Saturday Night Live Cast Original: A Deep Dive Into The Legends Who Shaped Comedy

When you think about Saturday Night Live, the first thing that pops into your mind is probably the iconic cast that brought laughter to millions. From the very first episode, SNL has been a breeding ground for some of the most talented comedians in history. But have you ever wondered who the original cast members were? These legends didn’t just perform on the show—they redefined comedy itself. So, let’s dive deep into the lives and careers of the Saturday Night Live cast original, and uncover why they remain so influential today.

Since its debut in 1975, Saturday Night Live has become more than just a late-night sketch comedy show. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has shaped the entertainment industry and influenced countless aspiring comedians. The original cast members were handpicked by the visionary creator, Lorne Michaels, to bring his vision of edgy, politically charged, and hilarious comedy to life. These pioneers set the tone for what SNL would become, and their legacy continues to inspire.

As we explore the Saturday Night Live cast original, we’ll delve into their backgrounds, their most memorable performances, and the impact they’ve had on the world of comedy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the roots of this iconic show, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get started!

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Table of Contents

• Biography of the Original Cast
• Key Players: Who Were the Saturday Night Live Cast Original?
• The Early Days of SNL
• Breakthrough Performances
• Impact on Comedy
• Legacy of the Original Cast
• Fun Facts About the Original Cast
• Influence on Future Generations
• Behind the Scenes
• Conclusion

Biography of the Original Cast

Before we jump into the specifics of the Saturday Night Live cast original, let’s take a moment to understand who these individuals were beyond the stage. Each member brought a unique perspective and talent that contributed to the show’s success. Below is a quick rundown of their backgrounds.

Meet the Legends

The original cast consisted of seven core members: Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, and Laraine Newman. These comedians came from diverse backgrounds, but they shared a common passion for pushing boundaries and making people laugh.

Here’s a snapshot of their early lives:

• Chevy Chase – Born in 1943, Chase grew up in a well-to-do family and initially pursued a career in law before discovering his love for comedy.
• John Belushi – Known for his larger-than-life personality, Belushi started his comedy career in Chicago, where he honed his improvisational skills.
• Dan Aykroyd – A Canadian native, Aykroyd was deeply involved in the music scene before joining SNL and co-creating the legendary Blues Brothers with Belushi.
• Gilda Radner – Radner’s wit and charm made her an instant favorite among audiences. Her work on SNL earned her critical acclaim and a lasting legacy.
• Jane Curtin – With a background in theater, Curtin brought a serious yet hilarious edge to the show, often tackling political topics.
• Garrett Morris – As the only African American member of the original cast, Morris added diversity and depth to the lineup, often writing his own material.
• Laraine Newman – Known for her versatility, Newman was the youngest member of the cast and contributed to some of the show’s most iconic sketches.

Name	Born	Role	Notable Characters
Chevy Chase	1943	Comedian, Writer	Weekend Update Anchor, Floor Manager
John Belushi	1949	Comedian, Actor	Sammy Nelson, The Coneheads
Dan Aykroyd	1952	Comedian, Actor	The Coneheads, Bass Player in Blues Brothers
Gilda Radner	1946	Comedian, Writer	Emily Litella, Roseanne Roseannadanna
Jane Curtin	1947	Comedian, Actress	Schoolteacher, Jane Wallace
Garrett Morris	1937	Comedian, Writer	Mr. Wilson, Charles the Security Guard
Laraine Newman	1952	Comedian, Actress	Mary Katherine Gallagher, The Nuns

Key Players: Who Were the Saturday Night Live Cast Original?

Let’s break down each member of the Saturday Night Live cast original and explore what made them stand out. These comedians weren’t just performers—they were innovators who pushed the boundaries of comedy.

Chevy Chase: The King of Weekend Update

Chevy Chase became an instant star with his role as the anchor of Weekend Update, one of SNL’s most iconic segments. His catchphrase, "Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!" became synonymous with the show itself. Chase’s ability to blend sarcasm with charm made him a fan favorite.

John Belushi: The Energizer Bunny of Comedy

John Belushi was the life of the party both on and off-screen. His high-energy performances and knack for creating unforgettable characters like Sammy Nelson and the Coneheads cemented his place in comedy history. Belushi’s untimely death in 1982 left a void in the comedy world, but his legacy lives on.

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Dan Aykroyd: The Blues Brothers’ Visionary

Dan Aykroyd was not only a talented comedian but also a creative force behind the scenes. Alongside Belushi, he co-created the Blues Brothers, a musical act that transcended the boundaries of sketch comedy and became a cultural phenomenon.

The Early Days of SNL

When Saturday Night Live first premiered, it was unlike anything else on television. The show was raw, unpolished, and daring, which was exactly what audiences craved at the time. The original cast played a crucial role in establishing the show’s identity and setting the bar for future generations.

Here are some key highlights from the early days:

• The first episode aired on October 11, 1975, with George Carlin as the host.
• Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, faced numerous challenges in getting SNL off the ground, but his vision and determination paid off.
• The original cast worked tirelessly to create sketches that were both funny and relevant to current events.

Breakthrough Performances

Each member of the Saturday Night Live cast original had their breakout moments that solidified their place in comedy history. These performances not only showcased their talents but also pushed the limits of what was possible in sketch comedy.

Gilda Radner’s Emily Litella

Gilda Radner’s character Emily Litella became a cultural icon thanks to her hilarious misunderstandings on Weekend Update. Her signature line, "Never mind," became a catchphrase that resonated with audiences.

Jane Curtin’s Serious Edge

Jane Curtin brought a unique seriousness to her comedy, often tackling political and social issues with wit and grace. Her ability to balance humor with depth made her a standout performer.

Impact on Comedy

The influence of the Saturday Night Live cast original extends far beyond the show itself. They revolutionized the comedy landscape and paved the way for future generations of comedians. Their willingness to take risks and push boundaries set a new standard for what comedy could achieve.

Breaking New Ground

SNL’s original cast broke new ground in several ways:

• They introduced improvisational comedy to a mainstream audience.
• They tackled political and social issues with humor, making them more accessible to the public.
• They created characters that became cultural icons, influencing pop culture for decades.

Legacy of the Original Cast

The legacy of the Saturday Night Live cast original is immeasurable. They laid the foundation for one of the most successful and influential comedy shows in history. Their contributions continue to inspire comedians and entertainers around the world.

Carrying the Torch

Many of the original cast members went on to achieve great success in their own right. Chevy Chase became a Hollywood star, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd brought the Blues Brothers to the big screen, and Gilda Radner’s work continues to inspire new generations of comedians.

Fun Facts About the Original Cast

Here are some fun facts about the Saturday Night Live cast original that might surprise you:

• Gilda Radner was the first woman to receive an Emmy Award for writing on a variety series.
• Chevy Chase turned down the role of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars to focus on his comedy career.
• John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd originally pitched the Blues Brothers as a full-length movie before it became a recurring sketch on SNL.

Influence on Future Generations

The impact of the Saturday Night Live cast original extends beyond their own careers. They inspired countless comedians and entertainers who followed in their footsteps. Many current SNL cast members cite the original cast as their biggest influences.

A New Era of Comedy

Thanks to the groundbreaking work of the original cast, comedy has evolved into a more inclusive and diverse art form. Today’s comedians owe a debt of gratitude to those who came before them and paved the way for their success.

Behind the Scenes

While the Saturday Night Live cast original may have seemed like a perfectly harmonious group on-screen, the reality behind the scenes was often quite different. The pressures of live television and the demands of creating fresh content every week took their toll on the cast and crew.

Despite the challenges, the original cast managed to create some of the most memorable moments in comedy history. Their dedication and passion for their craft shine through in every episode they performed.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored the lives and careers of the Saturday Night Live cast original, it’s clear that their contributions to comedy cannot be overstated. They were pioneers who dared to push boundaries and redefine what comedy could be. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of comedians and entertainers.

So, the next time you watch an episode of SNL or catch a rerun of one of their classic sketches, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the original cast. They truly were the legends who shaped comedy as we know it today.

What are your favorite moments from the original cast? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends and fellow comedy fans!