Tag: humor

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 13 – Gilda Radner

With Chevy Chase having clocked in at #14, we move to another SNL original cast member in 13th and that’s Gilda Radner. An Emmy winner for her work on the show, the Second City alum was an early breakout in 1975 with characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna, Emily Litella, Judy Miller, and Lisa Loopner (one half of The Nerds alongside Bill Murray).

She was also known for an impression of Barbara Walters (or Baba Wawa) and made us laugh and smile dancing alongside Steve Martin. With a mix of vulnerability and plain hilarity, she would influence many a Not Ready for Prime Time Player to follow. #12 will be up soon!

Gilda Radner

Years on the Show: 1975-80

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 16 – Martin Short

Comedy fans are currently enjoying Mr. Martin Short solving crimes alongside Steve Martin in Only Murders in the Building, but 40 years ago he was killing it at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. As I discussed in my post featuring Billy Crystal, the 1984-85 was marked by established performers like Crystal and Christopher Guest joining SNL for one special season. No one stood taller that year than Short.

The Canadian performer who would also turn into one of the greatest talk show guests of all time already had sketch experience. From 1982-83, Short excelled on his native country’s SCTV. On SNL, he would bring several of his creations to New York City including the manic spiky haired Ed Grimley and constantly nerve wracked defense attorney Nathan Thurm. There’s also Vegas singer Jackie Rogers Jr. Short’s on point impressions included Jerry Lewis and Katherine Hepburn.

His finest moments on SNL might have been the taped bit “Synchronized Swimming” which is criminally unavailable on YouTube. Short may have only shined on SNL for one year, but I must say his contribution was significant enough to place him high on this list. I’ll throw in some terrific clips on when he returned to host as well and #15 will be up soon!

Martin Short

Years on the Show: 1984-85