Eddie Murphy is widely regarded as the most famous member to have emerged from Saturday Night Live.
Eddie Murphy's transformative tenure on Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s catapulted him to international fame and significantly revitalized the show during a critical period. His dynamic performances and creation of memorable characters solidified his status as an iconic figure in comedy and entertainment.
The Impact of Eddie Murphy
Murphy joined SNL when he was just 19 years old and quickly became a standout star. His ability to embody a diverse range of characters, from the curmudgeonly Gumby to the endearing Mr. Robinson and the hilariously indecipherable Buckwheat, resonated deeply with audiences. His sharp wit, charismatic stage presence, and groundbreaking sketches helped redefine the show's comedic landscape.
Beyond his SNL contributions, Murphy achieved massive success in Hollywood as an actor, writer, and producer. He starred in a string of highly successful films that include:
- Beverly Hills Cop
- Coming to America
- The Nutty Professor (1996)
- Shrek (as the voice of Donkey)
His unparalleled success in both sketch comedy and mainstream cinema firmly cemented his legacy as one of the most famous and influential comedians of his generation.
Other Iconic SNL Cast Members
While Eddie Murphy often tops lists due to his profound cultural impact and widespread fame, Saturday Night Live has served as a pivotal launching pad for numerous other legendary comedians and actors. These individuals have each left an indelible mark on the show's history and gone on to achieve remarkable careers.
Below is a look at some of the highly celebrated SNL cast members, recognized for their significant contributions to the show and their subsequent work:
| Rank | SNL Cast Member | Notable SNL Characters/Contributions | Key Post-SNL Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eddie Murphy | Gumby, Mr. Robinson, Buckwheat | Actor, Writer, Producer; The Nutty Professor, Beverly Hills Cop |
| 2 | John Belushi | Samurai Futaba, Jake Blues (The Blues Brothers) | Actor, Writer; Animal House, The Blues Brothers |
| 3 | Dan Aykroyd | Beldar Conehead, Elwood Blues (The Blues Brothers) | Writer, Actor; Ghostbusters, The Blues Brothers |
| 4 | Will Ferrell | George W. Bush, Ron Burgundy (Anchorman) | Producer, Actor; Anchorman, Elf |
| 5 | Phil Hartman | Frank Sinatra, Bill Clinton, Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer | Actor, Writer; The Simpsons, NewsRadio |
| 6 | Bill Murray | Nick the Lounge Singer, Todd DiLaMuca (Mr. Bill show) | Actor, Writer; Caddyshack, Groundhog Day |
| 7 | Tina Fey | Sarah Palin, Weekend Update anchor | Writer, Actress, Producer; 30 Rock, Mean Girls |
| 8 | Chris Farley | Matt Foley (motivational speaker), Lunch Lady | Actor, Stunts; Tommy Boy, Black Sheep |
This diverse group of talent underscores SNL's enduring legacy as a breeding ground for comedic brilliance, with Eddie Murphy frequently recognized as its most prominent alumnus.
