People Break Down The Absolute Best SNL Cast Members Of All-Time

Repertory cast members from earlier seasons get a shout-out.

Known For Eugene–The Anal Retentive Chef

"Quite possible! It's Phil Hartman."

– Jaoxpax

The Larry King And Burt Reynolds Impersonator

"Idk about the best, but Norm McDonald was always my favorite."

– Burgerpocolypse

Memorable Sketch

"Norm did a skit where he played a police sketch artist who wasn't any good at eyes or hair so everybody had a giant hat and sunglasses. It was a rip on the Unabomber sketch with the hood, bandana and glasses. It was so dry and hilarious."

– tuenthe463

Best Weekend Update Host

"Norm was by far the best weekend update. No question. Seth Meyers and Tina Fey were second. I'm a big fan of Michael Che because I've been following him since he was doing stand-up. Who else? Dennis Miller, meh. Collin Quinn, I like the guy but he wasn't my favorite weekend update by a long shot. Norm was the perfect person for that gig."

– arcaneresistance

The "Beverly Hills Cop" Star

"Eddie Murphy. He carried the show when he was on it, and it probably would have been cancelled if he wasn’t there to do so."

– ovid10

Iconic Characters

"Seconding! Murphy was at a career peak during his time with the show, and his characters - Gumby, Mr. Robinson, Buckwheat - were iconic."

– Brilliant_Tourist400

The Church Lady

"Dana Carvey was incredible in his time."

– Iwannascream2

The 2000s boasted these greats.

Now Starring In "Barry"

"Bill Hader"

"I dont really watch a lot of SNL so my knowledge is limited. He just always appeared to be having a really good time on the show and he's one of the ones who could make me laugh sometimes."

– adios-b*tchachos

The Giggles

"I loved it when he’d get the giggles at something he was going to say and he couldn’t deliver it because of his laughter. That was as good as the joke."

– opossumonmyporch

Love To The Ladies

"Gotta send love to my ladies, it’s Tina Fey for me. Amy Poehler is also a goddess but I don’t remember her as much until Parks and Rec. Also Kenan Thompson? He had such a long run!"

– __nothankyou__

Kiss Me, Kate

"Kate McKinnon. She is the most versatile cast member of modern times."

– Guest8782

Longtime Cast Member

"Gotta give some love to Kenan. He is often the center and driver of the sketches. So consistent and has been there so long now."

– Naes422

No one made me crack up harder than the great comedy legend, Gilda Radner.

In 1975, the SNL alum was one of the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players"–the freshman cast of the show's first season.

A character of hers I'll never forget was the know-it-all Weekend Update advice expert, Roseanne Roseannadanna. YouTube clips of her hilarious turn as the wacky consumer affairs reporter show her comedic timing and delivery brilliance.

Unfortunately, Radner left us too soon in 1989 having died from ovarian cancer. She was 42.