The best 'Saturday Night Live' cast members ever, ranked

Since its explosive debut in 1975, 'Saturday Night Live' has been an untouchable force in American television, shaping the comedy landscape for generations.A launchpad for comedy’s greatest icons, unforgettable sketches and legendary characters, SNL has delivered some of the most side-splitting moments ever aired. Here, we’re counting down the top 30 funniest cast members of all time.

Jason Sudeikis's charm and ability to play a variety of characters, from The Devil to Joe Biden, made him a key player on SNL. His versatility in both political impressions and original characters left made a mark on the show.. and his career afterward.

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Rachel Dratch's versatility in playing a wide range of characters, from Debbie Downer to one of the Boston Teens, highlighted her time on SNL. Her comedic style was characterized by subtle humor and character-driven sketches. Remember the hot tub sketches with Will Ferrell?

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Kenan Thompson, with his impeccable comedic timing and wide range of characters, became a staple and the longest-serving cast member on SNL. His ability to consistently deliver laughs and adapt to various comedic styles was an understated goldmine.

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Holding the record for the longest tenure as a cast member on SNL, Darrell Hammond is known for his masterful impressions, particularly of Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. His attention to detail and ability to transform into his characters made his performances memorable... especially as a very vicious Sean Connery.

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Known for his absurdist humor and unique characters like MacGruber, Will Forte's contributions to SNL were distinctly memorable. His commitment to his outlandish characters and sketches cracked everyone up.

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The understated and smooth comedic style of Tim Meadows, exemplified in his portrayal of The Ladies' Man, made him a beloved cast member. His laid-back charm and humor added a unique flavor to the ensemble.

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Molly Shannon brought a unique brand of comedy to SNL, with unforgettable characters like Mary Katherine Gallagher. Her commitment to her roles, often with physical and over-the-top humor, made her unforgettable.

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Renowned for his tenure as Weekend Update anchor, Seth Meyers's smart and satirical style of humor shone brightly. His ability to deliver sharp political satire and clever jokes made him a key voice on the show.

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Adam Sandler's unique brand of quirky, musical comedy, exemplified in characters like Opera Man, made him a fan favorite on SNL. He is also known for his original comedic songs and has gone onto become one of the most successful members post-SNL.

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Tracy Morgan brought a distinct and unforgettable energy to SNL with his unpredictable humor and unique characters like Brian Fellow. His charismatic stage presence and hilarious one-liners made him a standout cast member.

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Bill Hader stood out on SNL for his impeccable impressions and the flamboyant and extremely strange character Stefon. His talent for nuanced performances and creating memorable characters made him a key contributor to the show's success from 2005 to 2013.

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Eccentric characters and masterful impressions, including his portrayal of President Barack Obama, marked Fred Armisen's time on SNL. Totally weird, totally hilarious.

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Dana Carvey is best known for his impeccable impressions, especially of George H.W. Bush, and original characters like the Church Lady. His sharp wit and ability to capture the essence of his subjects characterized his work on SNL.

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Known as "The Glue" of SNL, Phil Hartman was essential for his versatile impressions and original characters. His portrayal of Bill Clinton is particularly celebrated for its nuanced humor and accuracy.

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Showcasing an incredible range of impressions and characters, such as Donatella Versace, Maya Rudolph's tenure on SNL was exceptionally versatile and entertaining. Her ability to blend humor with musical talent made her performances stand out.

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Norm Macdonald's tenure as Weekend Update anchor was marked by his deadpan delivery and a unique approach to humor. His straightforward style and fearless approach to comedy left a significant mark on SNL's history.

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John Belushi created iconic characters like the Blues Brothers and Samurai Futaba, known for his intense energy and physical comedy. His comedic style left a lasting legacy on SNL and comedy in general.

Introducing a new era of digital shorts to SNL, Andy Samberg's hits like Lazy Sunday became viral sensations. His work, often in collaboration with The Lonely Island, added a fresh, innovative dimension to the show's comedy.

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Celebrated for her range of impressions and original characters, Kate McKinnon is one of SNL's most versatile cast members. Her ability to fully embody any character, from political figures to pop culture icons, has made her sketches memorable.

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Chevy Chase was known for his physical comedy and was the original anchor of Weekend Update, setting a high bar for future anchors. His time on the show was short but impactful, marked by memorable pratfalls and a unique comedic style.

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Introducing iconic characters like Wayne Campbell, Mike Myers not only became a staple on SNL but also transcended into popular culture. His sketches, particularly ‘Wayne's World,’ are considered among the most successful in SNL history.

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As a standout member of the original SNL cast, Dan Aykroyd's deadpan humor and impeccable comic timing shone through. His portrayal of Elwood Blues and other characters showcased his wide range of comedic talents.

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Known for her vibrant energy and versatility, Amy Poehler was part of the iconic Weekend Update duo with Tina Fey. Her time on SNL is marked by memorable characters and a trailblazing role in female comedy.

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Tina Fey's sharp wit and clever writing brought a new dimension to SNL, especially with her spot-on Sarah Palin impression. As the show's first female head writer, she played a crucial role in shaping its comedic voice.

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A blend of dry wit and charm quickly made Bill Murray a fan favorite, with memorable characters like the Lounge Singer. After replacing Chevy Chase, he made a significant impact with his unique comedic style.

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Gilda Radner's quirky and endearing characters, such as Roseanne Roseannadanna, brought a unique energy to the original SNL cast. She is remembered fondly for her ability to infuse characters with heart and humor. Her early passing at 42 to cancer was a serious tragedy.

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Celebrated for his larger-than-life physical comedy, Chris Farley's memorable characters, including the motivational speaker Matt Foley, became instant classics. His sketches often involved highly physical and energetic performances: "35 years old, eating a steady diet of government cheese, thrice divorced, and living in a van down by the river!"

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Kristen Wiig's portrayal of a vast array of oddball characters, including the unforgettable Target Lady, marked her tenure on SNL. Her impressions of real life people from Katharine Hepburn to Bjork also show off her incredible talent.

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With unforgettable characters like Gumby and Mr. Robinson, Eddie Murphy brought a raw and energetic comedy style to SNL. His performances were pivotal in revitalizing the show during the early 1980s.

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Extraordinary range in playing bizarre and hilarious characters, including his famous impression of George W. Bush, marked Will Ferrell's tenure on SNL. He brought a unique comedic voice to the show that resonated with audiences worldwide. More cowbell!!!

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