Since the fall of 2024,Saturday Night Livehas been celebrated for being on air for fifty years.Created by Lorne Michaels, the late-night live sketch comedy show originated in 1975 and has had numerous cast members, special guest stars, popular hosts, and musical performers, delivering a blend of pop culture and political satire.MemorableSNLsketchesinclude “More Cowbell” and “Blues Brothers.”
Saturday Night Livehas been celebrated in specialdocumentaries, includingSNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, depicting the show’s history, andLadies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music, a feature exploring musical performances.The celebration will continue this weekend with a special airing of the very first episode ofSNLthis Saturday, leading toSNL50: The Anniversary Specialon Sunday. Here’s a sneak peek of who will be part of Sunday’s celebration.
Returning SNL Cast Members
Saturday Night Livehas had memorable cast members, including John Belushi,Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler. Nearly everyone who’s been part of the show has started their career onSNLand become actors and writers on TV and film projects. Here are theSNLveterans returning to celebrate the show’s remarkable run on Sunday.
Adam Sandler
Before starring in successful comedic films likeBilly MadisonandHappy Gilmore, Adam Sandler was a writer and cast member onSaturday Night Livefrom 1990 to 1995. Two of his funniestSNLcharacters include Opera Man and Cajun Man, along with performing “The Chanukah Song” and “Happy Thanksgiving.”
Amy Poehler
A part of the five-timers club, Amy Poehler was a cast member from 2001 to 2008. She’s well-known for her impressions, which include Hillary Clinton, Rosie O’Donnell, Dolly Parton, and Britney Spears. Amy was also a co-anchor ofSNL’s Weekend Update segment (now hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che)alongside Tina Fey and Seth Meyers.
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Andy Samberg
Before playing the lead in the hit police sitcomBrooklyn Nine-Nine,Andy Samberg was anSNLcast memberfrom 2005 to 2012. He is best known for popularizing theSNLDigital Shorts, including the first, “Lazy Sunday.”
Chevy Chase
As one of the first cast members ofSNL, Chevy Chase did impressions of Gerald Ford, Leonard Nimoy, and Ronald Reagan, to name a few. He was also the first anchor of “Weekend Update.” Despite only being on the show for the first season in 1975, he’d go on to star in comedies, including theNational Lampoon’s Vacationfilms.
Chris Rock
After working as a stand-up comic and starring in minor film roles, Chris Rock was anSNLcast member from 1990 to 1993. He was largely influenced by Eddie Murphy, who he impersonated, and starred alongside his friends Adam Sandler and Chris Farley.
Eddie Murphy
Before starring in films likeBeverly Hills Copand48 Hrs.,Eddie Murphy rose to stardom onSNL. He was a cast member from 1980 to 1984. He’s done several impressions, including Michael Jackson and James Brown, and is well-known for “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood.”
Fred Armisen
Armisen was a cast member for eleven years onSNL, from 2002 to 2013. He was the third longest-running tenured cast member at the time, behind Seth Meyers and Darrell Hammond. He appeared in 856 sketches, the second most of anyone. His notable impressions include Barack Obama and Howie Mandel.
Garrett Morris
A comedian who was part of the original cast ofSNLfrom 1975 to 1980. One of Morris' best-known characters was the Dominican baseball player Chico Escuela. Morris also impersonated James Brown, Alex Haley, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Richard Pryor, to name a few.
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Jane Curtin
Curtin was a member of the originalSNLcast from 1975 to 1980. She would play characters who were frustrated by the wacky antics of her castmates like John Belushi and Gilda Radnor. She was also co-anchor of the “Weekend Update” segment.
Jason Sudeikis
Before his star-making turn as the title character of the hit showTed Lasso, Sudeikis was anSNLcast member from 2005 to 2013. He’s well-known for his impressions of Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Lance Armstrong.
Jimmy Fallon
Fallon was a part of theSNLcast from 1998 to 2004. He was the co-anchor of “Weekend Update” alongside Tina Fey and did impressions of Adam Sandler, Barry Gibb, and Jerry Seinfeld. He also did holiday songs reminiscent of Sandler’s. He would go on to hostLate NightandThe Tonight Show.
Kate McKinnon
From 2012 to 2022, Kate McKinnon was a part of theSNLcast. She’s best known for her characters like Colleen Rafferty, Miss Finley, and Olya Povlatsky. She also did several impressions, including Justin Bieber, Lindsey Graham, Hillary Clinton, and Kellyanne Conway.
Kenan Thompson
As the longest-running cast member inSNLhistory, Kenan Thompson has been part of the show since 2003. He’s done numerous impressions, including Al Sharpton, Charles Barkley, Steve Harvey, Tyler Perry, and David Ortiz, and is well-known for skits like “What’s Up With That.”
Kristen Wiig
Another member of the five-timers club, Kristen Wiig was anSNLcast member from 2005 to 2012. Her most popular impressions include Jamie Lee Curtis and Kathie Lee Gifford. Her greatest characters include Target Lady, Aunt Linda, and a member of “The Californians.”
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Laraine Newman
A member of the originalSNLcast from 1975 to 1980,Laraine Newmanplayed memorable characters like Christy Christina, Sister Serena, and one of the Coneheads. She also impersonated Katharine Hepburn, Olivia Newton-John, and Margaret Trudeau, to name a few.
Martin Short
TheOnly Murders In The Buildingstar was anSNLcast member in season 10 from 1984 to 1985, and has hosted five times. His notable impressions include Jerry Lewis, Larry David, and Mick Jagger.
Maya Rudolph
AnSNLcast member from 2000 to 2007,Maya Rudolph recently returned toSNLas Vice President Kamala Harris. She’s also known for her impressions of Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Donatella Versace, and Michelle Obama.
Molly Shannon
From 1995 to 2001, Molly Shannon was anSNLcast member who portrayed several memorable characters, including Katherine Gallagher, Sally O’Malley, Jeannie Darcy, and Circe Nightshade. She also impersonated many celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Anna Nicole Smith, and Madonna.
Pete Davidson
From 2014 to 2022,Pete Davidson was a part of theSNLcast and was known to play himself during several “Weekend Update” segments. His memorable impressions include Machine Gun Kelly, Adam Sandler, Eminem, Joe Biden, and Post Malone, as well as characters like Chad and Jared Schleff.
Seth Meyers
Before his tenure onLate Night, Seth Meyers was anSNLcast member from 2001 to 2014. He was the anchor of “Weekend Update” alongside Amy Poehler and Cecily Strong, and is known for impressions of Anderson Cooper, Brian Williams, and Ryan Seacrest.
Tina Fey
From 2000 to 2006, Tina Fey was a cast member ofSNLwho co-anchored “Weekend Update” alongside Jimmy Fallon and Amy Poehler. She’s also known for her impressions of Sarah Palin, Paris Hilton, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Brittney Murphy.
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Tracy Morgan
As anSNLcast member from 1996 to 2003, Tracy Morgan was recognized for portraying characters like Brian Fellow, Astronaut Jones, and Benny the Bengal. His notable impressions include Aretha Franklin, Busta Rhymes, Maya Angelou, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Will Ferrell
From 1995 to 2002,Will Ferrell was anSNLcast memberwho took part in several memorable sketches, including “More Cowbell” and “Celebrity Jeopardy.” His notable impressions include Alex Trebek, Neil Diamond, Larry King, and George W. Bush.
Will Forte
As anSNLcast member from 2002 to 2010, Will Forte is best known for his characters like MacGruber, The Falconer, Tim Calhoun, and Greg Stink. His best impressions include Jack White, Carson Daly, Bruce Springsteen, Mitch McConnell, and Lorne Michaels.
Celebrity Special Guests
Celebrity guests onSaturday Night Livehave hosted and/or made special appearances to promote their film or TV projects. Many of them have become beloved stars. Some are included in the five-timers club, including Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Drew Barrymore, to name a few big names who’ve hosted five or more times. These are the special celebrity guests set to appear in the fiftieth anniversary special.
Adam Driver
Known for portraying Kylo Ren in hisStar Warssequel trilogy, and starring in films likeSilenceandLogan Lucky, Adam Driver has hostedSNLfour times, in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023. He played Kylo Ren and impersonated Cris Collinsworth on the show.
Ayo Edebiri
Known for her breakout role inThe Bear, Ayo Edebiri hostedSNLonce in February 2024 with musical guest Jennifer Lopez. She proved a game host and there’s little doubt she’ll host it once again before her career is finished.
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Singer Bad Bunny made a cameo onSNLin 2020, performed as musical guest in 2021, and did double-duty as host and musical guest in 2023. He has also been impersonated by Marcello Hernandez.
Dave Chappelle
Stand-up comedian and actorDave Chappelle hostedSNLfour times, in 2016, 2020, 2022, and 2025. His notable characters include Chuck Taylor and Tyrone Biggums, as well as impersonating Lil Jon and Rick James.
John Mulaney
Before hostingSNLsix times and making several cameos,John Mulaney was anSNLwriterfrom 2008 to 2013. He is known for portraying the lawyer/conceptual artist Shy and helped create Bill Hader’s “Weekend Update” character Stefon.
Kim Kardashian
Media personality Kim Kardashian hostedSNLin October 2021 and has been impersonated fourteen times. She also notably kissed eventual ex-boyfriend Pete Davidson during her episode as host during an Aladdin skit.
Miley Cyrus
TheHannah Montanaactress and singer hostedSNLin 2011 and did double duty as host and musical guest in 2013 and 2015. She’s also been the musical guest five other times. Notable impressions include Justin Bieber and Lindsay Lohan.
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Paul McCartney
The Beatles icon has been the musical guest onSNLfour times, in 1980, 1993, 2010, and 2012. He also made a cameo in 2006, and appeared in “Weekend Update” and Digital Short segments. He’s also been impersonated by Bill Murray and Dana Carvey.
Paul Simon
The Simon & Garfunkel singer-songwriter has hostedSNLfour times and performed as a musical guest thirteen times. Paul Simon also memorably performed in a turkey costume during an opening monologue in 1976.
Pedro Pascal
TheGame of Thronesactor hostedSNLin February 2023 and made a cameo in October of the same year. Pascal hosted with musical guests Coldplay and Bad Bunny, and played Claudia Flores in the “Protective Mom” sketches.
Peyton Manning
The NFL quarterback hostedSNLin March 2007, memorably starring in a digital short where he coached and bullied little kids learning to play football. Peyton was also impersonated by Seth Meyers in 2005.
Quinta Brunson
TheAbbott Elementarystar hostedSNLin April 2023 with musical guest Lil Yachty. One of Brunson’s funniest skits was “Traffic Altercation.”
Robert De Niro
Acting icon Robert De Niro hostedSNLthree times, made ten cameos, and was impersonated six times. He also made guest appearances as Robert Mueller from 2018 to 2019.
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Sabrina Carpenter
The “Espresso” singer was the musical guest onSNLin May 2024, the season 49 finale episode hosted by Jake Gyllenhaal. Carpenter performed “Espresso” and a medley of “Feather” and “Nonsense.” She also portrayed Daphne in a “Scooby-Doo” sketch.
Scarlett Johansson
TheLost in TranslationandBlack Widowactress hostedSNLsix times and made eight cameos. She has impersonated Ivanka Trump and Katie Britt, and is married to current “Weekend Update” anchor Colin Jost.
Steve Martin
The iconicSteve Martin hostedSNLsixteen times, spanning from 1976 to 2022, and has made nearly twenty special guest appearances. Steve’s most notable sketches include “Two Wild And Crazy Guys” and “Holiday Wish.”
Tom Hanks
Acting legend Tom Hanks has hostedSNLten times and made eleven cameo appearances. His memorable characters include David S. Pumpkins and Jeff Morrow, and he also had notable impersonations of Chesley Sullenberger and Dean Martin.
Woody Harrelson
The Cheers and White Men Can’t Jump actor has hostedSaturday Night Livefive times and made three cameos. Two of his most notable impressions are Joe Biden and James Taylor.
Source:USA Today
SNL 50: The Anniversary Specialairs Sunday, February 16 at 8 pm, and new episodes ofSaturday Night Liveair Saturdays at 11:30 pm on NBC.
