Category: Saturday Night Live

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: A Prelude

SNL just began its 50th season and a grand televised celebration is anticipated this spring. I have been a huge follower of the iconic sketch comedy show my whole life. That includes devouring books about its history and memoirs from former cast members.

To mark its half century in existence, I have decided to make a list of my top 50 cast members in the show’s history. Let’s establish an important ground rule. This list covers each member’s time on the show only and not what they did before or after. There’s obvious examples of Not Ready for Prime Time Players who had terrific careers following their stints (some of them short-lived) on Saturday Night Live. Robert Downey, Jr. and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Ben Stiller and Damon Wayans. Chris Rock and Christopher Guest. You won’t find them in my top 50, but they’ve certainly had incredible contributions to film, TV, and stand-up.

I wrote down 70 performers of the 167 total cast members and whittled it down to 50. Not all original members from 1975 made the cut (apologies to Laraine Newman and Garrett Morris). There are current cast members who almost made it like Mikey Day, Ego Nwodim, and James Austin Johnson. In between there were those I struggled to leave off like Beck Bennett, Nora Dunn, Leslie Jones, Chris Kattan, Taran Killam, Tim Meadows, Kyle Mooney, Joe Piscopo, and Rob Schneider. There were a couple that were just never quite my cup of tea… Jim Breuer and Jon Lovitz.

Despite the tough subtractions, the forthcoming list is a treasure trove of talented comedic performers who have kept the show running for half a century. These posts will be a countdown from 50 to 1 (yep, 50 posts) that’ll run through the course of the 50th season. Stay tuned!

Top 25 SNL Alumni Performances: Numbers 5-1

The list of my personal top 25 cinematic performances from the many alumni at Saturday Night Live reaches the top 5 today! If you missed my previous entries covering numbers 25-6, you can find them all at the following links:

Top 25 SNL Alumni Movie Performances: Numbers 25-21

Top 25 SNL Alumni Movie Performances: Numbers 20-16

Top 25 SNL Alumni Performances: Numbers 15-11

Top 25 SNL Alumni Performances: Numbers 10-6

Let’s get to my overall favorites, shall we?

5. Chevy Chase, National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

Chase’s finest and funniest work belongs to his doofus dad role as Clark Griswold in this classic that spawned three sequels, including the cherished Christmas Vacation. This is one of the pictures that can be rewatched endlessly and much of that is due to Chase’s signature performance.

4. Mike Myers, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

Myers successfully translated his SNL character Wayne Campbell to the silver screen in 1992’s blockbuster Wayne’s World alongside his costar Dana Carvey (who nearly made the list for his work in that film). Yet the most hilarious work from Myers comes here as both the title character and (especially) nemesis Dr. Evil. Two sequels would give Myers an opportunity to play even more deliriously over the top parts.

3. Will Ferrell, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

After the back to back hits of Old School and Elf, Ferrell developed his most iconic character with his arrogant and clueless news anchor. Anchorman has deservedly became an all-time comedy classic.

2. Eddie Murphy, Coming to America (1988)

Let’s face it – this list could have been dominated by Eddie. I had Trading Places and The Nutty Professor in the top 25, but could have included 48 Hrs., Beverly Hills Cop, Bowfinger, Shrek, Dreamgirls, or Dolemite Is My Name as well. However, my personal favorite is this 1988 humorous fairy tale when Murphy was at the peak of his power. This is the first pic that gave him the opportunity to portray multiple characters and he certainly makes the most of it.

1. Bill Murray, Groundhog Day (1993)

Just as with Murphy, many movies from Murray could have made the cut. You already saw Ghostbusters and Lost in Translation on here and other contenders included Caddyshack, Scrooged, What About Bob?, Kingpin, Rushmore, and Zombieland. Overall, I go with Groundhog Day as his finest hour and #1 on the whole list. Simply put, I find Groundhog Day to be perfection and the quintessential vehicle for its versatile star.

And there you have it, folks! It’s been fun putting together the list and I hope you enjoyed reading it…

Top 25 SNL Alumni Performances: Numbers 10-6

We have reached the top ten in my personal favorite performances from the dozens of Saturday Night Live alumni. Today’s list covers numbers 10-6 and if you missed my previous editions, you may find them here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/06/21/top-25-snl-alumni-movie-performances-numbers-25-21/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/06/22/top-25-snl-alumni-movie-performances-numbers-20-16/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/06/24/top-25-snl-alumni-performances-numbers-15-11/

Let’s get to it!

10. Randy Quaid, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Ahhh, Cousin Eddie. One of the funniest supporting characters in film history with Quaid’s performance as the black sheep of the Griswald family. He was great in Vacation as well, but his work in the Yuletide classic gets the nod. Quaid only appeared in one ill-fated season of the show from 1985-86.

9. Kristin Wiig, Bridesmaids (2011)

Wiig is one of the greatest SNL performers period and her first starring role was a blockbuster showcase for her immense talents. Her costar Maya Rudolph deserves a shout out for her performance as well.

8. Eddie Murphy, The Nutty Professor (1996)

Beyond his terrific work as Sherman Klump and Buddy Love, this update of the Jerry Lewis tale also finds the versatile star hilariously playing nearly every member of the Klump clan under Rick Baker’s amazing makeup work. This was deservedly a major comeback vehicle for Murphy.

7. Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man (2008)

People tend to forget that Downey was a cast member in the forgettable 1985-86 season that Quaid was a part of. There’s other performances that I could have included here (including other Avengers work), but I’ll give his first appearance in his signature role the attention it warrants.

6. John Belushi, National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)

This is the first breakout role for a SNL cast member and it’s absolutely one of the best with Belushi’s iconic performance as John Blutarsky (or Bluto). You can still find his photo chugging Jack Daniels in many a college dorm across the country.

We will reach the top 5 in short order! Stat tuned…

Top 25 SNL Alumni Performances: Numbers 15-11

My top 25 personal favorite cinematic performances by the alumni of Saturday Night Live continues with part 3 covering numbers 15-11! If you missed the first two posts, you can find them right here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/06/21/top-25-snl-alumni-movie-performances-numbers-25-21/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/06/22/top-25-snl-alumni-movie-performances-numbers-20-16/

Let’s get to it!

15. Dan Aykroyd & John Belushi, The Blues Brothers (1980)

This is the first spin-off movie from the show and it’s certainly one of the best. Aykroyd and Belushi sold out stadiums with their musical act and their car chase friendly comedy was a major box office success as they embarked on their mission from God.

14. Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems (2019)

Now is the time to address what many might consider to be oversights on the list. This is the only Sandler entry. That’s right – no Billy Madison or Happy Gilmore or The Wedding Singer or any of his other blockbusters. While I certainly admire some of his work in those features, my Sandler preferences lie with his rare dramatic work. I could have given the nod to 2002’s Punch-Drunk Love, but last year’s Gems absolutely floored me and I believe it represents his best performance yet on the big screen.

13. Bill Murray, Lost in Translation (2003)

Speaking of comedic actors doing less humorous work, Murray nabbed his only Oscar nomination here. The Sofia Coppola directed critically acclaimed pic perfectly pairs its star with Scarlett Johansson and is further evidence of just how versatile Murray is. And he’s not done on this list…

12. Chevy Chase, Caddyshack (1980)

Be the ball.

At his best, no one pulls off smarmy charm better than Mr. Chase. I could have gone with Fletch as the selection, but he’s at his smarmy peak in this now revered classic.

11. Christopher Guest, Waiting for Guffman (1997)

Guest was only on SNL for one season alongside Billy Crystal and Martin Short. He had already starred in the fantastic mockumentary This is Spinal Tap, which set the standard for that type of film. Guest would go on to direct his own treasured pics in the genre including Best in Show and A Mighty Wind. As far as his own performances, my favorite is his dedicated community theater director Corky St. Clair.

We’ll get to the top ten in short order! Until then…

Top 25 SNL Alumni Movie Performances: Numbers 20-16

My list of the top 25 personal favorite big screen performances by Saturday Night Live alumni brings us to the second post encompassing numbers 20-16. If you missed part one of the series, you can find it right here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2020/06/21/top-25-snl-alumni-movie-performances-numbers-25-21/

Today’s list brings us three performers that we will see again in future editions as we move up the chart as well as a versatile and twice Oscar nominated actress and a star that we lost just as his film career was blossoming.

Let’s get to it!

20. Chris Farley, Tommy Boy (1995)

The boundless energy of Mr. Farley was certainly best encapsulated in his first major starring role alongside fellow cast member David Spade. His follow-up comedies Black Sheep, Beverly Hills Ninja, and Almost Heroes didn’t nearly match the quality of what we witnessed here. Farley’s 1997 death will always leave us wondering how his cinematic trajectory would have gone.

19. Joan Cusack, School of Rock (2003)

Cusack only was on SNL for one highly forgettable season (1985-86). However, her career has been a triumph of mostly supporting roles since. She earned Oscar nods for both Working Girl and In & Out, but my personal favorite is the uptight principal trying to reign in Jack Black’s substitute teacher here.

18. Bill Murray, Ghostbusters (1984)

Murray’s first appearance on the list is from this quintessential 80s landmark feature that shows him at his smarmy and often charming best. Ghostbusters solidified his leading man status and was a preview of more amazing work to come.

17. Will Ferrell, Elf (2003)

Ferrell has perfected portraying both the lovable doofus and the arrogant doofus. His performance as Buddy the Elf is the former and probably the best example in this already beloved Christmas classic.

16. Eddie Murphy, Trading Places (1983)

It it hard to name a more amazing one-two-three start to a movie career than Murphy’s with 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop. I could have chosen any of them , but Places has always been my slight favorite in the trio. Spoiler alert: Eddie is not done on this list.

And there you have it! I’ll be back with numbers 15-11 in short order…

Top 25 SNL Alumni Movie Performances: Numbers 25-21

It’s time for another list on this here blog of mine and Saturday Night Live has been on the mind lately. With The King of Staten Island garnering solid reviews and serving as a launching pad for the film career of current cast member Pete Davidson, I’ve decided to compile my own personal list of top 25 performances from the 45 years of SNL alumni.

And this is sure to be a list where many moviegoers would have their own choices that do not reflect my own. Obviously SNL has a rich history of performers that have made the transition to the big screen and there are lots of notable comedic (and some dramatic) highlights.

A couple of notes before we start with numbers 25-21:

  • There are couple well-known actors that I chose to leave on the cutting room floor due to their very brief tenures on the show. Ben Stiller was a cast member for only 4 episodes and Laurie Metcalf was a not ready for prime time player for exactly 1 show. That didn’t seem like enough to include them. In short, if you lasted a season or more on SNL, you are eligible.
  • This list is undeniably dominated by men. That’s just a fact. On the other hand, if I did a list that included TV (which I may after this), you would certainly see a more substantial presence of former female performers. Think Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and their acclaimed small screen work.
  • We have a couple of cinematic legends like Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray and I could have chosen plenty of their roles for inclusion. I tried to limit that, but you will see them make quite an impact in the top 25.

And with that, let’s get to the list!

25. Jan Hooks, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985)

OK, maybe this is cheating a little bit since Ms. Hooks (who was brilliant on SNL) gets about three minutes of screen time in Tim Burton’s team-up with Paul Reubens for his iconic character. Yet her work as the cheery tour guide with the southern drawl is so memorable that I couldn’t leave it off. Six words: “There’s no basement at the Alamo!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYfjq3ZYZbA

24. Bill Hader, It Chapter Two (2019)

Hader has been one of the most versatile cast members in recent times and has had memorable film roles in Superbad and Trainwreck, among others. I include this horror sequel because he was the undeniable bright spot in an otherwise inferior sequel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Z1iGzNNzJw

23. Will Forte, MacGruber (2010)

Count me in as one of the ardent defenders of this SNL spin-off featuring Forte doing a feature length version of his idiotic MacGyver like role. MacGruber was a box office flop upon release but has since turned into a deserved cult classic (with a rumored sequel happening).

22. Tina Fey, Mean Girls (2004)

Before her fantastic work on 30 Rock, Fey wrote this hit comedy that has spawned a massive following and a Broadway musical. Her work as a teacher here served as a springboard to an impressive TV and movie career.

21. Billy Crystal, When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

Crystal has certainly had his share of hits, but I’ll give the nod to his romantic leading man role opposite Meg Ryan in Rob Reiner’s blockbuster.

That does it for now, folks! I’ll continue the list with numbers 20-16 in short order…

50 Best Saturday Night Live Celebrity Impersonations: Part Five

Well, here we are! 40 entries have been posted on the blog and that leaves…

The Top Ten

Let me simply state that compiling this list was not easy and it was especially hard to decide what impressions made the final cut and especially the Top Ten. This just goes to show the rich history of SNL and its amazing performers. And now a confession: a particular entry was written down on my master list and somehow I didn’t circle the name for inclusion on the list. Good news is: the impression would probably be right where I’m listing it… so we’ll call #10 1/2. Without further adieu, here’s my personal Top Ten (and a half):

10 1/2: Will Ferrell as James Lipton

Ferrell’s classic take on the “Inside the Actors Studio” host comes complete with Lipton’s heightened sense of himself and the overly “actor-y” pompousness. And you can’t beat the huge stack of blue note cards.

10. Jimmy Fallon as Barry Gibb

The future “Tonight Show” host and the great Justin Timberlake gave us one of the best series of sketches in the SNL cannon. Fallon’s portrayal as Barry Gibb as a character who loses his s**t if someone says the wrong thing is unforgettable.

9. Dana Carvey as President George H.W. Bush

Carvey’s take on Bush 41 isn’t going for accuracy, but instead the terrific Carvey goes way over-the-top in hilarious fashion. Wouldn’t be prudent… not at this juncture! Not gonna do it!

<div style=”font-size:12px;”><a href=”http://www.metacafe.com/watch/400999/dana_carvey_as_bush/”>Dana Carvey As Bush</a> – <a href=”http://www.metacafe.com/”>Click here for more free videos</a></div>

8. Will Ferrell as Harry Caray

Hey!!! Cubs win!!! Ferrell’s impression of the legendary sports announcer is side splitting fun and totally bizarre in the best way.

7. Darrell Hammond as Vice President Al Gore

Had Al Gore won the 2000 election, Darrell Hammond’s spot-on impersonation might rank even higher because we would’ve seen more of it. Still, this is one of the greatest impressions in SNL history. Lock box.

6. Darrell Hammond as President Bill Clinton

Hammond strikes again in the political world. Phil Hartman’s take on Bubba ranked high as well, but the edge goes to Hammond’s take, which got the 42nd President’s mannerisms down to a tee.

5. Dana Carvey as Ross Perot

As much I love his Bush impression, Carvey’s Ross Perot is even more genius. The 1992 debate with Carvey playing Bush and Perot, alongside Hartman’s Clinton, is one of the top sketches period.

4. Eddie Murphy as James Brown

A perfect impression per usual from Murphy, but his James Brown ranks highest due to the Hot Tub sketch… a Top Ten SNL skit.

3. Fred Armisen as Governor David Paterson

Inappropriate. Edgy. And also absolutely tears streaming down your face uproarious. Armisen boldly made his impression about the ex-New York Governor’s blindness. And damn it was funny.

2. Will Ferrell as President George W. Bush

Ferrell’s impression of the #43 is so legendary that he did a full Broadway show as Dubya. No matter what side of the political fence you’re on, his impersonation is the top Presidential entry in a show full of wonderful ones.

1. Tina Fey as Sarah Palin

No other impression became the cultural phenomenon than Fey’s take on the 2008 Vice-Presidential contender. As soon as Governor Palin burst onto the scene in fall 2008, everyone knew it would be Tina doing her on SNL. Expectations were high and Fey came through and then some. When all is said and done, very few historical write-ups about Palin won’t mention Tina. And for that… Tina Fey’s Palin earns the #1 spot.

And there you have it! 50 terrific SNL celebrity impersonations from the most important comedy show ever.

50 Best Saturday Night Live Celebrity Impersonations: Part Four

It’s getting more difficult! We’ve reached the Top 20 of the Top 50 best SNL cast member celebrity impressions. Here are numbers 20-11 before we reach the Top Ten in part five of this five-part series:

20. Martin Short as Katherine Hepburn

Marty Short is a comedic genius and his one season on SNL was a wonderful one. His Kate Hepburn is probably my favorite of many.

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/digital-shorts/video/kate-and-ali/1351153/

19. Phil Hartman as Phil Donahue

Hartman’s take on the daytime talk show host was spot-on and also had the advantage of being in a brilliant sketch. It’s worth noting that Darrell Hammond also did a great Donahue years later.

18. Phil Hartman as President Ronald Reagan

The Hartman love continues with the performer’s clever take on Reagan. When he was in public, he was the affable, soft-spoken leader we all know. Behind the scenes – he was a tyrant. “Back to work!!!”

17. Eddie Murphy as Little Richard Simmons

This impression makes it high on the list due to the genius notion of combining Richard Simmons and Little Richard into one character in a hilarious sketch.

16. Will Ferrell as Janet Reno

“It’s Reno time!” Ferrell killed it with his macho take on Clinton’s Attorney General.

15. Phil Hartman as Frank Sinatra

Joe Piscopo had a nice take on the Chairman of the Board as well, but it’s the master Phil Hartman whose Sinatra is SNL’s best.

14. Dana Carvey as John McLaughlin

“Issue 2!!!” Carvey nailed roundtable show host McLaughlin in a series of fabulous sketches.

13. Phil Hartman as President Bill Clinton

The scene with Hartman playing the President in McDonald’s talking to regular people is one of the best SNL sketches ever and it cements Hartman’s Slick Willie as a high placer on the list. We may not be finished with the 42nd President however…

12. Dana Carvey as Johnny Carson

Carvey’s uncanny impression of the late night legend gave us a series of laugh out loud sketches.

11. Darrell Hammond as Sean Connery

Hammond’s exaggerated take on the original Bond came as part of the Jeopardy sketches that are among the best in the program’s long history.

And there you have it… we have ten entries left! Stay tuned for the Top Ten coming to the blog page very soon…

50 Best Saturday Night Live Celebrity Impersonations: Part Three

Part Three of my favorite SNL cast member celebrity impressions covers numbers 30-21 as we get closer to the cream of the crop. Here we go:

30. Martin Short as Jerry Lewis

The incredibly talented Short was only on SNL for one season, but he certainly made the most of it. His Jerry Lewis is terrific.

29. John Belushi as Elizabeth Taylor

Belushi isn’t really remembered for impressions, even though he did a wicked Liz Taylor, as well as an accurate Joe Cocker.

28. Will Ferrell as Robert Goulet

Ferrell’s makes his debut on the list with his totally bizarre take on Robert Goulet.

27. Dan Aykroyd as President Jimmy Carter

Aykroyd’s Carter marks the first but not the last Presidential impersonation on the list. His Carter was pretty spot-on. The original cast member also did a memorable sketch where he played chef Julia Child. Darrell Hammond would also play Carter in a funny Barry Gibb sketch alongside Fallon and Timberlake.

26. Bill Hader as James Carville

Hader is leaving SNL after eight years and I believe he’s been the best thing about the show for a while. A great impressionist, his Carville is a masterpiece.

25. Dana Carvey as Regis Philbin

“I’m outta control!!!” Carvey’s Regis isn’t much more exaggerated than the actual subject and it’s a trip.

24. Kristin Wiig as Kathie Lee Gifford

Speaking of Regis, how about Kristin Wiig’s boozed up and wonderful take on Kathie Lee Gifford’s “Today” show hosting duties?

23. Billy Crystal as Sammy Davis Jr.

Like Martin Short, Crystal was only on for one season. His Sammy Davis Jr. is fabulous.

22. Chevy Chase as President Gerald Ford

Ford was the sitting POTUS when SNL debuted and original cast member Chase got the assignment. He made no attempt to look like Ford, instead hilariously focusing on the President’s clumsiness. This is the first, but not last example of an SNL portrayal affecting public perception of the leader of the free world.

21. Eddie Murphy as Stevie Wonder

Murphy’s debut on the list is one of many uncanny impressions the superstar can do. His Stevie is unforgettable.

Stay tuned for Part Four and numbers 20-11!

50 Best Saturday Night Live Celebrity Impersonations: Part Two

Continuing on with my personal favorite “Saturday Night Live” cast member celebrity impressions, I now bring part two and #s 40-31:

40. Andy Samberg as Mark Wahlberg

Known more for his digital shorts like “Dick in a Box”, Samberg also unleashed a killer Marky Mark impression that had him communicating with a chicken. “Say hi to your mutha for me”.

39. Cheri Oteri as Barbara Walters

Oteri’s take on “The View” host was a riot as she constantly name dropped celebrities and world leaders.

http://www.zimbio.com/watch/kwqyzAD-ZwF/Walters+Lewinsky+Cold+Opening/Saturday+Night+Live

38. Dana Carvey as Charles Grodin

Carvey’s first and far from last appearance on the list. The master impressionist’s take on actor-writer Grodin was hilarious.

37. Chris Farley as Tom Arnold

Victoria Jackson did a nice Roseanne impersonation, but it was the late, great Farley that was the highlight with his manic and accurate portrayal of Roseanne’s ex-hubby.

36. Maya Rudolph as Whitney Houston

Rudolph nailed Houston’s flaky and drugged out personality to a tee, often running out of breath after singing only a couple lines of her best-known hits. Rudolph’s Oprah Winfrey impression also merits consideration on the list, but her Whitney won out.

35. Norm MacDonald as David Letterman

Joe Piscopo did a good Letterman as well, but it’s Norm who gave the best Dave impression. MacDonald had fun with Dave’s habit of repeating jokes and Chris Kattan also provided funny moments as Paul Schaffer. Norm’s Burt Reynolds and Larry King also were considered for the list.

34. Ana Gasteyer as Martha Stewart

It didn’t hurt that Gasteyer kinda looked like Stewart, but her impression was much more than that. Her Martha Stewart take was often bizarre but always hilarious. One sketch had Martha addressing her audience topless.

33. Taran Killam as Brad Pitt

With Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Jason Sudeikis leaving the show, I believe Killam is poised to be the show’s new breakout star. He’s done Brad Pitt a couple times on the show and his accuracy impersonating the actor is uncanny.

32. Phil Hartman as Ed McMahon

“You are correct, sir!” Hartman’s appearance has the performer brilliantly serving as sidekick to Carvey’s Carson.

31. Dana Carvey as Tom Brokaw

The spot-on impression that we expect from Carvey, his Brokaw also happened to belong in an uproarious sketch where the anchor is taping announcements for future broadcasts. This includes Gerald Ford being killed by a pack of wolves and Brokaw coming out of the closet.

And there’s Part Two, my friends. Check back soon for the third installment covering numbers 30-21!