The The Top 5 SNL Cast Members Of All Time
Start writing a post
Television Streaming

Live From 30 Rockefeller, The The Top 5 SNL Cast Members Of All Time

From the ones who make us chuckle to the ones who make us cry laughing, here are SNL's best from Studio 8H.

172
Live From 30 Rockefeller, The The Top 5 SNL Cast Members Of All Time

"Live from New York it's Saturday Night!"

Since 1975, Saturday Night Live, probably one of the most well-known sketch comedy shows ever created, leaves its audience in hysterics every Saturday night. While the show has popularized over the last four decades, it has helped shape American pop culture. Not only has it perpetuated Hollywood cinema in movies like "Wayne's World," "Coneheads," and so many more films, but it continues to be the home of where many comedic actors found their start before hitting the big screen.

Big names like Jimmy Fallon (host of the Tonight Show), Robert Downey Jr. (known as Iron Man), Adam Sandler (star in Happy Gilmore), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (known for Seinfeld) and so many more have all rose to fame thanks to their SNL big break. While many cast members go on to find their place in Hollywood, their comedic legacies will never be left behind.

Unforgettable sketches like the Blues Brothers and Weekend Update catapulted into popularity because of its featured cast members who made the show what it is today. Every SNL alumnus has played a part in the show's historic success but I think there are a few who will go down in history as timeless comedic legends never failing to make the audience laugh.

Here are the top five best SNL cast members.

5. Chris Farley

Matt Foley: Van Down By The River - SNLYouTube

The late Chris Farley never failed to use his facial expressions, range of different voices, and hilarious body language to crack the audience up. His most famous skit being the "Van Down by the River" not only made the audience laugh but made fellow cast member, David Spade, break character in chuckles. Chris Farley was simply born to be a SNL great.

4. Kristen Wiig

Weekend Update: Garth And Kat Sing Christmas Songs (Dress Rehearsal) - SNLYouTube

Before moving on to starring in the 2011 comedy, "Bridesmaids," Wiig got her start on SNL being featured in sketches like "The Californians," "Target Lady," "Garth and Kat," and so many more. Her hilarious range of voices and lack of ability to often stay in character steals the show.

3. Jimmy Fallon

Jeffrey's with Sean Hayes - SNLYouTube

If there is one thing Jimmy Fallon is known for on SNL it has got it be for breaking character. In almost every sketch I have seen featuring Fallon, he has a tough time trying not to laugh making his jokes funnier and all the more loveable.

2. Will Ferrell

More Cowbell - SNLYouTube

While Fallon can't keep his laughter under control, it seems Will Ferrell does it with ease appearing straight-faced in most sketches adding even more hilarity to his characters' jokes.

Honorable Mentions:

Adam Sandler, Dana Carvey, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, David Spade, Chris Rock, and Fred Armisen.

1. Bill Hader

Weekend Update: Stefon on Halloween's Hottest Tips - SNLYouTube

While he may not be a particular fan favorite, Bill Hader never fails to make me laugh. In sketches like "The Californians" and "Stefon" Hader's comical impressions, facial expressions, and constant breaking character to laugh always has me in hysterics.

* * *

While all these cast members do make their mark on the historic Vaudeville-like series, no one character can truly measure up to the success of the famed comedy show better than its entire ensemble, working together to make us laugh every Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. on NBC.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

95483
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments