The Best SNL Cast Members Of All Time
Saturday Night Live has long been a favorite of viewers, and SNL remains one of the best vehicles of all time for up-and-coming comedic talent. Stand-up comedians, impressionists, and actor graduates of improv comedy groups like Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade make up the bulk of SNL cast lists. In turn, the show has developed and produced some of the greatest funny men and women in entertainment. So who are the best SNL cast members of all time?
In the early years, the SNL casts were touted as the "Not Ready for Prime-Time Players," part of a late-night cast with material too risque for general audiences. As the show and cast members matured, stars broke out to become some of the most successful film and TV actors in the business. Famous SNL alumni include established stars ranging from John Belushi to Chris Rock to Amy Poehler.
This is a list of the funnest SNL cast members ranked by the wisdom of the crowd. Anyone can contribute to this list, which makes these rankings an accurate, real-time reflection of the crowd's collective opinion. Vote for your favorites to move them to the top of the list, or press re-rank to create your own list of the funniest people in Saturday Night Live history.
Who are the most famous people to graduate from Saturday Night Live? This list answers that question along with who are the best SNL cast members of all time.
- 1
Chris Farley, a veritable comedy behemoth, made his mark in 1990 as he commandeered the stage for five uproarious seasons. With characters like Matt Foley and the lively Chippendale's dancer, he made fans double over in laughter, never to be forgotten.
- Birthplace: Madison, USA, Wisconsin
- 1Tommy Boy374 Votes
- 2Black Sheep248 Votes
- 3Billy Madison184 Votes
- 2
Eddie Murphy burst onto the SNL scene in 1980, a true comedic tour de force. During his four seasons, he created memorable characters like Gumby, Mister Robinson, and Buckwheat that left audiences howling with laughter, solidifying his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- 1Beverly Hills Cop865 Votes
- 2Trading Places814 Votes
- 3Coming to America904 Votes
- 3
Will Ferrell lit up the SNL stage like a bonfire in 1995, and for seven seasons, he scorched us with iconic roles such as the cheerleader and George W. Bush. A testament to his impact, it's hard to imagine SNL without Ferrell.
- Birthplace: Irvine, California, USA
- 1Step Brothers2,522 Votes
- 2Elf2,171 Votes
- 3Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy2,275 Votes
- 4
Bill Murray, the comedic virtuoso, graced the show with his presence in 1977. Over his three-season tenure, he effortlessly entertained us with iconic portrayals like Nick the Lounge Singer, leaving a lasting impression on the SNL landscape.
- Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois, USA
- 1Harold Ramis And Murray Ended A Close Relationship Due To Differences Over 'Groundhog Day'1,632 Votes
- 2Anjelica Huston Said He Made Her Feel Left Out While Filming 'The Life Aquatic'2,717 Votes
- 3Richard Dreyfuss Thinks He Was A Drunken Bully On The Set Of 'What About Bob?'1,518 Votes
- 5
Tina Fey sashayed her way onto the scene in 2000. With her dead-on Sarah Palin impression and six sensational seasons as the first female head writer, she etched her name in the SNL Mt. Rushmore.
- Birthplace: Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, USA
- 1Mean Girls100 Votes
- 2Date Night80 Votes
- 3Baby Mama82 Votes
- 6
Bill Hader charmed his way into our hearts in 2005, and his eight-season tenure brimmed with unforgettable moments. Impressions of Stefon, Herb Welch, and Vincent Price made him a beloved fixture on the show, leaving an indelible mark on the world of SNL.
- Birthplace: Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
