Top 5 SNL Cast Members

 Zeke H. Bennett's 

Top 5 SNL Cast Members

As of September 2024 there have been a total of 167 featured cast members on SNL. How could it be possible to pick a top 5? To tell you the truth, it's not; but, we all have our favorites! Picking favorites depends on the era of SNL you grew up with, the star of the show at that time, and the sketches you've watched and rewatched for years. 

Saturday Night, directed by: Jason Reitman comes out nationally on October 11th, but will be running in New York, LA, and Toronto starting on September 27th. So this list is to honor a film that I have been so excited to see. Personally, I'm a HUGE Saturday Night Live fan, it's really one of my main dream jobs. I grew up with the 2010s era and that's going to be very clear with this list. Let's dive into it!

Top 5 SNL Cast Members:

5. Cecily Strong (2012-2022)

Cecily Strong has always been a cast member that I've been drawn to. Her characters always shine through the screen. In my opinion, she's incredibly underrated; however, the longest tenured female cast member in SNL history EASILY makes my personal Top 5.

4. Chris Farley (1990-1995)

You can't have a top ANYTHING list for Saturday Night Live and not have Chris Farley. This is the guy who first introduced me to Saturday Night Live. I would watch highlights of his from sketches to talk shows religiously. For someone trying to make a name for himself in comedy, Farley is a huge inspiration to me.

3. Bill Hader (2005-2013)

I would say that Bill Hader is probably the greatest impressionist to ever grace the Studio 8H Stage. The things that this man can do to completely embody the people he's portraying has always been mind-blowing. I'm someone who has VERY few good impressions, so when I see Bill Hader knock Alan Alda, Al Pacino, and of course Lorne Michaels, my jaw is left on the floor. (Also Barry is like, my 3rd favorite Tv Show of all time)

2. Amy Poehler (2001-2008)

It's hard to separate Amy Poehler from Tina Fey, but for this list I had to pick one and it's always been Amy for me. Not only does she commit 110% to every character she plays, but she also somehow brings the audience along on that commitment. Poehler is a master at managing how much of the character is for her to play and how much of the character is for the audience to observe and enjoy. She did it for years on SNL and has continued that energy in other projects like Parks & Rec and Inside Out.

1. Fred Armisen (2002-2013)

This little guy will always and forever be my favorite SNL Cast Member of ALL-TIME! HE'S MY GOAT! Everything that Fred Armisen touches turns to pure, solid gold. From The Californians to playing the saxophone in What's Up With That to I Am Your Mother, Armisen nails every character thrown his way. There's a reason he spent 11 years of his life on the show and there's a reason he was featured in so many sketches; if you have Fred, it's gonna be a hit. Plain and Simple.

Agree or Disagree? Who did I miss? Let me know in the comments!

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Thanks for Sitting on the Sidelines with me!

Zeke H. Bennett