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Saturday Night Live has served as a launching pad for numerous comedians over its decades-long run. Iconic figures including Bill Murray, Adam Sandler, and Amy Poehler all honed their craft on this beloved show. Different talents have shone through, from the physical humor of Will Ferrell to the sharp wit of Ted Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis and Mean Girls creator Tina Fey.
The roster of SNL graduates is unparalleled, as each decade has contributed its own distinct set of comedic talents. The 2010s saw a shift from figures like Kristen Wiig, Will Forte, and Fred Armisen to newer stars including Cecily Strong and Kate McKinnon. Regardless of their tenure on the show, every cast member had the opportunity to collaborate with Good Burger star Kenan Thompson, bringing their unique styles to a shared platform.
Since its inception in 1975, Saturday Night Live has become the longest-running sketch-comedy program on television. The show features a different host each week, along with a core cast that regularly rotates. Each episode includes a variety of comedic sketches, often incorporating spontaneous elements, and wraps up with a musical performance.
11 Taran Killam
Cast Member 2010-2016
Prior to his stint on SNL, Taran Killam had an established background in sketch comedy and quickly made a mark as a prominent player. His memorable early moment came during a Weekend Update segment when he impersonated Brad Pitt, garnering attention for his spot-on body language despite a less-than-perfect vocal mimicry. Killam also stood out in sketches where he played Tim Tebow meeting Jesus and an over-the-top Eminem releasing a Valentine’s Day song, which required extensive censorship for airtime.
Memorable Sketches and Highlights on Weekend Update
One of Killam’s standout characters was 1860s newspaper critic Jebidiah Atkinson. Since debuting in 2013, Atkinson became a beloved figure on Weekend Update for his relentless, comedic critiques. Another highlight was the catchy and absurd dance number titled The Legend of Mokiki and the Sloppy Swish, showcasing Killam’s ability to captivate audiences through humor.
10 Bowen Yang
Cast Member 2019-present
Bowen Yang, the first Chinese-American cast member on SNL, is paving his own path in the show’s legacy. His debut season was marked by a historic Primetime Emmy nomination, making him the first featured performer to achieve such recognition.
Advancing the Legacy of SNL
Yang has quickly become known for his sharp wit, particularly during Weekend Update. He expertly played Chinese Trade Minister Chen Biao, humorously attempting to downplay the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notable sketches include an uproarious portrayal as the iceberg that sank the Titanic and a comical segment alongside Sydney Sweeney, dressed in a Hooters outfit, showcasing the show’s blend of humor and contemporary issues .
9 Leslie Jones
Cast Member 2014-2019
Leslie Jones initially joined SNL as a writer before ascending to a featured player in 2014, making her the oldest cast member to start at age 47. Her tenure, though brief, was rich with unforgettable moments that resonated with audiences.
Proving Age is Just a Number
Jones made her mark during Weekend Update with powerful comedic rants tackling current events. A standout moment was her hilarious appearance in a Naked and Afraid sketch with Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, which exemplified her unique comedic style and ability to lampoon popular culture.
8 Jay Pharoah
Cast Member 2010-2016
Jay Pharoah established himself as a master impressionist upon joining SNL in 2010. His uncanny renditions of various public figures, including Barack Obama, Denzel Washington, and Eddie Murphy, solidified his reputation as one of the show’s standout talents.
The Greatest of All Time in Impressionism
While his talent for impressions often overshadowed collaborative skits, Pharoah was involved in several memorable scenes, including a humorous take on Greek deities addressing a financial collapse .
7 Vanessa Bayer
Cast Member 2010-2017
Another breakout talent from the class of 2010, Vanessa Bayer quickly won fans over with her unique comedic style. Her first notable recurring sketch, The Miley Cyrus Show, showcased her ability to blend humor and parody as she portrayed the pop star.
Rapid Rise to Stardom
Bayer’s comedic prowess extended to a variety of impressions, including her notable portrayal of Hillary Clinton and a viral impersonation of Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green from Friends. This popularity even brought Aniston to the show for a humorous confrontation with Bayer.
6 Michael Che
Cast Member 2013-present
Michael Che made headlines in 2014 by becoming the first African-American co-anchor of Weekend Update. An accomplished writer prior to his anchoring role, Che has helped shape the program’s comedic direction.
Highlighting Dark Humor
Che’s signature contribution toSNL includes the unique joke swap segment he shares with Colin Jost, where they craft jokes for each other that are read live without prior knowledge. This playful banter often leads to uproarious laughter and significant comedic moments.
5 Colin Jost
Cast Member 2014-present
Colin Jost has teamed up with Michael Che on Weekend Update since 2014, rising from a writer to a head writer and co-anchor. Together, the duo has been instrumental in crafting the show’s comedic voice.
A Dynamic Duo
The long-running joke swap segment has become a fan-favorite, with Jost consistently delivering sharp retorts. One standout moment involved Jost daring Che to address Kendrick Lamar regarding his feud with Drake, which led to an unforgettable on-air moment and showcased their captivating chemistry.
4 Pete Davidson
Cast Member 2014-2022
Joining the cast in 2014, Pete Davidson became the fourth-youngest player in SNL history. Although he leaned heavily toward supporting roles rather than character-driven sketches, his persona resonated with viewers.
Master of Self-Deprecation
Davidson’s legacy is largely tied to his appearances on Weekend Update, where he shared candid and darkly comedic views on his personal life, particularly involving his relationships with high-profile celebrities like Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian. A notable incident occurred when he made jokes about U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw that sparked media attention, leading to a reconciliatory appearance on the show.
3 Cecily Strong
2012-2022
Cecily Strong’s arrival on SNL in 2012 established her as a standout talent almost immediately. Her performances maintained a lasting impression, creating a niche for herself among the cast while earning several Emmy nominations.
An Impressive Start
Strong delivered some of her most memorable performances in sketches including The Girlfriend’s Talk Show, where she embodied the role of a teen host with a unique and hilarious flair. Another character she popularized was The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at the Party, cleverly capturing the essence of misguided activists with her sharp satire.
2 Aidy Bryant
Cast Member 2012-2022
Aidy Bryant joined the cast in 2012, where she carved out a niche for herself alongside her fellow cast members. Transitioning from a featured player to a mainstay in her second season, Bryant earned recognition and accolades during her time on the show.
Consistent Performance Every Weekend
Like her peers, Bryant showcased her skills in sketches such as The Girlfriend’s Talk Show, where her dynamic with Cecily Strong captivated audiences. She also gained attention for her impressions of political figures, including a notable portrayal of White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and a memorable take on Ted Cruz.
1 Kate McKinnon
Cast Member 2012-2022
Kate McKinnon’s entrance into SNL was a game-changer. Joining the cast in Season 37, she quickly garnered acclaim, earning her first Emmy nomination two seasons later and winning her first Emmy in 2015. Her time on SNL has propelled her into mainstream fame, featuring in films like Barbie and the Ghostbusters reboot.
A Comedic Force in SNL’s Legacy
McKinnon’s diverse range of impressions left an indelible mark on the show, including spot-on portrayals of Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, and Ellen DeGeneres. Her standout sketch performances, particularly as Colleen Rafferty, showcased her ability to elicit genuine reactions from her fellow cast members, and solidified her legacy as one of the greatest comedians in SNL history .
Source
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