Norm was ruthless. He didn’t just poke fun at celebrities—he obliterated them. His relentless jokes about O.J. Simpson’s murder trial ("Well, it’s official: Murder is now legal in the state of California") were so brutal that NBC execs fired him. Apparently, making fun of O.J. was a step too far—especially when an NBC higher-up was friends with him.

Norm’s comedy wasn’t about impressions or physical humor. It was all about delivery. He could take a simple joke and make it ten times funnier just by how he said it. Even after leaving SNL, he stayed true to his brand of uncompromising, no-apologies comedy. And in the years since his passing, his legacy as one of the boldest comedians ever has only grown stronger.

15. Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler wasn’t just a great comedian—she was SNL’s ultimate hype woman. She had the rare ability to make everyone around her funnier, whether she was leading a sketch or playing the perfect sidekick. That’s why she thrived on Weekend Update with Tina Fey. Their chemistry was electric, and they brought an energy that changed the game for women in comedy.

But Amy wasn’t just about Update. She shined in every sketch she was in, thanks to her infectious enthusiasm and fearless commitment. From her manic Kaitlyn character ("Rick, I'm boooored!") to her spot-on Hillary Clinton impression, she threw herself into every role with full force.

And let’s not forget her impact off-screen. Poehler helped break down the boys’ club culture that dominated SNL for decades, proving that women weren’t just side characters—they were the main event. After SNL, she co-created Parks and Recreation, which made her a bonafide TV legend. But no matter how big she gets, her legacy as one of SNL’s best will always stand strong.

14. Dana Carvey

Dana Carvey was the MVP of SNL’s late ‘80s and early ‘90s era. His impressions weren’t just accurate—they were alive, infused with so much energy and detail that they became characters in their own right. His George H.W. Bush? Iconic. His Ross Perot? Hysterical. And let’s not forget Church Lady, the smug, self-righteous gossip queen who judged everyone with a “Well, isn’t that special?”

But Carvey wasn’t just an impressionist—he was a master of physical comedy and timing. Whether he was playing a nervous wreck, a clueless idiot, or a wildly over-the-top persona, he could make any sketch work. His chemistry with Mike Myers in the Wayne’s World sketches was so legendary that it spawned two hit movies.

Even though Carvey didn’t have the Hollywood breakout success of some of his SNL peers, he remains one of the show’s most beloved cast members. His influence can still be seen in the way modern comedians approach impressions—not just mimicking voices, but creating something new and hilarious with them.

13. Andy Samberg

The 2000s were a weird time for SNL. Sketch comedy was changing, YouTube was taking off, and audiences wanted fast, viral humor. Enter Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island, who completely revolutionized the show with their Digital Shorts. Their first big hit, Lazy Sunday, was a rap about going to see The Chronicles of Narnia—and it broke the internet. Suddenly, SNL wasn’t just about live sketches anymore. It was about viral moments.

Samberg’s goofy, absurd style made him an instant fan favorite. Whether he was playing an unhinged Nicolas Cage, a clueless Mark Wahlberg (“Say hi to your mother for me”), or a full-on weirdo (Shy Ronnie, anyone?), he brought a fresh, almost surreal energy to the show. And then, of course, there was Dick in a Box—the Grammy-winning (!) music video that defined a generation of raunchy comedy.

Even after leaving SNL, Samberg’s influence remained. His mix of music, pop culture parodies, and pure goofiness changed the show forever—and led to some of its biggest viral hits in the digital age.

12. Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon didn’t just join SNL—she took it over. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, she was a powerhouse, delivering performances so insanely good that she often made her castmates break character (looking at you, Ryan Gosling in the Close Encounters sketch).

McKinnon’s secret weapon was her range. She could go from playing an awkward, chain-smoking weirdo (Ms. Rafferty) to delivering a pitch-perfect political impression (Hillary Clinton, Kellyanne Conway, even Jeff Sessions). She wasn’t afraid to get weird, ugly, or completely ridiculous, which made her unstoppable in sketches.

And let’s talk about her commitment. Some actors just read their lines—Kate lived them. Whether she was playing a bizarre Russian woman or a traumatized abductee, she gave everything to the role. That’s why she won two Emmys for her time on SNL.

Even though she left the show in 2022, McKinnon’s legacy is set in stone. She was one of SNL’s most dominant forces, proving that comedy could be smart, fearless, and wildly unpredictable—all at the same time.

11. Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler wasn’t supposed to be an SNL star. He wasn’t a sketch guy, he wasn’t a great impressionist, and his humor was… well, kind of stupid. But somehow, that exact formula made him one of the most successful SNL alumni ever.

Sandler’s comedy was all about silliness. He brought a goofball energy that the show desperately needed in the early ‘90s, mixing weird characters (Canteen Boy, Opera Man) with absurd, catchy songs (The Hanukkah Song, Lunchlady Land). His humor wasn’t sophisticated—but that was the point. It was dumb, it was fun, and it made people laugh.

Of course, his time on SNL ended on a brutal note. In 1995, NBC execs fired him (along with Chris Farley), supposedly because their comedy was getting too “lowbrow.” But Sandler got the last laugh—he went on to become one of the biggest comedy stars in Hollywood, making billions at the box office.

Even now, decades later, his SNL performances still hold up. His brand of goofy, anything-goes comedy paved the way for countless comedians who followed.

10. Gilda Radner

Gilda Radner was the original queen of SNL. As one of the first-ever cast members, she didn’t just participate in the show’s history—she made it. Without her, SNL wouldn’t be what it is today.

Radner’s comedy was full of energy, chaos, and a little bit of craziness. She threw herself into every character, from the loud-mouthed Roseanne Roseannadanna to the painfully awkward Lisa Loopner. She had zero vanity—if a sketch required her to look completely ridiculous, she embraced it.

Her impact went beyond just being funny. Radner showed that women could be just as bold, weird, and fearless as the men in comedy. She paved the way for everyone from Kristen Wiig to Kate McKinnon, proving that women didn’t have to play the straight role in a scene—they could be the star.

Sadly, Radner passed away from cancer at just 42, but her legacy is untouchable. She’s still one of the most beloved and most influential cast members in SNL history.

9. Chris Farley

Chris Farley was a comedy hurricane. He didn’t just perform in sketches—he demolished them. His energy was so intense, so unpredictable, that every scene he was in felt like it could explode at any moment.

Farley specialized in physical comedy. Whether he was diving through tables (Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker), dancing shirtless in a Chippendales audition, or just screaming at his co-stars, he put everything into his performances. He didn’t care if he looked ridiculous—if it made people laugh, he did it.

But there was a dark side to Farley’s comedy. His out-of-control persona wasn’t just an act—he lived like that off-screen, too. His struggles with addiction ultimately led to his tragic death at just 33, mirroring the fate of his idol, John Belushi.

Even though he left us too soon, Farley’s legacy is massive. His comedy style—loud, fearless, and full of heart—still influences comedians today. He wasn’t just funny—he was unstoppable.

8. Kristen Wiig

If there’s one word to describe Kristen Wiig’s time on SNL, it’s versatile. She could play anything—a deranged Target cashier, a socially awkward wedding guest, a surprise-obsessed weirdo (Sue). Her range was insane.

Wiig wasn’t just great at impressions—she was great at making you laugh. She had this incredible ability to turn small moments into huge comedy gold. Even when she wasn’t saying a word, her facial expressions could carry a sketch (looking at you, tiny-handed Dooneese).

And let’s not forget—Wiig helped redefine women in comedy. She wasn’t just a sidekick—she was the star. After leaving SNL, she wrote and starred in Bridesmaids, proving that women-led comedies could be box office monsters.

Wiig is, without a doubt, one of the greatest cast members SNL has ever had. Her ability to mix absurdity with real comedic talent made her unforgettable.

7. Bill Hader

Bill Hader wasn’t just one of the best impressionists in SNL history—he was one of the best actors to ever grace the show. He didn’t just imitate voices; he embodied people, slipping into characters so seamlessly that you sometimes forgot it was even him.

Take Stefon, for example—his Weekend Update nightlife correspondent who was always on the verge of breaking into laughter. That character alone would have cemented Hader’s place in SNL history. But then you add his perfect Al Pacino, his unhinged Vincent Price, and his absurd Italian talk show host Vinny Vedicci? Legendary.

Hader wasn’t just funny—he was technically brilliant. He knew how to control his voice, his expressions, even his body language to make every character feel real. And that’s probably why he’s had one of the best post-SNL careers (Barry, anyone?). Hader’s legacy at SNL is all about mastery—of characters, voices, and making people lose their minds with laughter.

6. John Belushi

John Belushi was SNL’s first true rockstar. He had this wild, uncontrollable energy that made every scene feel like it could go completely off the rails at any moment. And usually, it did.

Whether he was flipping tables in the Samurai sketches, tearing through a cheeseburger (“Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger! No Coke, Pepsi!”), or fronting the Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd, Belushi didn’t just perform—he exploded onto the screen. His physical comedy was unmatched, his delivery was razor-sharp, and his presence was electric.

But his chaotic energy wasn’t just for the cameras—offscreen, Belushi lived the rockstar lifestyle, and unfortunately, it led to his downfall. He tragically died of a drug overdose at just 33, mirroring the same fate as Chris Farley years later.

Still, his impact on SNL is massive. He set the tone for what an SNL superstar could be—wild, fearless, and completely unforgettable.

5. Phil Hartman

Phil Hartman was known as The Glue—because he held everything together. He was the ultimate utility player, effortlessly jumping from one perfect character to another without ever breaking a sweat.

His Bill Clinton impression? Flawless. His sleazy, over-the-top Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer? Legendary. His straight-faced delivery in the ridiculous Anal Retentive Chef sketches? Genius. Hartman wasn’t just great—he was necessary.

Unlike some of the flashier SNL stars, Hartman never stole the spotlight—he elevated everyone around him. He made bad sketches better and good sketches iconic. That’s why his sudden, tragic murder in 1998 hit so hard. He wasn’t just an incredible comedian—he was the backbone of one of SNL’s greatest eras.

To this day, he remains one of the most respected cast members in SNL history. Because every time he stepped onto the stage, you knew it was going to be good.

4. Tina Fey

Tina Fey changed SNL. Period.

As the first female head writer in the show’s history, she didn’t just write some of the best sketches of the early 2000s—she revolutionized the way women were represented on the show. Instead of being side characters or love interests, they became the main attraction.

Then there was Weekend Update. Fey turned the segment into must-watch television, especially when she paired up with Amy Poehler. Their chemistry was insane, and their ability to tackle politics, pop culture, and absurd news stories with razor-sharp wit made them legendary.

And then… Sarah Palin. Fey’s impression of the former VP candidate was so dead-on, so brutally funny, that it became one of the most famous SNL moments of all time. It didn’t just make people laugh—it shaped public perception of Palin entirely.

After SNL, Fey went on to create 30 Rock—one of the best sitcoms ever. But no matter what she does, her legacy as an SNL legend is cemented forever.

3. Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell didn’t just perform on SNL—he dominated it.

Whether he was screaming his way through More Cowbell, playing an over-the-top George W. Bush, or stripping down for a ridiculous Spartan Cheerleader sketch, Ferrell was fearless. He had this amazing ability to take the dumbest ideas and turn them into comedy gold.

And then there’s his physicality. Ferrell wasn’t afraid to look completely absurd—in fact, he embraced it. That’s why his SNL run is filled with moments where he’s shirtless, sweaty, and screaming at the top of his lungs. And somehow? It never got old.

His commitment to the bit was legendary. Whether he was playing a ridiculous dad, an overzealous anchorman (before Ron Burgundy!), or just a guy who really loved cowbells, he owned every moment. And that’s why he’s still one of SNL’s biggest stars.

2. Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy saved SNL. No exaggeration.

When he joined in 1980, the show was struggling. Ratings were terrible, and people thought SNL was done. Then Murphy came in and single-handedly turned things around.

His characters—Gumby, Buckwheat, James Brown in a hot tub—became instant classics. His charisma was off the charts, and his ability to command the stage made every sketch electric. He was only on SNL for four seasons, but in that short time, he became one of its biggest stars ever.

And the crazy part? He was only 19 when he started. He wasn’t just good for his age—he was on another level. And once he left? He became one of the biggest movie stars in the world.

To this day, Murphy’s impact on SNL is undeniable. Without him, the show might not even exist today.

1. The Unsung Legends

This top spot goes to the many SNL cast members who were incredible but never got the Hollywood breakout they deserved—people like Darrell Hammond, Molly Shannon, Chris Parnell, and Cecily Strong. These were the ones who made SNL great, even if they didn’t become blockbuster stars.

Because at the end of the day, SNL isn’t just about the big names. It’s about the comedians, the weirdos, and the absolute legends who make live TV feel electric.

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Fifty years of Saturday Night Live—that’s half a century of comedy gold, wild improvisations, and moments that made us laugh so hard we cried. From the chaotic brilliance of John Belushi to the unmatched impressions of Bill Hader, the show has been a launchpad for legends.

But SNL isn’t just about the big names—it’s about the magic of live TV. The sketches that go off the rails, the cast members who break character (looking at you, Bill Hader), and the ridiculous moments that turn into pop culture history.

As we celebrate this massive milestone, one thing’s for sure—SNL isn’t just a comedy show. It’s a cultural institution. It’s where the funniest people in the world get their start, where political satire hits hardest, and where the phrase “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” will always give us chills.

So, here’s to 50 years of SNL—and at least 50 more. Keep the laughs coming.

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