RememberingSaturday Night LiveCast Members We've Lost Through the Years

Mar. 15, 2025

Gilda Radner, Chris Farley and John Belushi.Photo:NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty(2) Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty(2) Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Since its 1975 premiere,Saturday Night Livehas featured more than 100 cast members, many of whom have gone on to become major stars in their own right. ThinkChevy Chase,Eddie Murphy,Adam Sandler,Tina Fey,Will Ferrelland too many more to list here.But over the course of a half-century, its sadly inevitable that someSNLalumni — including some of the show’s brightest stars — have died.AsSNLcelebrates its 50th anniversarythis weekend, we’re remembering the likes ofJohn Belushi, Gilda Radner,Chris Farleyand other cast members we’ve lost over the years.

Since its 1975 premiere,Saturday Night Livehas featured more than 100 cast members, many of whom have gone on to become major stars in their own right. ThinkChevy Chase,Eddie Murphy,Adam Sandler,Tina Fey,Will Ferrelland too many more to list here.

But over the course of a half-century, its sadly inevitable that someSNLalumni — including some of the show’s brightest stars — have died.

AsSNLcelebrates its 50th anniversarythis weekend, we’re remembering the likes ofJohn Belushi, Gilda Radner,Chris Farleyand other cast members we’ve lost over the years.

01of 16John BelushiJohn Belushi and Jane Curtain on ‘SNL’ in 1978.Fred Hermansky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/GettyFoundingSNLcast memberJohn Belushibecame a comedy legend thanks to recurring characters like “Joliet “Jake Blues of theBlues Brothersand Samurai Futaba, as well as his appearances in the show’s “Weekend Update” segments. During his time onSNL, Belushi also starred in the raucous comedy classicNational Lampoon’s Animal House.After leavingSNLfollowing its fourth season, he reprised hisBlues Brothersrole opposite Dan Aykroyd in 1980’sThe Blues Brothers.Behind the scenes, Belushi was known as much for hiserratic behavioranddrug addictionas for his comedy chops. His cocaine addiction ultimately led to his 1982 death of an apparent overdose at the age of 33. In 2004,SNLco-creatorLorne Michaelstold60 Minutes’Lesley Stahlthat Belushi’s tragic death effectivelyended an early period of unchecked hedonismon the show.“There was something, a value system that was much more fraternal, in the sense of ‘Whatever gets you through the night’ or ‘Who might have judged what somebody else does as long as people show up on time, can do their job, whatever,’ ” Michaels said. “Clearly a bogus value system, and it didn’t work.”

01of 16

John Belushi

John Belushi and Jane Curtain on ‘SNL’ in 1978.Fred Hermansky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Fred Hermansky/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

FoundingSNLcast memberJohn Belushibecame a comedy legend thanks to recurring characters like “Joliet “Jake Blues of theBlues Brothersand Samurai Futaba, as well as his appearances in the show’s “Weekend Update” segments. During his time onSNL, Belushi also starred in the raucous comedy classicNational Lampoon’s Animal House.

After leavingSNLfollowing its fourth season, he reprised hisBlues Brothersrole opposite Dan Aykroyd in 1980’sThe Blues Brothers.

Behind the scenes, Belushi was known as much for hiserratic behavioranddrug addictionas for his comedy chops. His cocaine addiction ultimately led to his 1982 death of an apparent overdose at the age of 33. In 2004,SNLco-creatorLorne Michaelstold60 Minutes’Lesley Stahlthat Belushi’s tragic death effectivelyended an early period of unchecked hedonismon the show.

“There was something, a value system that was much more fraternal, in the sense of ‘Whatever gets you through the night’ or ‘Who might have judged what somebody else does as long as people show up on time, can do their job, whatever,’ ” Michaels said. “Clearly a bogus value system, and it didn’t work.”

02of 16

Peter Aykroyd

Peter Aykroyd (right) with Harry Shearer and Chevy Chase on ‘SNL’ in 1980.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo

Alan Singer/NBCU Photo

In 2021, Peter diedof complications from an untreated abdominal hernia at the age of 65.

03of 16

George Coe

George Coe (left) with John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner on ‘SNL’ in 1975.Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

While George Coe was only billed as anSNLcast member for the show’s Oct. 11, 1975, premiere, he appeared in small parts in several other episodes. At 46, he was the oldest member of the cast during its first season and left the show after appearing in only 10 episodes.

04of 16Tom DavisAl Franken and Tom Davis on ‘SNL’ in 1978.Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/GettyTom Davis and comedy partnerAl Frankenwere amongSaturday Night Live’s original writers when the show premiered in 1975, and Davis remained with the show until 2003. Davis was responsible for some ofSNL’s most iconic characters in the ’70s and ’80s, including the Coneheads, which he created with Dan Aykroyd.Davis went on to co-write the 1986 filmOne More Saturday Nightwith Franken and the 1993Coneheadsmovie with Aykroyd, appearing in small roles in both films. He also appeared in 1998’sBlues Brothers 2000and in director Ivan Reitman’s 2001 comedyEvolution.In 2009, he publishedThirty-Nine Years of Short-Term Memory Loss, a memoir of his early days onSNL. That same year, he was diagnosed with cancer. He died in 2012 at the age of 59. Franken, who was then representing Minnesota in the U.S. Senate, honored Davis in a July 2012speechfrom the Senate floor.

04of 16

Tom Davis

Al Franken and Tom Davis on ‘SNL’ in 1978.Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

Tom Davis and comedy partnerAl Frankenwere amongSaturday Night Live’s original writers when the show premiered in 1975, and Davis remained with the show until 2003. Davis was responsible for some ofSNL’s most iconic characters in the ’70s and ’80s, including the Coneheads, which he created with Dan Aykroyd.

Davis went on to co-write the 1986 filmOne More Saturday Nightwith Franken and the 1993Coneheadsmovie with Aykroyd, appearing in small roles in both films. He also appeared in 1998’sBlues Brothers 2000and in director Ivan Reitman’s 2001 comedyEvolution.

In 2009, he publishedThirty-Nine Years of Short-Term Memory Loss, a memoir of his early days onSNL. That same year, he was diagnosed with cancer. He died in 2012 at the age of 59. Franken, who was then representing Minnesota in the U.S. Senate, honored Davis in a July 2012speechfrom the Senate floor.

05of 16Chris FarleyChris Farley, David Spade and Christina Applegate on ‘SNL’ in the 1990s.NBC/Courtesy Everett CollectionOne of the biggest breakoutSaturday Night Livestars of the ’90s,Chris Farleymade his debut on the show in 1990 and remained a cast member for six season, creating memorable characters like motivational speaker Matt Foley.While onSNL, Farley’s star rose rapidly thanks to film roles inConeheads,Wayne’s World,Wayne’s World 2andAirheads. Getting fired fromSNLalong with friend and frequent collaborator Adam Sandler in 1995 didn’t slow him down. That same year, he starred alongside fellowSNLalumnusDavid SpadeinTommy Boy. The duo next appeared together in the 1996 comedyBlack Sheep. Another blockbuster comedy starring Farley,Beverly Hills Ninja,followed in 1997.Farley famously modeled his comedy style on his idol, John Belushi, and like Belushi, Farley alsostruggled with alcohol and drug addiction. During his time onSNL, he was reportedly in and out of rehab.In 1997, Farley seemed to suggest that his partying days were done. “Let’s just say I had my share of fun,” he toldRolling Stone. “But all that s— does is kill someone. It is a demon that must be snuffed out. It is the end.”Farley returned toSNLin October of that year, hosting for the first time. He died two months later of a drug overdose at the age of 33.

05of 16

Chris Farley

Chris Farley, David Spade and Christina Applegate on ‘SNL’ in the 1990s.NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

One of the biggest breakoutSaturday Night Livestars of the ’90s,Chris Farleymade his debut on the show in 1990 and remained a cast member for six season, creating memorable characters like motivational speaker Matt Foley.

While onSNL, Farley’s star rose rapidly thanks to film roles inConeheads,Wayne’s World,Wayne’s World 2andAirheads. Getting fired fromSNLalong with friend and frequent collaborator Adam Sandler in 1995 didn’t slow him down. That same year, he starred alongside fellowSNLalumnusDavid SpadeinTommy Boy. The duo next appeared together in the 1996 comedyBlack Sheep. Another blockbuster comedy starring Farley,Beverly Hills Ninja,followed in 1997.

Farley famously modeled his comedy style on his idol, John Belushi, and like Belushi, Farley alsostruggled with alcohol and drug addiction. During his time onSNL, he was reportedly in and out of rehab.

In 1997, Farley seemed to suggest that his partying days were done. “Let’s just say I had my share of fun,” he toldRolling Stone. “But all that s— does is kill someone. It is a demon that must be snuffed out. It is the end.”

Farley returned toSNLin October of that year, hosting for the first time. He died two months later of a drug overdose at the age of 33.

06of 16

Gilbert Gottfried

Gilbert Gottfried on ‘SNL’ in 1980.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

TheGilbert Gottfriedwho appeared in 12 episodes ofSaturday Night Livefrom late 1980 to early 1981 was very different from the comedian fans likely remember. He appeared in few sketches without a trace of the distinctive nasal voice that became his hallmark, and was fired in March of 1981.

In later years, he voiced the Aflac duck in the insurance company’s commercials, losing the role in 2011 aftertweeting jokesabout the disastrous earthquake that hit Japan that March.

That same year, he published a comedic memoir,Rubber Balls and Liquor. In 2014, Gottfried launched his interview podcast,Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast, which he continued to host until his death.

Gottfried married wife Dara Kravitz in September 2007. The couple had two children, daughter Lily and son Max.

In April 2022, Gottfried’s family announced via his officialTwitteraccount that he had died after a “long illness.” His friend and publicist Glenn Schwartztold PEOPLE at the timethat the comedian had died of recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II. He was 67 years old.

07of 16

Phil Hartman

Mike Myers and Phil Hartman on ‘SNL’ in 1993.Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Beginning in 1991, he joined the cast ofThe Simpsons, voicing numerous characters, most notably Troy McClure. The long list of animated series for which Harman provided voicework in the ’80s and ’90s also includedThe Smurfs,DuckTales,TaleSpinandThe Ren & Stimpy Show.

After leavingSNLin 1994, Hartman starred alongside fellowSNLalumnusJon Lovitzin NBC’sNewsRadiofor five seasons. His film credits include 1993’sConeheadsandSo I Married an Axe Murderer, 1995’sHouseguestand 1996’sSgt. BilkoandJingle All the Way.

08of 16Jan HooksKevin Nealon and Jan Hooks on ‘SNL’ in 1991.Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo BankLike many otherSNLalumni, Jan Hooks honed her sketch comedy chops as a member of improv troupeThe Groundlingsbefore starring in HBO’s short-livedNot Necessarily the Newsfrom 1983 to 1984 and appearing inPee-wee’s Big Adventure(1985).Hooks joined the cast ofSNLin 1986 alongsideDana Carvey, Phil Hartman andKevin Nealon, leading to something of a renaissance for the long-running show after several years of declining ratings. Like Hartman, she was known for her celebrity impressions, including of high-profile women likeIvana Trump,Kathie Lee GiffordandHillary Clinton.Hooks left the show in 1991 to replaceJean SmartonDesigning Women, but continued to make guest appearances onSNLplaying Clinton through 1994. She appeared in a small role in 1992’sBatman Returnsand voiced Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon, convenience store owner Apu’s wife, onThe Simpsonsfrom 1997 to 2002. Her role as Vicki Dubcek in3rd Rock from the Sunearned her a 1998 Emmy nomination. In 2010, Hooks guest starred in two memorable episodes of NBC’s30 Rockas the con artist mother ofJane Krakowski’s Jenna Maroney.Hooks had cancer for much of the last decade of her life. She was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2009. After going into remission, she was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. Hooks declined treatment and died at the age of 57 that same year.“She was totally amazing as a sketch player,”SNLalumnus and former boyfriendNealon told PEOPLE of Hooksfollowing her death. “She so immersed herself in her characters, and her timing was amazing. She got it from some crazy stratosphere, and I was so attracted to that talent in her, and I don’t think she ever knew how well respected and admired she was for her talent.”

08of 16

Jan Hooks

Kevin Nealon and Jan Hooks on ‘SNL’ in 1991.Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Like many otherSNLalumni, Jan Hooks honed her sketch comedy chops as a member of improv troupeThe Groundlingsbefore starring in HBO’s short-livedNot Necessarily the Newsfrom 1983 to 1984 and appearing inPee-wee’s Big Adventure(1985).

Hooks joined the cast ofSNLin 1986 alongsideDana Carvey, Phil Hartman andKevin Nealon, leading to something of a renaissance for the long-running show after several years of declining ratings. Like Hartman, she was known for her celebrity impressions, including of high-profile women likeIvana Trump,Kathie Lee GiffordandHillary Clinton.

Hooks left the show in 1991 to replaceJean SmartonDesigning Women, but continued to make guest appearances onSNLplaying Clinton through 1994. She appeared in a small role in 1992’sBatman Returnsand voiced Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon, convenience store owner Apu’s wife, onThe Simpsonsfrom 1997 to 2002. Her role as Vicki Dubcek in3rd Rock from the Sunearned her a 1998 Emmy nomination. In 2010, Hooks guest starred in two memorable episodes of NBC’s30 Rockas the con artist mother ofJane Krakowski’s Jenna Maroney.

Hooks had cancer for much of the last decade of her life. She was first diagnosed with leukemia in 2009. After going into remission, she was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. Hooks declined treatment and died at the age of 57 that same year.

“She was totally amazing as a sketch player,”SNLalumnus and former boyfriendNealon told PEOPLE of Hooksfollowing her death. “She so immersed herself in her characters, and her timing was amazing. She got it from some crazy stratosphere, and I was so attracted to that talent in her, and I don’t think she ever knew how well respected and admired she was for her talent.”

09of 16Norm MacdonaldNorm MacDonald on ‘SNL’ in 1995.Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyNorm Macdonaldwas working as a writer onRoseannewhen Lorne Michaels noticed him and hired him forSNL. He was a cast member from 1993 through 1998, most notably hosting “Weekend Update” for three years. His most famous impressions included Burt Reynolds, Bob Dole, Larry King, David Letterman and Quentin Tarantino. He also appeared in Adam Sandlers’Billy Madison(1995) during that time.Macdonald left the show in 1998 when Colin Quinn took over as “Weekend Update” anchor. However, Macdonald believed that Don Ohlmeyer, then the president of NBC’s West Coast division, purposefully had him removed because he made so many jokes about O.J. Simpson, whom Ohlmeyer was friends with.Macdonald went on to star in his three-season seriesNormand continued to perform standup. He was also a frequent guest on late-night shows.Macdonald died in September 2021after a private cancer battle. He was 61.Macdonald’slast comedy special,Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special,was released eight months after his death in May 2022.

09of 16

Norm Macdonald

Norm MacDonald on ‘SNL’ in 1995.Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Norm Macdonaldwas working as a writer onRoseannewhen Lorne Michaels noticed him and hired him forSNL. He was a cast member from 1993 through 1998, most notably hosting “Weekend Update” for three years. His most famous impressions included Burt Reynolds, Bob Dole, Larry King, David Letterman and Quentin Tarantino. He also appeared in Adam Sandlers’Billy Madison(1995) during that time.

Macdonald left the show in 1998 when Colin Quinn took over as “Weekend Update” anchor. However, Macdonald believed that Don Ohlmeyer, then the president of NBC’s West Coast division, purposefully had him removed because he made so many jokes about O.J. Simpson, whom Ohlmeyer was friends with.

Macdonald went on to star in his three-season seriesNormand continued to perform standup. He was also a frequent guest on late-night shows.

Macdonald died in September 2021after a private cancer battle. He was 61.

Macdonald’slast comedy special,Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special,was released eight months after his death in May 2022.

10of 16

Michael O’Donoghue

Michael O’Donoghue on ‘SNL’ in 1976.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

He left the series after 1979. “I got tired of dealing with this family that I was randomly assigned to and suddenly had to spend 24 hours a day, six days a week with. We all got so convoluted,” he said. However, he returned to the series in 1981 to help the then-faltering show. He left permanently in 1986.

O’Donoghue appeared in movies likeManhattan,Wall StreetandScrooged, which he co-wrote.

He died from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1995 at age 54. His memoir,Mr. Mike: The Life and Work of Michael O’Donoghue, was published in 1998.

11of 16

Gilda Radner

Gilda Radner on ‘SNL’ in 1979.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Gilda Radner, who was a star of the Second City in Chicago, was the first woman Lorne Michaels hired in 1975, and she was one of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players’ brightest starts. “IfSaturday Night Livewas like Never-Never-Land, the Island of Lost Boys, she was Tinker Bell,” Anne Beatts, the show’s former head writer, told PEOPLE in 1989. “She just hadn’t lost touch with the child in her.” One of her most famous characters was “Baba Wawa,” a parody of Barbara Walters. She won an Emmy in 1978 and starred in the acclaimed 1979 one-woman showGilda Radner – Live from New York.

Radner left the series in 1980 and starred in movies likeFirst Family,The Woman In RedandHaunted Honeymoon.

12of 16

Charles Rocket

Charles Rocket on ‘SNL’ in 1980.Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty

When executive producer Jean Doumanian left, Dick Ebersol took her place and dismissed Rocket and several other cast members.

SNLcastmate Gilbert Gottfried said of the actor, “Yes, he was ‘The guy who said the f-word onSNL’ — but he was more than that. Off-camera he was personable and friendly.”

13of 16

Tony Rosato

Tony Rosato on ‘SNL’ in 1982.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Tony Rosato got his start onSNLin 1981, staying for only one season. Rosato’s fellow cast members included Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo. Rosato leftSNLdue to differences with executive producerDick Ebersoland an expired contract.

The actor was released in 2009, and then returned to work. He died in 2017 from a heart attack at his home in Toronto. He was 62.

SNLpaid tribute to Rosato four days after his death, during the Jan. 14, 2017, episode.

14of 16

Danitra Vance

Joan Cusack and Danitra Vance on ‘SNL’ in 1986.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Danitra Vance was a cast member during the notorious 1985 to 1986 season 11 (a.k.a.“The Weird Year”). She was involved in improv and had a strong theater background (even studying drama in London) before she was cast in the series. She was the first Black woman to become anSNLrepertory player and the second lesbian (though her sexuality was private until her death). Frustratingly, she was often relegated to small bit parts.

Vance leftSNLafter that one season and returned to theater. She won an NAACP Image Award and an Obie Award for her performance in the theatrical adaptation ofSpunk, based on the work of Zora Neale Hurston. She was also part of the original cast of George C. Wolfe’sThe Colored Museum. She also appeared in movies like 1988’sSticky Fingers, 1989’sThe War of the Roses, 1989’sLimit U, 1991’sHangin’ with the Homeboysand 1991’sLittle Man Tate.

15of 16Dan VitaleJon Lovitz, Dan Vitale, Ron Reagan and Joan Cusack on ‘SNL’ in 1986.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyDan Vitale was one of the shortest-tenured cast members, credited for only three episodes in the 1985 to 1986 season. The cast included Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr., Joan Cusack and Randy Quaid.“Arguably, that season is considered … I don’t know who keeps track of this stuff, but comedy historians might say this is one of the worst seasons,” he joked withVulturein 2020.“I wound up spending most of that year in rehab,” he explained of his absences. “I am totally at peace with every success I did not have. Because at the time, if I had any more success or access to money, there’s too many guys that are dead, and it would have been a death sentence.”Before hisSNLtenure, Vitale also appeared on Lorne Michaels’ short-lived NBC variety showThe New Show. AfterSNL, he continued to work as a comedian.Vitale died in May 2022 at 66 years old.

15of 16

Dan Vitale

Jon Lovitz, Dan Vitale, Ron Reagan and Joan Cusack on ‘SNL’ in 1986.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Dan Vitale was one of the shortest-tenured cast members, credited for only three episodes in the 1985 to 1986 season. The cast included Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Downey Jr., Joan Cusack and Randy Quaid.

“Arguably, that season is considered … I don’t know who keeps track of this stuff, but comedy historians might say this is one of the worst seasons,” he joked withVulturein 2020.

“I wound up spending most of that year in rehab,” he explained of his absences. “I am totally at peace with every success I did not have. Because at the time, if I had any more success or access to money, there’s too many guys that are dead, and it would have been a death sentence.”

Before hisSNLtenure, Vitale also appeared on Lorne Michaels’ short-lived NBC variety showThe New Show. AfterSNL, he continued to work as a comedian.

Vitale died in May 2022 at 66 years old.

16of 16

Don Pardo

Don Pardo on ‘SNL’ in 1982.Al Levine/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Though not technically a cast member, Don Pardo served as the voice ofSNL,starting in season 1 and working through the end of season 39, shortly before his death on Aug. 18, 2014, at the age of 96.

Pardo was a longtime NBC employee and television announcer before Michaels hired him as the show’s voice; he rarely appeared on camera but was a constant presence on the series.

According toThe Hollywood Reporter,he held a lifetime contract with the show, even after his retirement from NBC. He also became the first announcer to be inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, in 2010.

Former cast member Darrell Hammond stepped into the announcer role after Pardo left the show in May of 2014.

“There’s something to be said of a really classy dude who you just dig and everyone digs them,“Hammond toldGrantlandat the time. “He was as emblematic of the show as any I can think of.”

source: people.com