The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 4 – Dana Carvey

During SNL’s currently airing 50th season, viewers have been reminded of the brilliance of Dana Carvey in the form of his President Biden impersonation. To fans of the show, this is no surprise considering Carvey has been giving us unforgettable takes on political figures and others for nearly 40 years in studio 8H. The best known example was President George H.W. Bush during his tenure in office. However, the considerable list of Carvey impressions includes Ross Perot, Johnny Carson, Woody Allen, Jimmy Stewart, Regis Philbin, Paul McCartney, Casey Kasem, Tom Brokaw, Ted Koppel, and Charles Grodin.

In a cast that included heavy hitters like Phil Hartman, Mike Myers, and Jan Hooks, Carvey turned into the headliner. Original creations included Church Lady, Hans from Hans and Franz, Massive Headwound Harry, the Grumpy Old Man, and his Garth to Mike Myers’ Wayne Campbell from the “Wayne’s World” sketches. They would, of course, turn into one of SNL’s most successful transitions to the silver screen in 1992.

Carvey would leave the next year but has returned numerous times in the 30 years after to provide more highlights. #3 will be up soon!

Dana Carvey

Years on the Show: 1986-93

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 7 – Phil Hartman

The ultimate utility player in a golden age on the show, Phil Hartman’s eight years were filled with terrific impressions and delightfully oddball original characters. His comedic bonafides are undeniable. A Groundlings alum, he co-wrote Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure before joining SNL and would later provide iconic voices on The Simpsons.

Hartman excelled at impersonating two Presidents (Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton) and one First Lady (Barbara Bush). His bit as Clinton visiting McDonald’s is rightfully considered one of the all-timers. A Reagan sketch where he’s shown to be the man behind the curtain unlike his reputation is also a classic. Other memorable impressions include Frank Sinatra, Phil Donahue, Charlton Heston, Johnny Cash, Andy Griffith, and Ed McMahon’s to Dana Carvey’s Johnny Carson. That’s merely skimming the surface.

Fresh creations included Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and Eugene, the Anal Retentive Chef. Hartman was a genuine glue guy on SNL who was often the highlight among many talented costars. #6 will be up soon!

Phil Hartman

Years on the Show: 1986-94

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 15 – Darrell Hammond

Darrell Hammond might be the best all-around impressionist in the history of SNL and that’s why he kicks off the top 15 of my personal favorite cast members. When he left in 2009, he did so as the longest tenured performer ever at 14 seasons. The record has since been surpassed by Kenan Thompson though Hammond continues to serve as the show’s announcer. Fun fact: he filled in for long-time announcer Don Pardo when that legend fell ill. No one knew the difference.

It’s worth noting that Phil Hartman has yet to appear on this list so you can safely assume that’s still coming. Yet I would argue that Hammond’s Bill Clinton and Phil Donahue managed to edge Hartman’s. Both were brilliant takes on the POTUS and daytime talk show host. It certainly didn’t stop there with Hammond embodying Al Gore (in legendary cold opens opposite Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush), John McCain, Dick Cheney, Donald Trump, Regis Philbin, Ted Koppel, and Chris Matthews to name a few.

And then, of course, there’s his filthy Sean Connery tormenting Ferrell’s Alex Trebek on “Celebrity Jeopardy”. When it comes to impersonations, Hammond is untouchable. #14 will be up soon!

Darrell Hammond

Years on the Show: 1995-2009

The Top 50 SNL Cast Members of All Time: Number 41 – Kevin Nealon

When Kevin Nealon departed Saturday Night Live back in 1995, his nine seasons marked the longest tenure on the show up to that point. That record has since been obliterated thanks to Kenan Thompson and others, but Nealon’s lengthy stint on SNL was fruitful.

Whether as Franz of Hans (Dana Carvey) and Franz fame or Mr. Subliminal or Bob Waltman (his clever take on Barbara Walters), Nealon had plenty of humorous moments in a cast era full of all-stars. Carvey, Phil Hartman, and others from the mid 80s to mid 90s will be seen later, but Nealon deserves to make the cut. While his time anchoring Weekend Update couldn’t match some others, his comedic timing is impeccable. On a side note, he’s one of the funniest talk show guests in the medium. Do yourself a favor and search “Kevin Nealon You Got a Minute”. #40 will be posted soon!

Kevin Nealon

Years on the Show: 1986-1995