As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I love theater/acting. I’m always on the prowl for a good play/sitcom to watch. I love drama, comedy, and actors who pour their guts into a role. What better place to find all three of these than Saturday Night Live? I started watching SNL in 7th grade. I have a vivid memory of watching Zach Galifianakis in a red M&M suit defend himself in a candy store and several other bizarre, unhinged moments in the show. This show has some very funny cast members. Now, I’m not too quick to pick favorites because I’m sure every cast member there is super talented. I’ve heard that it’s difficult to audition for SNL, let alone secure a spot. But I can’t imagine what this show would be like without the influence of five people I will be fangirling about today.
Kenan Thompson:
Kenan Thompson has been a cast member at SNL for a very long time. Like seriously, they should pay him tribute by photoshopping a picture of his face on the SNL logo. He is THE OG cast member, and I can totally understand why Lorne (the exec) has kept him on air for so long. He presents himself so naturally. You can really tell that he just reads the script, practices one time and then catches on immediately. I haven’t seen any actor exude the energy that Kenan does. It’s unique and genuinely funny. Also, Kenan has the funniest resting face I’ve ever seen. It looks like he’s about to burst out laughing at any moment. I’ve probably watched every skit that he was in.
Cecily Strong:
Cecily Strong is one of the OG goats of SNL. I think she came onto the show in 2012. What really stands out to me about her is that she can play any character. I know actors get this compliment a lot, but I really mean it when I say she can play ANY character. I’ve seen her play a cashier, a crazy neighbor, a gold digger, a kid, a mom, an old lady, etc. She has a very wide acting range, and it’s so enjoyable and thrilling to watch her on the stage/tv. I can really see why so many actors admire her. She’s easily one of the funniest members on the show. If you want a good laugh, you should go watch the QVC skit with her and Kristen Wiig!
Bill Hader:
Bill Hader came onto SNL a little bit before the cast members mentioned above him. He started the show in 2005 and left around 2013, so he didn’t get the chance to do a lot of sketches with the other actors mentioned above him. But that doesn’t matter because he stands out all on his own. Bill Hader is an amazing actor, and I commend him for all his moves/shows aside from SNL. But what draws me to him the most is his voice. He has such an eloquent and captivating tone. He plays the role of a sardonic game show host perfectly. He’s another one of those dramatically funny actors, and he matches SNL’s vibe so well.
Kristen Wiig:
Kristen Wiig joined the cast of SNL in 2005. She easily established herself as one of the funniest people there. She is such a talented person. I feel like I’ve called everyone in this blog talented, but I feel there is no other way to describe how impressive her acting is. I’m convinced that Kristen Wiig has lived the life of every character she has played because the way she disappears into the role is unbelievable. Most of her characters are bizarre and outlandish, but she makes them memorable with the way she portrays them. I can’t imagine how dull the show would have been if she never came on air.
Aidy Bryant:
Aidy Bryant joined the show in 2012. She is another actor with a very wide acting range. I love to see her play confident/slightly arrogant characters because she steps into that role really well. She has a lot of control over her tone, and she stands out because of it. Aidy has so many funny skits on SNL, and I can really see her acting in her own sitcom or movie.
Don’t forget Maya Rudolph she kills every role
these are all so valid. i’ve watched SNL since i was a baby- it’s something my dad especially grew up on, and he’s infected me and my sibling with his love for it. i feel most nostalgia around the 2000-2010s holiday episodes, especially the thanksgiving sketches. i also love any episode with john mulaney. this is making me want to rewatch the episodes i grew up with.
These are all hilarious and amazing actors. I love watching SNL, and so many skits just have my heart.
Girl, I did not know you liked SNL like this! I’ve always loved things like Adult Swim and SNL, but because I was so young, I didn’t know who any of the actors were! It’s great to finally pair a name with the faces I’m so familiar with!
BILL HADER IS MY GOAT OMGGGGGG