Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a staple of American comedy for nearly 50 years, introducing audiences to unforgettable characters, impressions, and sketches. Over the show’s long history, more than 100 cast members have graced the Studio 8H stage, with many going on to become household names.
Stars like Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Billy Crystal have all made their mark on SNL. These talented performers have entertained audiences with their comedic genius and have gone on to achieve great success in film and television.
Some cast members, like Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler, have focused their post-SNL careers on film, while others, like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Martin Short, have found success in both TV and film. Former “Weekend Update” hosts Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers have also gone on to host their own late-night talk shows, bringing their humor and wit to a wider audience.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the iconic cast members who have become household names:
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Dan Aykroyd is an original SNL cast member who hosted “Weekend Update” and performed memorable impressions of Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon. He created beloved characters like Beldar Conehead, Yortuk Festrunk, and the Blues Brothers’ Elwood Blues. Aykroyd’s post-SNL career includes writing and starring in films like “The Blues Brothers” and “Ghostbusters.”
John Belushi played memorable characters like a bee, Samurai Futaba, and Jake Blues. After leaving SNL, Belushi continued his acting career with films like “Blues Brothers” and “Neighbors.” Unfortunately, he passed away in 1982 but was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.
Chevy Chase was an original SNL cast member who spent two seasons as a writer and performer. He hosted “Weekend Update” and played characters like Gerald Ford. Chase went on to star in the National Lampoon films and had roles in movies like “Caddyshack” and “Fletch.” He also portrayed Pierce Hawthorne on NBC’s sitcom “Community” and hosted the Academy Awards.
Gilda Radner originated beloved characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna, Judy Miller, and Baba Wawa. After leaving SNL, Radner starred in films like “Hanky Panky” and “The Woman in Red.” She tragically passed away in 1989 but was posthumously honored with a Grammy in 1990 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.
Bill Murray spent three years as a performer and writer on SNL, where he created memorable characters like Nick the lounge singer. Murray’s film career took off with movies like “Caddyshack,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Lost in Translation,” for which he received an Oscar nomination. He has continued to act in both comedic and dramatic roles, with recent films like “On the Rocks” and “The French Dispatch.”
Eddie Murphy portrayed memorable characters like Gumby, Buckwheat, and Mr. Robinson. After leaving SNL, Murphy achieved tremendous success in film with franchises like “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Nutty Professor,” and “Coming to America.” He has been nominated for an Academy Award and continues to star in movies like “Dolemite Is My Name” and “You People.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus joined SNL as its youngest female cast member and played characters such as Big-Zit Cindy and televangelist April May June. Although she has found greater success on television with shows like “Seinfeld,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” and “Veep,” Louis-Dreyfus has also appeared in films like “Enough Said” and “Downhill.” She has won several Emmy awards and has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Billy Crystal was both a cast member and writer on SNL, where he performed memorable impressions of Fernando Lamas and Prince. Crystal’s film career includes movies like “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “Monsters Inc.” He has won six Emmy awards and has hosted the Oscars nine times.
Martin Short was only on SNL for one season but created memorable characters like Ed Grimley and Irving Cohen. He has had a successful career in film and television, with notable roles in movies like “Three Amigos,” “Father of the Bride,” and “The Santa Clause 3.” Short has also lent his voice to animated films and has appeared on Broadway.
These are just a few of the many talented cast members who have left their mark on SNL and gone on to achieve great success in the entertainment industry. Their comedic skills, memorable characters, and unforgettable performances have made SNL a beloved institution in American comedy.
