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Comedy is probably the hardest thing to agree on. One person’s favorite Saturday Night Live cast member barely makes someone else’s top ten, and every generation has a completely different list of all-time greats. Still, a few names almost always come up when longtime fans start talking about the show’s history. Some built their reputation through unforgettable impressions. Others became famous for original characters that still get quoted decades later. Quite a few went on to have enormous movie careers, while others are remembered almost entirely for what they accomplished on live television.
Here are 15 SNL cast members that fans never seem to stop talking about.
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Chris Farley
Farley’s explosive energy made him one of the most unforgettable performers in SNL history. Sketches like Matt Foley and The Chris Farley Show continue to be among the show’s most beloved classics.
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Gilda Radner
One of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players, Radner helped define the show’s earliest years. Characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella remain fan favorites decades later.
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Phil Hartman
Often called “the glue” of the cast, Hartman could disappear into almost any role. His versatility made him the reliable centerpiece of countless sketches throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
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John Belushi
Belushi brought an unpredictable intensity that helped turn SNL into a cultural phenomenon. Whether he was performing as one of the Blues Brothers or completely destroying a sketch in the best possible way, he always demanded attention.
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Eddie Murphy
At a time when the show desperately needed fresh energy, Murphy quickly became its biggest attraction. Characters like Mr. Robinson and Buckwheat remain some of the most iconic in SNL history.
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Bill Hader
Hader balanced spot-on impressions with wonderfully strange original characters. Stefon alone would have secured his place among the show’s most popular cast members.
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Dan Aykroyd
Aykroyd could switch effortlessly between political satire, absurd characters, and straight-man roles. His partnership with John Belushi became one of the defining duos of the original cast.
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Dana Carvey
Carvey became famous for unforgettable impressions and original characters, especially The Church Lady, whose catchphrase quickly entered pop culture. His George H. W. Bush impression also became legendary.
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Kate McKinnon
McKinnon’s fearless commitment made even the weirdest sketches work. Her impressions of Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, and Rudy Giuliani became highlights of the modern era.
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Aidy Bryant
Bryant excelled at playing completely earnest characters in the middle of absurd situations. Her warm comedic style made her one of the most consistently reliable performers of the 2010s.
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Will Ferrell
Ferrell’s willingness to fully commit to ridiculous characters produced countless memorable sketches. From celebrity impressions to over-the-top original creations, he became one of SNL’s biggest breakout stars.
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Kenan Thompson
After more than two decades on the show, Thompson has appeared in more SNL episodes than anyone else. His ability to elevate almost any sketch has made him a favorite across multiple generations of viewers.
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Norm Macdonald
Macdonald’s dry delivery and unmistakable timing gave Weekend Update a personality unlike any other era. His style influenced countless comedians who followed.
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Jan Hooks
Hooks brought remarkable range to every episode, moving effortlessly between celebrity impressions and original characters. Fellow cast members have often described her as one of the show’s most underrated performers.
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Tina Fey
Although best known as Weekend Update anchor and later head writer, Fey also became one of the defining faces of SNL during the 2000s. Her sharp writing and memorable Sarah Palin impression helped shape an entire era of the show.
The post 15 People Share Which SNL Cast Member is Their Favorite of All Time appeared first on Den of Geek.
