For over fifty years, the best SNL cast members have made Saturday Night Live the iconic show it is today.

During last year’s SNL 50th anniversary, it was great to see so many guests and cameo appearances. Steve Martin had an incredible opening monologue, seeing Seth Meyers at the Weekend Update desk was a real treat, and as nice as it was to see Bill Murray, I hate to say, he’s not looking so great these days.

Watching the Saturday Night Live family on stage at the end got me thinking: who are the best SNL cast members over the past 50 years? The newest season will be here before you know it, so let’s take a trip down memory lane and recall the greats from the show’s legendary run.

Chris Farley

There is only one Chris Farley. His charisma and personality burst through our television screens and into our homes, making him a breakout success on SNL.

No one, with the exception of maybe Molly Shannon, matched him when it came to physical comedy. For me, whenever I’m thinking of the best SNL cast members throughout the show’s run, the conversation starts with him.

Molly Shannon

Speaking of Molly Shannon, her appearance on SNL 50 proves she’s still a master at her craft, even if she may have forgotten her lines during the Domingo sketch.

Like Farley, Shannon was at her best during physical comedy, most notably with her Mary Katherine Gallagher character.

Gilda Radner

What is there to say about Gilda Radner that hasn’t been said before? As one of the original cast members, her character work stands the test of time.

Her legacy on Saturday Night Live influenced countless comedians, even today.

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Dan Aykroyd

Aykroyd wasn’t a part of SNL 50, but his impact was felt during montages and Bill Murray’s Weekend Update host rankings.

From co-hosting the weekly news segment with Jane Curtin to his memorable characters, most notably The Coneheads, Aykroyd is as legendary as they come.

Bill Hader

Another former SNL star who didn’t appear at SNL 50, Bill Hader’s lasting impact is undoubtedly his Stefon character.

Hader’s ability to commit to his characters is second to none; he lost himself in whatever role he played, no matter how poorly a sketch was received.

Norm McDonald

Everyone knew that Norm would top Murray’s list of Weekend Update hosts.

McDonald’s delivery was more than just deadpan delivery and non-sequiturs. He was never afraid to hold back, even if it would cost him his job.

Eddie Murphy

Seeing Eddie Murphy perform as Tracy Morgan on Black Jeopardy reminded me of just how good he was as an SNL cast member.

His career has fallen off as of late, which makes it hard for some to remember just how talented as a comedian he is. I was pleasantly surprised to see him appear in several sketches throughout the night.

Will Ferrell

Ferrell’s strength as an SNL cast member comes from his incredible range of characters. Everyone knows him as Alex Trebek or Harey Carrey, but his range arguably surpasses Dana Carvey’s.

It was a treat to see him return as Robert Goulet during The Lawrence Welk Show, and his interactions with Kristen Wiig were delightful.

Kristen Wiig

Speaking of Wiig, her Target Lady character was missed, though Dooneese and her tiny hands were a fantastic way to start the show.

She helped fill a void on the show during the 2000s, which ironically became apparent after Ferrell’s departure.

Phil Hartman

The loss of Phil Hartman remains devastating to this day.

For nearly a decade, Hartman was a part of the SNL cast, playing over 70 characters, giving each one of them his all as he made us laugh every week.

He was nicknamed “glue” due to his ability to hold together every sketch he was in. I’ll always have that soft spot for Farley, but in the eyes of many, Hartman tops their lists of best SNL cast members.

Amy Poehler

It’s hard not to lump Poehler alongside Tina Fey, but I firmly believe that Poehler is the superior cast member.

From playing a wide range of characters to her stint as Weekend Update host, Poehler provided much-needed stability with the cast.

Andy Samberg

Samberg has enjoyed immense success on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and as a member of The Lonely Island, and he owes it all to his tenure on SNL.

He’s best known for working on the SNL Digital Shorts, which, thanks to their combination of comedy and catchy songs, helped revitalize them.

It’s always a treat when the best SNL cast members make a return to the show, and Samberg’s recent return to SNL Digital Shorts has been a treat.

Kate McKinnon

Mckinnon’s strengths have always lied in her ability to play characters.

She hasn’t seen breakout success yet in Hollywood, though I’d argue she was easily the best part of the Ghostbusters reboot. Don’t be surprised if she finds a solid role on television in the near future, or maybe she gets her own vehicle, ala Bill Hader with Barry.

John Belushi

You can’t deny how big a star Belushi was. Those who have never seen him are missing out, and I can’t help but wonder what could have been.

My first introduction to Belushi on SNL was from my father when she showed me the Cheeseburger sketch. From there, it was a deep dive through his catalog, which made me realize that stars don’t shine brighter than John Belushi.

Adam Sandler

Few SNL cast members are as talented as Sandler.

Yes, it seems weird to say that given his filmography, particularly recently, but Sandler was able to showcase his wide range of talents (Opera Man, anytime he sang, The Denise Show) on a regular basis.

Chevy Chase

You thought we’d forget about Chevy, didn’t you? However you feel about him today, it’s impossible to talk about the best SNL cast members without briging up Chevy Chase.

Although he only appeared in one season, his impact helped ensure Saturday Night Live remained on the air 50 years later. His confidence also made him the perfect anchor for Weekend Update.

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