For five decades, Saturday Night Live has been a cultural touchstone, a live wire of comedy reflecting and shaping the zeitgeist. As the show gears up to celebrate its monumental 50th anniversary, the question on every fan's mind isn't just about its longevity, but about the specific, laugh-out-loud, water-cooler moments that have cemented its legendary status. And who better to answer that question than the very people who lived them? The cast members themselves, the fan-favorite comedians who brought characters, impressions, and sheer absurdity to life every Saturday night.
Recently, GQ embarked on an ambitious project, interviewing over 50 past and present SNL cast members – from original greats like Laraine Newman to recent sensations like Ashley Padilla – to capture the show's colossal cultural footprint and their most cherished experiences. Their insights offer a rare, intimate look into the sketches that resonated deepest with the performers themselves, revealing not just hilarious anecdotes but the alchemy behind comedic genius.
At a Glance: What Makes an SNL Moment Unforgettable?
- Audience Connection: The immediate, thunderous roar that validates a performer's vision.
- Creative Freedom: When a sketch allows cast members to truly "be themselves" or explore new comedic territory.
- Ensemble Magic: The spontaneous, unscripted moments of joy and shared laughter among castmates.
- Mastery of the Live Moment: Delivering a peak performance under intense pressure, often improvising or reacting in real-time.
- Character-Defining Brilliance: A sketch that births an iconic character or solidifies a performer's comedic identity.
- The Unpredictable Laughter: Those instances when the cast (and audience) can barely hold it together.
Five Decades of Laughs: A Deep Dive into Cast Members' Top Picks
SNL's history is a tapestry woven with unforgettable characters, cutting-edge satire, and moments of pure, unadulterated silliness. What's fascinating is how often the cast's personal favorites align with fan sentiment, yet sometimes diverge, offering new appreciation for hidden gems. These are the sketches that stood out to the people who made them happen, shared during GQ's extensive interviews.
The Originators & Early Innovators: Setting the Stage for SNL Greatness
The original cast of SNL broke the mold, proving that live sketch comedy could be both intelligent and anarchic. Their favorite moments reveal the nascent energy of a show finding its voice.
Laraine Newman (1975–80): "Beatnik Coffehouse" / "Plato's Cave" with Steve Martin
Newman fondly recalls the "Beatnik Coffehouse" sketch, also known as "Plato’s Cave," featuring host Steve Martin. She lauded its "edgy writing" and the incredible ensemble chemistry. Imagine the scene: Steve Martin as a beat poet, John Belushi as a junkie comedian, Gilda Radner as a feminist waitress, Garrett Morris as a blind blues singer, Dan Aykroyd as a bongo-playing MC, and Newman herself as a modern dancer. It was a perfect storm of talent, capturing the counter-culture zeitgeist with sharp wit. For Newman, it represented the raw, collaborative power of that first revolutionary cast.
Tim Kazurinsky (1980–84): "Dr. Jack Badofsky" or "I Married a Monkey"
Kazurinsky points to his beloved character, "Dr. Jack Badofsky," who would invent ludicrous diseases, as a personal highlight. But he also humorously cites "I Married a Monkey," a sketch he ultimately "stopped doing after the chimpanzee attacked him." This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the wild, unpredictable nature of live television in SNL's early days – the sheer audacity and sometimes, literal danger, of performance.
Joe Piscopo (1980–84): "Solomon and Pudge" with Eddie Murphy
Piscopo's time on SNL was defined by explosive energy, often alongside Eddie Murphy. He describes their improvised 3-6 minute "Solomon and Pudge" segments as "joy beyond your wildest dreams," transcending mere comedy into moments of introspection. These unscripted bits, where two comedic titans played off each other, exemplify the pure, electric synergy that can only happen live, underscoring the magic of collaborative improvisation. He also relished his "SNL Sports guy" character and his iconic Frank Sinatra impressions.
The Powerhouse Performers of the 80s & 90s: Characters That Endured
As SNL moved into its second decade, new stars emerged, crafting characters that would become synonymous with the show and the era.
Jim Belushi (1983–85): "Chess Coach"
While Jim Belushi himself cited "Chess Coach," Jay Mohr (who joined later) clarified it as a filmed piece. In it, Belushi played a frantic chess coach, yelling moves and kicking chairs on the sidelines. It’s a testament to Belushi's physical comedy and intensity, showcasing how even pre-taped segments could capture the spirit of live, high-octane performance.
Kevin Nealon (1986–95): "Bellissima"
Nealon remembers "Bellissima," an Italian restaurant sketch with host Kirstie Alley, for its escalating absurdity. The scene featured waiters, including Adam Sandler in a Speedo and Rob Schneider licking the window, engaging in increasingly demonstrative Italian behavior. It’s a classic example of SNL's ability to take a simple premise and push it to hilariously extreme, often physical, lengths.
Chris Rock (1990–93): "The Nat X Show" with Vanilla Ice
Chris Rock, a master of biting social commentary, chose "The Nat X Show" with Vanilla Ice. This sketch perfectly blended Rock's burgeoning stand-up persona with SNL's platform, allowing him to explore cultural commentary through a comedic lens, proving that political and social satire could be both sharp and side-splitting.
Ellen Cleghorne (1991–95): "Zoraida the page" with Michael Jordan and "You've gotta be a part-time ninja."
Cleghorne's choices highlight her strength in character work. "Zoraida the page," especially with Michael Jordan, showcased her ability to interact with major celebrities while maintaining a distinct comedic persona. Her other favorite, "You've gotta be a part-time ninja," points to her unique brand of physical and verbal humor, demonstrating the diverse comedic styles that thrived on the show.
Tim Meadows (1991–2000): Any "Ladies Man" sketch
For Tim Meadows, his iconic character, "The Ladies Man," offered "the most on-camera fun" and a profound "feeling of creative freedom." Leon Phelps, the smooth-talking, often misguided radio host, allowed Meadows to embody a character so fully that it transcended the sketch, becoming a cultural touchstone and a beloved fan favorite.
Janeane Garofalo (1994–95): Any sketch with Alec Baldwin, and one sitting next to George Clooney
Garofalo's favorites speak less to specific sketches and more to the joy of collaboration and admiration. She called any sketch with Alec Baldwin the "best times," highlighting the synergy with a strong host. Her memory of a sketch where she simply sat next to George Clooney, whom she greatly admired, speaks to the surreal, star-studded environment of SNL and the sheer thrill of being in the room where it happens.
Molly Shannon (1995–2001): The very first "Mary Katherine Gallagher" sketch
Molly Shannon's Mary Katherine Gallagher became an instant classic, a character so distinct she spawned a feature film. Shannon describes the very first sketch as "mind-blowingly thrilling," a life-changing experience fueled by the audience's thunderous roar. It was a moment of profound validation, demonstrating how deeply a performer's connection to their character can resonate with millions.
Tracy Morgan (1996–2003): "Astronaut Jones," "Brian Fellow," and "Judge Judy"
Tracy Morgan's choices are all characters that allowed him to "be me," a testament to the writers Tina Fey, T. Sean Shannon, and Andrew Steele, who understood his unique comedic voice. "Astronaut Jones" (a delightfully incompetent spaceman), "Brian Fellow's Safari Planet" (the misguided animal expert), and "Judge Judy" impressions allowed Morgan to unleash his idiosyncratic brilliance, cementing his status as a beloved SNL wild card.
Chris Kattan (1996–2003): The Blue Oyster Cult "More Cowbell" sketch
Few sketches are as universally recognized and endlessly quoted as "More Cowbell." Kattan remembers it for its unpredictability, its immense popularity, and the sheer difficulty of not breaking character and laughing. Starring Christopher Walken as Bruce Dickinson and Will Ferrell as Gene Frenkle, this sketch is a masterclass in committed performance amidst escalating absurdity, where the cast’s struggle to maintain composure is part of its enduring charm.
Modern Legends & New Voices: Shaping the 21st Century of Comedy
From the 2000s onward, SNL continued to evolve, giving rise to new comedic voices and digital-era sensibilities.
Kenan Thompson (2003–present): "Black Jeopardy" with Chadwick Boseman
As the longest-serving cast member, Kenan Thompson has a deep well of favorites. "Black Jeopardy," particularly the one with Chadwick Boseman, stands out for him. Thompson praised Boseman's "unpanicked process," his ability to "scale his performance," and how he "peaked during the live show." This illustrates the magic of SNL: when a brilliant host and a seasoned cast member collaborate to deliver timely, nuanced, and uproarious social commentary.
Bill Hader (2005–13): "What Up With That"
Bill Hader's favorite isn't about grand lines or elaborate costumes. He loved "What Up With That," specifically his recurring role as Lindsay Buckingham, because he had "no lines" and got laughs simply by sitting and giving Kenan Thompson a look. It highlights the subtle power of comedic presence and the brilliance of ensemble sketches where every small contribution counts towards the larger comedic effect.
Bobby Moynihan (2008–17): "David Pumpkins" and "The Beyoncé sketch"
Bobby Moynihan's "David Pumpkins" sketch, with Tom Hanks, became an immediate, bizarre sensation. Moynihan simply loves it "because its existence makes him laugh." It's a testament to the sketch's pure, illogical humor. He also cited "The Beyoncé sketch" as a moment of realizing SNL's immense power, recalling pitching an idea Monday, rehearsing with Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé Saturday, and appearing on Entertainment Weekly the next Monday – a whirlwind of creative impact.
Michaela Watkins (2008–09): "J’Acuzzi" with John Malkovich
Watkins, though her tenure was brief, cherishes "J’Acuzzi," a "Dangerous Liaisons" parody set in a hot tub with host John Malkovich. Performing it during her second week, she shared a profound "can you believe our lives?" moment with Kristen Wiig. It speaks to the exhilaration of new cast members finding their footing and sharing in the surreal, high-stakes joy of live comedy.
Jay Pharoah (2010–16): "What Does My Girl Say" with Kerry Washington
Jay Pharoah’s choice, "What Does My Girl Say" with Kerry Washington, resonated deeply because it paralleled his own relationship, leading to a friendship with Washington. It shows how personal experiences can fuel comedic material, and how the collaborative environment of SNL can forge lasting connections.
Mikey Day (2016–present): "Beavis and Butthead" with Ryan Gosling
Mikey Day believes he "peaked" with the "Beavis and Butthead" sketch alongside host Ryan Gosling. This digital short captured the crude humor of the iconic duo perfectly, with Day and Gosling's uncanny transformations and commitment to character earning widespread acclaim. It’s a perfect example of SNL's continued relevance and ability to leverage pop culture references.
Bowen Yang (2019–present): "Lisa From Temecula"
Bowen Yang, one of SNL's current stars, found "Lisa From Temecula" profoundly impactful. He states it "added years to my life," affirming life and humanity's capabilities, especially during a hectic period when he was also filming Wicked. This sketch, known for its sheer comedic chaos and the cast's struggle to keep it together, showcases how laughter can be a powerful, almost therapeutic, force.
Ashley Padilla (2024–present): The Italian commercial with Paul Mescal
A recent addition, Ashley Padilla, found the Italian commercial with Paul Mescal incredibly fun. Despite Mescal’s in-character yelling, the sketch provided a joyous experience, proving that even new cast members quickly find their memorable moments amidst the live chaos.
The Unsung Heroes & Creative Visionaries: Beyond the Spotlight
SNL's brilliance isn't just in front of the camera; it's also in the writers' room and the unique contributions of those who straddle both worlds.
Robert Smigel (Writer 1985–93, 1996–2008; Cast Member 1991–93): "Cluckin’ Chicken," "Schmitts Gay," and "Not Gonna Phone It In Tonight"
A legendary writer and occasional performer, Robert Smigel is responsible for some of SNL's most enduring commercial parodies. He praises "Cluckin’ Chicken" for its graphic, comedic depiction of a chicken's journey to dinner. "Schmitts Gay" beer commercial parody he lauded for mocking beer commercial exploitation of women and targeting inherent homophobia. He also cherished the "Not Gonna Phone It In Tonight" song with Steve Martin. Smigel’s picks highlight SNL's prowess in sharp, satirical commercial spoofs and musical comedy.
What We Learn: The Enduring Power of Live Comedy
Listening to these fan favorite cast members, a clear picture emerges of what makes an SNL sketch truly special, both for the audience and the performers:
- The Live Element is Key: The energy, unpredictability, and shared vulnerability of a live performance create unique magic, from accidental laughter to spontaneous improvisation.
- Collaboration is King: The greatest moments often come from synergy between cast members, hosts, and writers, where each elevates the other.
- Characters That Connect: Whether through absurdity (David Pumpkins, Mary Katherine Gallagher) or relatable truths (Black Jeopardy, Ladies Man), characters that resonate deeply become part of the cultural lexicon.
- Beyond the Punchline: Many favorite sketches are loved not just for their jokes, but for the entire experience – the challenge, the audience reaction, the camaraderie, or the personal connection they represent.
- Risk-Taking Pays Off: From aggressive chimpanzees to bold social satire, SNL thrives when it pushes boundaries and embraces the unpredictable.
Revisit the Laughter: Celebrating SNL's Legacy
As Saturday Night Live approaches its 50th anniversary, these candid reflections from its past and present stars serve as a vibrant reminder of its unparalleled legacy. Each sketch, each character, and each shared laugh has contributed to a body of work that continues to entertain, provoke, and unite generations.
Don't miss the chance to celebrate this incredible milestone. The SNL50: The Anniversary Special airs on Sunday, February 16, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. It's an opportunity to re-experience these fan favorite cast members and moments, and perhaps discover new appreciation for the comedic genius that has defined five decades of late-night television. So grab your popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready to laugh.