Top 10 Saturday Night Live Cast Members Of the Modern Era

First up on our list of top Saturday Night Live cast members is Amy Poehler. Initially appearing on the SNL scene in 2001, Poehler quickly became one of the show’s secret weapons. Whether portraying Hillary Clinton or channeling sugar-rush energy as hyperactive Kaitlin, Poehler had a knack for making every character unforgettable.

But it was behind the “Weekend Update” desk that Poehler truly showed off her comedy skills. Teamed up with Tina Fey and later Seth Meyers, her quick wit kept the audience coming back weekly. Overall, her seven-year run on the show helped introduce audiences to a new era of girl-power comedy on SNL.

Another one of the top 10 Saturday Night Live cast members was Rachel Dratch. Hitting the SNL stage in ’99, Dratch quickly became known for one of her most iconic characters, Debbie Downer.

Debbie was miserable but ready with an endless supply of depressing facts and that iconic “wah wah” sound effect. The first time this sketch aired, it was comedy gold. As Debbie’s doom and gloom escalated, the entire cast lost it. Like full-on, tears, can’t-catch-your-breath laughter. But Dratch wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. She also gave us the Boston teen Denise, who was always hanging with her “boyfriend” Sully.

What made Dratch special was her ability to turn complete chaos into comedy gold. When a sketch went off the rails, she made it the main event with her weird and unforgettable commentary and jokes.

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Next up on our list, we’ve got the digital short mastermind himself, Andy Samberg. With his Lonely Island pals, Samberg revolutionized SNL’s pre-taped bits. Their rap about cupcakes and The Chronicles of Narnia in “Lazy Sunday” cracked up audiences and helped put YouTube on the map.

In the live shows, he was best known for his rhymes as Blizzard Man or nailing a Nicolas Cage impression. Then, there were the songs. You may remember “D*** in a Box,” “I’m on a Boat,” “I Just Had Sex,” or even “Threw It On The Ground.” These comedy songs were instant hits, getting stuck in audiences’ heads for weeks.

Definitely not too bad for a guy who started out goofing around with his childhood friends, right?

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Another one of the top 10 Saturday Night Live cast members is Kenan Thompson. Joining the SNL cast in 2003, Thompson has become the longest-running cast member in the show’s history... and for good reason. His journey to SNL stardom began on Nickelodeon’s All That and Kenan & Kel, where he showed off his comedy skills and versatility on TV.

What sets Thompson apart is his reliability and adaptability, which are both very important as a comedian. Whether portraying the host Diondre Cole in “What Up With That?” or delivering spot-on impressions of Steve Harvey and Al Sharpton, Thompson consistently brought the laughs.

His expressive face and perfectly timed eye rolls often stole the sketch, even when he wasn’t the main focus. From his early days as a child actor to his record-breaking tenure on SNL, Kenan Thompson has proven time and again that he was truly born for comedy on TV.

Another standout among the top 10 Saturday Night Live cast members from before the modern era was Gilda Radner. As one of the show’s original cast members in 1975, Radner helped define SNL’s early voice with her wacky characters and unique comedy.

Roseanne Roseannadanna, Emily Litella, and Lisa Loopner became household names thanks to Radner’s iconic performances. She’d also belt off-key as punk rocker Candy Slice or host imaginary TV shows for her stuffed animals as Judy Miller, arguably one of her funniest, always committing 100% to the bit.

Up next on our list is Kate McKinnon, who joined SNL in 2012 and quickly became one of its standout performers for her mix of oddball characters and spot-on impressions.

Probably best known for her impressions, her take on Hillary Clinton captured the awkward ambition of the ex-candidate. But she wasn’t just about mimicry. Her original characters, like the alien abductee Ms. Rafferty, were also fan favorites.

In the end, what set McKinnon apart was her commitment to the bit. She brought an energy that lifted every sketch she was in. Her ability to crack up fellow cast members became legendary, turning even the shakiest sketches into memorable moments. By the time she left in 2022, McKinnon had cemented her place as an SNL great.

Chris Farley‘s time on SNL was short but unforgettable, leaving a lasting mark on the show’s history. Joining the cast in 1990, Farley quickly became known for his larger-than-life personality and physical comedy.

What set the Wisconsin boy apart was his unique childlike enthusiasm. He played a Chippendales dancer, among other iconic roles, throwing himself into each and every one. His willingness to look foolish or take falls for a laugh was unmatched, often leaving his other castmates struggling to keep straight faces.

Beyond the TV screen, Farley was beloved by his fellow cast members for his genuine warmth and generosity. His tragic death in 1997 cut short his promising career, but his influence on comedy still remains strong to this day.

Next, Kristen Wiig, who joined the cast in 2005, also had to make our list of Saturday Night Live cast members.

During her seven-year run, she created countless memorable characters that fans still quote today. Whether playing the overly competitive Penelope or the super excited Target Lady, Wiig knew how to take a quirky personality trait and crank it up to 11. Her celebrity impressions were pretty great, too.

Wiig could truly make you laugh without saying a word. Just a look or an awkward pause was enough to get the audience laughing. By the time she left SNL in 2012, Wiig had undoubtedly earned her place as one of SNL’s best.

Another one of the top 10 Saturday Night Live cast members of the modern era was Will Ferrell. His time on the show from 1995 to 2002 was nothing short of iconic. In just seven years, he churned out more memorable characters and quotable lines than most comics manage in a lifetime.

From the get-go, Ferrell’s comedic range was apparent. One minute, he’d be screaming as one of the Spartan Cheerleaders, and the next, he’d be mumbling through a George W. Bush impression. Totally fearless on camera, Ferrell never shied away from looking silly. In many scenes, he’d strip down to his underwear or fumble through hilariously awkward scenarios.

Ultimately, by the time Hollywood snatched him up in 2002, Ferrell had already secured his spot in the SNL Hall of Fame.

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Capping our list of the top Saturday Night Live cast members of the modern era, we could not forget Tina Fey‘s impact on SNL. Initially joining the writing staff in 1997, she became the show’s first female head writer in 1999.

Though her writing duties limited her screen time, Fey made every one of her appearances count. Her sharp wit was clearly seen in the “Weekend Update“, where she delivered commentary with a perfect mix of charm and sarcasm. She also nailed impressions of everyone from Sarah Palin to Barbara Bush.

Even after leaving the show in 2006, we still see Fey’s influence on SNL. Her ability to blend smart social commentary with classic humor set a new standard for the show. It’s no wonder Lorne Michaels himself has mentioned her name as a potential successor– Fey has proven she has the skills and comedic talent to lead SNL into its next era.