On October 11, 1975, an unknown John Belushi appeared in the first Saturday night live sketch how a foreigner learning to speak English through the unconventional phrase “I would like to give wolverines my fingertips.”
Since then, the venerable late-night sketch show has introduced the world to many of its biggest television and movie stars. Choosing the best Saturday night live cast members of all time isn’t just a matter of comparing apples and oranges. Each year’s cast has had to deal with changing tastes and cultural sensibilities and increased competition from other late-night shows and online sources of current comedy – as well as the ever-lengthening shadow of the legends who appeared on stage 30 Rockefeller Plaza before them.
In Saturday night live’Over the first 49 seasons, more than 160 cast members fought for air time and the world’s attention. Many disappeared quickly, but some hit a major nerve. Of Chevrolet Chase and Gilda Radner for Eddie MurphyPhil Hartman and Mike Myers, SNL the stars went on to enjoy great success in the worlds of television, film and stand-up.
To date, films starring Murphy have grossed nearly seven billion dollars at the box office, with Adam Sandler (who was fired by the program in 1995!) in second place among notable Saturday night live alumni by more than five billion. (We’re not counting one final cast member, Robert “Iron Man” Downey Jr., but if we did, he’d be in the lead with more than $14 billion.)
SNL Veterans like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have also achieved huge success on television, with hit shows like 30 rock and Parks and Recreation. Here are the 25 best Saturday night live cast members of all time, measured both by their impact on the show itself and by their success in other areas after their departure.
Top 25 ‘Saturday Night Live’ Cast Members of All Time
The long-running nightlife institution has introduced the entertainment world to many of its biggest stars.
Gallery credit: Matthew Wilkening
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