We all know and love "Saturday Night Live," the late-night NBC sketch comedy show that has 40 plus years of broadcasting under its belt. From generating dozens of pop culture references to big movie stars and alums, "SNL" is an American staple. But given the fact that "SNL" has been around since 1975, who are the best of the best cast members? This list will name just a few of the top cast members to step foot in Studio 8H.
1. The Original Cast (1975-1979)
Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner set the standard for all following cast members. These seven hilarious people are all listed together because they can't be ranked separately - they are all too good to not make the list.
2. Billy Crystal (1984-1985)
While he was only a cast member for a year, Billy Crystal came from huge stand-up success, and even had his own variety show at one point. Crystal went on to make classic movies like "When Harry Met Sally," "Forget Paris," "City Slickers," and "Monsters Inc.," as well as becoming a beloved host of the Oscars. In 2005, Crystal won a Tony for his one-man show "700 Sundays," which you can watch on HBO. Watch some stand-up here.
3. Eddie Murphy (1980-1984)
We all know Eddie Murphy, whether from the "Shrek" franchise, "Beverly Hills Cop," "Dreamgirls," "Dr. Dolittle," other movies, or his stand-up. It is thought to be that the only reason "SNL" survived the early eighties without producer Lorne Michaels is because of Murphy. He created classic characters like Gumby, Mr. Robinson, and Buckwheat, and in simplest terms, is one of the funniest people ever. Watch some stand up here.
4. Will Ferrell (1995-2002)
Does he really need a caption?
See basically any of his movies, and you'll know why Will Ferrell is on this list. If you're not convinced, check this out.
5. Tina Fey (1997-2006)
Whether she is head writer and performer on "SNL" or creator of the acclaimed series "30 Rock," Tina Fey is always funny. She wrote the screenplay and starred in "Mean Girls," and has appeared in various movies like "Date Night," "Baby Mama," "Admission," "This Is Where I Leave You," and more. Fey has also wrote "Bossypants," published in 2011, which is equally autobiographical and comedic. Aside from being hilarious, Fey supports Autism Speaks and Mercy Corps, and is also a mother of two. Talk about a full plate.
6. Amy Poehler (2001-2008)
How could Tina Fey be mentioned without Amy Poehler? Poehler though, would've made the list without Tina anyway, since she's so funny and talented. Poehler had her run on "SNL" and went on to create and star in "Parks and Recreation." Like many other "SNL" alums, Poehler has starred in many films, like "Inside Out," "Wet Hot American Summer," "Blades of Glory," "Mean Girls," and others. She was previously married to Will Arnett (also hilarious), and has two sons. Aside from being a mom and comedian, Poehler published her memoir, "Yes Please," and created the "Smart Girls at the Party" project.
7. Bill Hader (2005-2013)
Bill Hader is so funny that he's received three Emmy nominations for his time on "SNL." Also, he's the voice of droid BB-8 in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," and has worked on films such as "Superbad," "Tropic Thunder," "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian," "Inside Out," and "Trainwreck," among others. An impressions genius, Hader looked up to other "SNL" star Phil Hartman. He's hilarious and talented as a writer, comedian, and actor -- the whole package!
8. Mike Meyers (1989-1995)
You know him as Wayne (from "Wayne's World"), the voice of Shrek, and of course, Austin Powers, but no matter what character Mike Meyers is playing, he's always cleverly funny! Also, Meyers is more than a comedian and actor -- he is also a musician, producer, and director. He also holds British, Canadian, and American citizenship, so the comedy isn't limited to "SNL!"
9. Jason Sudeikis (2005-2013)
Jason Sudeikis is famous not only for his time on "SNL," but also for his roles in "Hall Pass," "Horrible Bosses," and "We're the Millers." He's married to Olivia Wilde and has a son. He's also appeared on "30 Rock," "Portlandia," and "The Last Man on Earth." Basically, he's awesome and has no "ragrets" - not even one letter. 
10. Bill Murray (1977-1980)
If you need to know why Bill Murray is awesome, watch this. He's been in "Ghostbusters," "Groundhog Day," "Lost in Translation," and "Stripes," not to mention "Caddyshack." He's able to be outright funny and more reserved and mature, like in "St. Vincent," where he stars opposite Melissa McCarthy.
Honorable mention:
Steve Martin
While he was never a cast member on "SNL," he might as well have been! Steve Martin is a member of the exclusive Five-Timers Club (aka, people that have hosted "SNL" five or more times), which includes Tom Hanks, Paul Simon, Alec Baldwin, Justin Timberlake, and Drew Barrymore. He's also in the iconic skits with Dan Aykroyd portraying two wild and crazy guys. He's starred in movies like "Father of the Bride," "The Three Amigos," "Roxanne," "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Cheaper by the Dozen," "The Big Year," and the remake of "The Pink Panther," among others. He's also written plays and novels, hosted the Oscars three times, and had released various Grammy-winning bluegrass albums on which he plays the banjo. Needless to say, Steve Martin is one of the most talented and versatile performers out there.
Yes, a few favorites aren't included, like Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Kenan Thompson, Horatio Sanz, Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, Jimmy Fallon, Kate McKinnon, etc., but let's face it -- there are too many greats of "SNL" to be included in a ten-person list! They're all hilarious, talented people. Here's to a new year of "SNL," a 2016 full of laughs!
