The Most Famous Cast Members of ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’

On January 19, 2025By Littum

Amy Poehler

snl 50 beyond saturday night documentary cast

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Amy Poehler began his eight-season tenure at SNL back in 2001. After leaving the series in 2008, she went on to star in several films and TV series. People probably also recognize her for producing and starring in the cult NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation from 2008 to 2015.

2

Andy Samberg

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Between 2005 and 2012, people had to watch Andy Samberg appearing in several memorable skits on SNL. After leaving the series, he continued to star as Jake Peralta Brooklyn Nine-Ninewhich achieved critical acclaim and aired for eight seasons.

RELATED: Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Fans, We Have Excellent News For You

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3

Ben Marshall

NBC

Ben Marshall began to write further SNL in 2021, and he’s been on the show ever since. He is part of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy with John Higgins and Martin Herlihyand they participate pre-recorded comedy sketches which is sometimes broadcast in the series.

4

Bill Hader

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On SNL for eight seasons (from 2005 to 2013), fans got to see Bill Hader star as several characters who left a legacy. Famous for portraying Stefon in the series, he has since gone on to star in the hit comedy series Barry and win two Emmy Awards for it.

RELATED: Here’s where to watch and stream ‘Barry’

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5

Billy Crystal

NBC

Cast in only the 10th (1985-1985) season of SNL, Billy Crystal became a household name for starring in When Harry met Sally. He also won six Emmy Awards and a Tony Award for his beloved work in Hollywood, and kids may also recognize him as the voice of Mike Wazowski in Monsters, Inc. franchise.

RELATED: 30 Surprising Movie Facts About ‘When Harry Met Sally’

6

Bobby Moynihan

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From 2008, Bobby Moynihan was a loved one SNL cast for nine seasons. After leaving the show in 2017, he has appeared in several TV and film projects such as Inside Out, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and a current recurring role on NCIS: Origins.

RELATED: What You Need to Know About ‘NCIS: Origins’

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7

Bob Odenkirk

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Bob Odenkirk may be a famous actor now, but he was also a writer on SNL from 1987 to 1991. After a writing stay at Late Night with Conan O’Brien from 1993 to 1994, he later switched to acting. He is probably most famous for portraying Saul Goodman/Jimmy McGill on Breaking Bad and Better call Saul.

8

Bowen Yang

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Bowen Yang done its part SNL debut in 2019, and has remained a cast member since then. Famous for appearing in projects such as Awkwafina is Nora from Queenshe is currently turning heads as Pfannee Evil. Outside of film and TV, he is also a co-host on Las Culturistas podcast with Matt Rogers.

RELATED: The Best ‘Wicked’ Easter Eggs We Caught in the New Movie

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9

Ceara O’Sullivan

IMDB

A writer on SNL since season 48 (as of IMDB), Ceara O’Sullivans work has already earned her two Emmy Award nominations. If you’re wondering what some of her writing looks like, she apparently has it figured out on Instagram that she had a hand in the viral “Domingo” sketch that appeared back in October 2024.

10

Dana Carvey

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Fans may remember Dana Carvey to participate in SNL for seven seasons, from 1986 to 1993. His tenure on the show led to him receiving five Emmy Award nominations, and his character Garth Algar from “Wayne’s World” sketch gave birth to one popular movie and successor in the 1990s.

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11

Fred Armisen

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A cast of SNL for 11 seasons (from 2002 to 2013), Fred Armisen went on to star in projects such as Portlandia, Unstable and Schmigadoon!. He has also been a band leader and a fool Late Night with Seth Meyerswhich often sees him interacting in segments with host and colleague SNL alum Seth Meyers.

12

Griffin Dunne

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13

Jason Sudeikis

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From 2005 to 2013, SNL showed off the comedic chops of Jason Sudeikis. He left the show after nine seasons and received critical acclaim for creating and starring in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso.

RELATED: Will There Be A ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 4?

14

Jim Downey

NBC Universal

Appears on SNL for just one season in 1980, Jim Downey’s employment on the show started back in 1976. He was initially hired as a writer and continued to have one of the longest writing periods in the history of the show. He wrote for over 30 seasons SNL before eventually retiring from the series in 2013.

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15

Jimmy Fallon

NBC

From 1998 to 2004, people got to see Jimmy Fallon in a variety of roles SNL. Initially, he starred in various sketches and later went on to host Weekend update. This kick-started a hosting career for him as he went on to star Late Night with Jimmy Fallon before takes over The Tonight Show in February 2014.

16

John Mulaney

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John Mulaneyis time for SNL started as a writer from 2008 until he left in 2013. He famously created the character Stefon for Bill Haderand his later work in stand-up comedy led him to host SNL six times to date.

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17

Jon Lovitz

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From 1985 to 1990, fans got to see Jon Lovitz as a contributor to SNL. He was nominated for two Emmy Awards for the show, and he later starred in films such as A league of their own, The Benchwarmers and Hotel Transylvania. He also visited Seinfeld, new girl and Hot in Cleveland among other television programs.

18

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

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For three seasons (from 1982 to 1985), fans got to see Julia Louis-Dreyfus flex her comedic chops further SNL. She later went on to gain recognition for playing Elaine Banes on SeinfeldChristine Campbell on The New Adventures of Old Christine and Selina Meyer on Veep.

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19

Keith Raywood

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A production designer on SNL, Keith Raywood has worked on the program since he was hired in 1985. He is also known for collaborating on other television design projects, including Lip Sync Battle, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and 30 Rock.

20

Kenan Thompson

NBC

As the longest lasting SNL cast, viewers have watched with Kenan Thompson on the show since 2003. Fans may remember him from All that and Kenan and Kelbut he also starred in movies like Fat Albert, Good Burger and its film sequel. In addition, he starred in his own sitcom, with Kenan will air for two seasons from 2021 to 2022.

RELATED: Are Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell Still Friends?

As entertainment and news editorial assistant for Good housekeepingAdrianna (she/her) writes about all things TV, film, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a BA in Journalism and a minor in Business Management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomybut when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking up martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.

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