People Break Down The Absolute Best SNL Cast Members Of All-Time

NBC Studios marquee
Patrick Hendry/Unsplash

Some of the best comedians of all time have passed through the doors of Saturday Night Live over at New York's Rockefeller Plaza, and many of them have gone on to achieve superstardom.

Some of the comic legends of the 1970s include Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase, while the 80s saw Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Eddie Murphy.

Cast members making star turns today include Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson, and recently exited actress, Cecily Strong.

With so many greats that have made millions laugh over the years, people have their wide-ranging favorites.

Curious to hear from fans online, Redditor Nickster1619 asked:

"Who is the best SNL cast member of all time?"

Repertory cast members from earlier seasons get a shout-out.

Known For Eugene–The Anal Retentive Chef

"Quite possible! It's Phil Hartman."

– Jaoxpax

The Larry King And Burt Reynolds Impersonator

"Idk about the best, but Norm McDonald was always my favorite."

– Burgerpocolypse

Memorable Sketch

"Norm did a skit where he played a police sketch artist who wasn't any good at eyes or hair so everybody had a giant hat and sunglasses. It was a rip on the Unabomber sketch with the hood, bandana and glasses. It was so dry and hilarious."

– tuenthe463

Best Weekend Update Host

"Norm was by far the best weekend update. No question. Seth Meyers and Tina Fey were second. I'm a big fan of Michael Che because I've been following him since he was doing stand-up. Who else? Dennis Miller, meh. Collin Quinn, I like the guy but he wasn't my favorite weekend update by a long shot. Norm was the perfect person for that gig."

– arcaneresistance

The "Beverly Hills Cop" Star

"Eddie Murphy. He carried the show when he was on it, and it probably would have been cancelled if he wasn’t there to do so."

– ovid10

Iconic Characters

"Seconding! Murphy was at a career peak during his time with the show, and his characters - Gumby, Mr. Robinson, Buckwheat - were iconic."

– Brilliant_Tourist400

The Church Lady

"Dana Carvey was incredible in his time."

– Iwannascream2

The 2000s boasted these greats.

Now Starring In "Barry"

"Bill Hader"

"I dont really watch a lot of SNL so my knowledge is limited. He just always appeared to be having a really good time on the show and he's one of the ones who could make me laugh sometimes."

– adios-b*tchachos

The Giggles

"I loved it when he’d get the giggles at something he was going to say and he couldn’t deliver it because of his laughter. That was as good as the joke."

– opossumonmyporch

Love To The Ladies

"Gotta send love to my ladies, it’s Tina Fey for me. Amy Poehler is also a goddess but I don’t remember her as much until Parks and Rec. Also Kenan Thompson? He had such a long run!"

– __nothankyou__

Kiss Me, Kate

"Kate McKinnon. She is the most versatile cast member of modern times."

– Guest8782

Longtime Cast Member

"Gotta give some love to Kenan. He is often the center and driver of the sketches. So consistent and has been there so long now."

– Naes422

No one made me crack up harder than the great comedy legend, Gilda Radner.

In 1975, the SNL alum was one of the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players"–the freshman cast of the show's first season.

A character of hers I'll never forget was the know-it-all Weekend Update advice expert, Roseanne Roseannadanna. YouTube clips of her hilarious turn as the wacky consumer affairs reporter show her comedic timing and delivery brilliance.

Unfortunately, Radner left us too soon in 1989 having died from ovarian cancer. She was 42.

Related Articles Around the Web
snl

People Confess Which Things They Find Attractive That No One Else Does

A woman's teeth
Lesly Juarez/Unsplash

People have different thoughts on conventional beauty.

Those who focus on another's physical attributes may find a person's eyes stunningly beautiful. Others may be drawn to their manner of dress or how they wear their hair.

And there are those who appreciate one's inner qualities. Perhaps their affable and friendly nature makes someone more attractive.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that's a relief, because it reinforces the notion that in spite of any flaws, there is someone for everyone.

Keep reading...Show less

People Break Down Which Television Show Had The Best Pilot Episode

Watching Television
Photo by Renilda Lleshi on Unsplash

For a television series to take off, its first episode, or pilot, needs to be spectacular.

Indeed, if the pilot doesn't cut it, it will be the only episode of the series that ever gets shot.

Indeed, even as little as 10 minutes into the pilots of This Is Us, Will & Grace, and Ted Lasso, it was clear that viewers were in for a treat, and they weren't disappointed.

That being said, a pilot isn't always guaranteed to be the beginning of a great series.

Sometimes the pilot proves to be the only good episode of the series, with the end result being anything but a Smash (pun intended).

Keep reading...Show less
tv shows

People Break Down Which Crappy Foods Are Actually Delicious

Hot dog with ketchup and mustard
Photo by Peter Secan on Unsplash

There's a reason they call it junk food.

Being high in calories and saturated fats, and likely made with ingredients of fairly low quality, eating these foods is almost the equivalent of filling your stomach with junk.

However bad for you it is, however, that doesn't mean it isn't delicious.

Indeed, who hasn't from time to time indulged in food that we know won't be beneficial to our weight or cholesterol, but pleases our taste buds to the max?

Often resulting in judgmental glares from others.

Keep reading...Show less
food

People Break Down Which Things No One Looks Good Wearing

person holding assorted clothes in wooden hanger
Photo by Becca McHaffie on Unsplash

The great thing about fashion is that everyone looks good in something different. That’s why we each create our own style.

My best friend avoids gray at all costs since it’s drab and almost depressing.

However, I fill my closet with gray shirts or sweaters since that color makes my skin glow. I can’t wear leather jackets because they make me look like a tiny zombie, while my best friend has a leather jacket in every color since she can pull them off.

With some people being able to pull off items that others can’t, we may not think about the fact that there are some items that no one looks good in. Luckily, Redditors are hear to remind us of exactly that.

Keep reading...Show less
fashion