The best SNL cast members were most certainly ready for primetime.
For 50 years,SNLhas helped shape culture.
That rotating collection of so-called not ready for prime time players has definedSNLs legacy.
Some went on to superstardom while others simply moved on.
Each is often remembered for what they did that one Saturday night.
Today we celebrate theSaturday Night Liveplayers by looking at the bestSNLcast members ever.
Otherwise, youd have to argue for names like Robert Downey Jr., and nobody associates RDJ withSNLs greatness.
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But from 1985 to 1990, Lovitz was one ofSNLs most reliable players.
Cecily Strong
You could argue that Strong is one of the most versatile and therefore often underratedSNLcast members ever.
Mike Myers
Myers is a weird one.
For that matter, Myers biggest movies are arguably more culturally significant than the bulk of hisSNLsketches.
Eventhe original Waynes World sketches have been overshadowed by the movies at this point.
Yet, Rudolph always found ways to shine.
Hes a vital part of the shows evolution and continued relevance.
Kenan Thompson
Kenan Thompsons incredible 22-year run as aSaturday Night Livecast member will never be replicated.
Kristen Wiig
Kristen Wiig is a comedic miracle.
Dana Carvey
Carvey is one of those your favorite comedians favorite comedian kind of performers.
than an asterisk on his own legacy.
Farley is about as beloved as anSNLcast member can be.
But Feys work in the writers room makes her anSNLlegend.
Radner is undoubtedly one of the most influential female comedians in television history.
Shes more than that, though.
John Belushi
The aforementioned inspiration for the great Chris Farley wasexactly whatSaturday Night Liveneeded out of the gate.
Still, those earlySNLepisodes remain the most generous examples of the genius that made Belushi synonymous with comedy.
Mostly, though, Hartman elevated even the very best.
As his career evolves, people confess that they didnt know he had his latest accomplishment in him.
Eddie Murphy
You have to believe that Eddie Murphy would have eventually become a star no matter what.
WhenSNLappeared to be dead in the cultural waters, Murphys unmissable comedic power made it must-see TV.
Presence is worth a lot in comedy, and however you define it, Will Ferrell has it.
