Everyone has to get their start somewhere, and for comedians and actors looking to get their foot in the door of the entertainment industry, Saturday Night Live is the best place to go. Throughout Saturday Night Live’s 50 years on television, so many big stars have come from the show. There have been so many stars to come out of the show that it’s easy to forget just how many successful stars they’ve made.
Robert Downey Jr.
Not many people remember that Robert Downey Jr. was actually a cast member on Saturday Night Live at just 20 years old. He made America laugh in 1985, but only for one single season. He was known for his impressions of Elvis, George Michael, and John Mellencamp. Being on SNL really showed off what Robert Downey Jr. could do, which ultimately catapulted him to stardom.
Julia Louis Dreyfus
Julia Louis Dreyfus might be a hugely successful actress now, but like everyone else, she had to get her big break somewhere. She made her big Saturday Night Live debut in 1982, where she made us laugh every Saturday until 1985. It’s clear that SNL loved her, as she was also asked to come back and host three times. She was known for her characters like Becky, Darla, and Consuela.
Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller is another celebrity who used to be on Saturday Night Live, but there’s a reason why many of us might not remember his very short time on the show. He made his debut on March 25, 1989, but he unfortunately only lasted four episodes. In an interview with Howard Stern, Ben Stiller explained that he originally joined SNL because he wanted to make short films. However, he realized he would be doing more live sketches and didn’t like doing them because he would get too nervous. As a result, he quit after four episodes.
Sarah Silverman
We all know Sarah Silverman for being a hilarious comedian, so it only made sense that she would get her shot on Saturday Night Live. Sarah appeared on the 19th season of the show, between 1993 and 1994, as both a writer and a cast member. Although she was only on for one season, she was most known for her impressions of Cher, Joan Rivers, and Marisa Tomei. Of course, we know that Sarah went on to have a very successful career as a comedian.
Gilbert Gottfried
The late, great, Gilbert Gottfried is most known as an actor, comedian, and for his obnoxiously loud voice, but many forget he was on SNL for one season back in 1980. While he appeared in a total of 12 episodes, he was barely featured and had very small roles in the sketches he was in. He hated not being able to truly perform, and it affected him greatly. Unfortunately, when Dick Ebersol took over as producer before the end of that season, Gilber was fired from the show.
Laurie Metcalf
Despite being a successful actress today, Laurie Metcalf had one of the shortest stints for an actress in Saturday Night Live history. She made her big debut back in 1981, on the April 11th episode. For her only appearance on the show, she was in a pre-taped part for Weekend Update. Despite having such a small role, she still went on to have her own successful career.
Rob Riggle
Funnyman Rob Riggle was also once a featured cast member on SNL, and first made his big debut at the beginning of the 2004 season. Although he left the show after only one season, he did leave an impact on the show as he was known for his impressions of Toby Keith, Larry the Cable Guy, and Mark McGwire. Like many others, Rob used the show to help him kick off his career, and it really did help him do so.
Damon Wayans
Damon Wayans wears many hats: he’s an actor, comedian, producer, and writer. With all of those titles under his belt, it only makes sense that one of his first gigs was on Saturday Night Live. He was only on the show for a single season from 1985 to 1986 as a featured performer. SNL helped kick off his career as he went on to be a performer and writer on the hit show In Living Color.
Martin Short
Funnyman Martin Short made his mark on Saturday Night Live from 1984 to 1985 for the show’s tenth season. We know Martin is hilarious, and he’s known for creating the characters Jiminy Glick and Ed Grimly. He’s also known for some iconic impressions, such as Mick Jagger, Robin Williams, Paul Simon, and Jerry Lewis. Even after leaving the show, he’s gone on to host a total of five times.
Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal is hilarious, and it only makes sense since he once thrived on Saturday Night Live. One thing that sets him apart from the rest, though? Back in 1984, he actually hosted the show twice before he became a cast member that fall. For the tenth season from 1984 to 1985, he was on the show playing many memorable characters like Willie and Fernando, and doing great impressions of Prince and John F. Kennedy.
With all of these famous celebrities getting their start on SNL with just a few episodes, it makes you think… who’s been on the longest? That title belongs to none other than the very successful and talented Kenan Thompson, who’s been on the show for a whopping 22 seasons!
