Tina Fey has established herself as one of the 21st century’s preeminent comedic writers and performers by creating 30 Rock, Mean Girls, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The Second City alum’s storied career took flight with nine years as head writer on Saturday Night Live during a fruitful period.
It was partly her sharp writing that turned Weekend Update into a must-watch experience after a dull couple of seasons with Colin Quinn (a talented performer who never nailed the Update desk). Her six seasons as a cast member was mostly at Update with Jimmy Fallon as her cohost and then Amy Poehler. Both pairings spun comedic gold.
Two years after her departure, she would make one of the most triumphant returns in the program’s history when fate gave her Sarah Palin as the VP candidate in 2008. It resulted in gigantic ratings and an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series. There’s simply no doubt that Fey is one of the most important figures in the show’s near half century. She might be on the SNL Mount Rushmore of all contributors when factoring in her behind the scenes contributions. Her on camera work nearly puts her in the top 10 and #11 will be up soon!
Tina Fey
Years on the Show: 2000-06
All My Life... I Wanted To Be A Blogster 