Top SNL Stars Who Made It Big
Sudeikis started his own comedy troupe in his early 20s before moving on to this legendary improvisational comedy company in Chicago. In addition to starring on "Saturday Night Live," he has hit the big screen with "Semi-Pro," "Hall Pass" and now "Horrible Bosses."
This well-known actor spent just one season on "SNL" before heading to Hollywood to make movies. "Caddyshack" and multiple "National Lampoon" films launched his successful film career, and he has spent the last few years starring in "Community" on NBC.
Samberg was a hit from the moment he joined "SNL" in 2005, but it was his short films that really made him stand out. His "SNL digital shorts" like "Shy Ronnie" are now part of most shows. Check out his flourishing movie career.
The pregnant star was the queen of "Weekend Update" on "SNL," hosting the popular segment first with Jimmy Fallon and then Amy Poehler. Although she left the show in 2006 to write and star in "30 Rock," Fey's made recurring appearances as Sarah Palin.
Myers knew he wanted a career in comedy. After spending time in England in his 20s, he moved to Chicago and joined this legendary improv troupe, where he was noticed by "SNL" producer Lorne Michaels. Next came "Wayne's World" and "Austin Powers," and the rest is history!
One of the biggest stars to emerge from "SNL" in recent years, Wiig just starred in the hit film "Bridesmaids". Some of her most-loved "SNL" characters include Target Lady, Gilly and her impersonations of Nancy Pelosi, Suze Orman and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Sandler got hired by "SNL" as a writer in 1990 and joined the cast a few years later. His performance of "Lunch Lady Land" really got him noticed, and he soon made the switch to movies, starring in "Billy Madison," "Happy Gilmore" and "The Waterboy."
This future star was in his sophomore year at this college when he got kicked out. After a stint at Chicago's Second City, he joined "SNL" in 1976 to replace this major star. The two united in a 1980 classic film, which catapulted Murray into superstardom.
Carvey moved to Los Angeles in his mid-20s to try his hand at acting. After some smaller TV roles, he joined "SNL" and was an instant hit as "Church Lady," "Hans" and "Grumpy Old Man." He got even more notice when he paired up with a fellow cast member for a big screen version of a popular sketch.
The "Parks and Recreation" star spent seven years on "SNL," wowing audiences with her impersonations of Avril Lavigne, Kelly Ripa and Sharon Osbourne. She paired up with Tina Fey to form the first two-woman "Weekend Update" team and soon launched a successful film career.
This actor was one of the original "SNL" cast members, along with his famous friend. The two starred in "The Blues Brothers" together, and Aykroyd went on to star in many more films.
Another original cast member, Curtin wowed fans with "Mrs. Lupner," "Prymaat Conehead" and as an anchor on "Weekend Update". She went on to star in a few TV shows, including this funny one from the '90s.
A huge hit on "SNL" as motivational speaker Matt Foley and a Chippendales dancer, Farley launched a successful movie career with "Tommy Boy" and "Black Sheep" with another funny cast member. Tragically, he died from a drug overdose when he was just 33.
A more recent member of the "SNL" cast, Hader has gone on to star in a number of films, including "Superbad," "Knocked Up" and "Tropic Thunder."
One of the most successful stars to come out of "SNL," Ferrell made many laugh as a cowbell musician and male cheerleader. His illustrious film career includes "Elf," "Old School" and "Anchorman." Ferrell took an unusual break from comedy in his most recent film.
The "Bridesmaids" star was a hit on six seasons of "SNL," with characters like girl group member Britannica and Donatella Versace. Rudolph went on to star in "A Prairie Home Companion" and "Grown Ups."
Belushi was a big hit on "SNL," as in his "Blues Brothers" skits with Dan Aykroyd. He went on to star in a number of films, such as this raucous classic, before his death at just 33.
The actor and comedian started out doing standup, getting noticed at this famous New York comedy club before joining the show in 1980. His popularity there led to a very successful film career.
Playing one of the best-loved "SNL" characters of all time, Catholic school girl Mary Katherine Gallagher, Shannon went on to star in a number of films, including "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and "Evan Almighty."
Although she was on "SNL" for only one year, Cusack has made quite a name for herself as a supporting actress, appearing in several memorable films, such as "Say Anything," "Sixteen Candles" and "High Fidelity".
This stand-up comic got his big break when he joined "SNL" in 1990. He's been in many films, including "Grown Ups", and TV shows.
This "SNL" alum got his start with a Los Angeles comedy group before joining the show in 1986. Best known for his Bill Clinton and Frank Sinatra impressions, he went on to star in a hit TV show before a tragic event in 1998.
Many fell in love with Radner's wacky "Roseanne Roseannadanna" character. Gilda went on to star in several films but was diagnosed with a fatal disease in 1986 at the age of 40.
Chris Farley's comrade Spade joined "SNL" in the '90s and went on to star in "Tommy Boy" and "Black Sheep" with Farley before making the switch to TV with "Just Shoot Me".
Dratch joined the "SNL" cast in 1999 and was a huge hit with her character "Debbie Downer". Dratch got a number of small film roles after gaining recognition on the sketch comedy show.
Source:specials.msn
