The name of Chris Farley is synonymous with “Saturday Night Live.” Farley helped usher in an entirely new generation of steadfast and iconic “Saturday Night Live” stars, affectionately nicknamed the “Bad Boys of SNL.” As bad as it can get with Rob Schneider in your ranks, we guess.
Farley hit the mark with each and every sketch and used his larger-than-life, over-the-top exaggerations and antics to deliver immortal “Saturday Night Live” characters. Farley broke out into acting roles, being the lead in movies such as “Tommy Boy.” But he heartbreakingly passed away at the age of thirty-three after a long battle with substance abuse.
Bill Murray
Imagine being there when David Letterman said his first words as a host on “Late Night With David Letterman” and being there when Letterman said his very last words upon retiring his talk show host status. Bill Murray was the guest of honor as both the first and last guest on Letterman’s show.
With the departure of notorious Chevy Chase, Murray becomes a full-time cast member on the second season of "Saturday Night Live." The jester established his trademark deadpan delivery during three successful seasons and went on to become one of the most in-demand actors on the entire planet.
Kenan Thompson
Kenan Thompson holds the champion’s belt for "Saturday Night Live" alumni. The iconic actor has starred in twenty seasons of the show! The only other actor who even comes close to Thompson’s achievement is Darrell Hammond, who managed to rack up an impressive fourteen seasons.
Thompson’s congenial nature and unparalleled work ethic are credited with helping keep cast members together as a team. Thompson has also weathered all sorts of "Saturday Night Live" upheavals, politics, and disasters. The comic actor is most recognized for his physical comedy and impressions which he has delivered flawlessly for over two decades. Of course, Thompson is also one half of the comedy duo Kenan and Kel.
Dana Carvey
Dana Carvey is the undisputed king of impersonations. You would have to do a double-take when watching or listening to his sketches to make sure it was not the actual person being parodied! Carvey picked up the reins from Martin Short’s time on the show and was instrumental in keeping it from plummeting into a primetime black hole.
Carvey spared no political or famous figure in his nine-season run with the show. Carvey was one of the few "Saturday Night Live" alumni to receive an Emmy award. And nowadays, Carvey can be found hosting his podcast “Fly On The Wall.”
Kristen Wiig
A last-minute suggestion from Kristen Wiig’s agent may have made all the difference to the world of comedy. Wiig, finding success with improv acting, had applied for a spot on "Saturday Night Live’s" competition “MadTV.”
Her agent, realizing her potential, urged Wiig to apply for a spot on Saturday Night Live and she was so successful, even as a newcomer, that she was kept on even after some serious rebudgeting. "Saturday Night Live" opened all the doors for Wiig and she is now a truly formidable force as a writer, actor, and director on both the small and big screen.