“SNL” 50th Anniversary: Where Are the First Cast Now? \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) marks its 50th season this year, a major milestone for the legendary NBC sketch comedy show. Since its debut in 1975, the original cast members like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase have left indelible marks on the comedy world. As SNL celebrates five decades, here’s a look at what happened to the inaugural cast, known as the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.”
SNL 50th Anniversary Quick Looks:
- SNL first premiered on October 11, 1975, hosted by George Carlin, with musical performances by Billy Preston and Janis Ian.
- The show’s blend of sharp satire and cultural commentary quickly attracted a young audience, making it a cultural phenomenon.
- The original cast of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” became instant stars, offering countercultural comedy to mainstream TV.
- SNL is now entering its 50th season, which will feature a live, three-hour primetime special in February 2024, hosted by Jean Smart.
- Key original cast members like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase left the show early but pursued impactful careers in film, TV, and live performances.
- John Belushi’s iconic “Blues Brothers” persona with Dan Aykroyd has endured, despite his tragic death in 1982.
- Gilda Radner charmed audiences with her quirky characters until her death from ovarian cancer in 1989, a battle she detailed in her autobiography.
- Chevy Chase was the first to leave the show, achieving success in films like “Caddyshack” and the “Vacation” series.
- Dan Aykroyd found post-SNL fame with films like “Ghostbusters” and “Trading Places” and co-founded the House of Blues.
- Laraine Newman struggled with addiction but later transitioned to voice acting, while Garrett Morris, now 87, continues to perform.
Deep Look:
NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) has hit a major milestone, celebrating 50 years of defining sketch comedy. Debuting on October 11, 1975, under the direction of creator and producer Lorne Michaels, the show instantly captivated audiences with its satirical humor and boundary-pushing performances. Hosted by George Carlin in its inaugural episode, the show also featured two musical guests: Billy Preston and Janis Ian, a sign of its innovative format. SNL didn’t just entertain; it broke new ground, creating a cultural institution that has remained relevant for half a century.
In the early days, SNL was a breath of fresh air for young viewers. The original cast, dubbed the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” brought counterculture into the homes of mainstream America. With sharp wit and irreverent sketches, they captured the frustrations and humor of the times. Michael J. Arlen of The New Yorker praised the show in 1975, saying it brought “a recognizable human, non-celebrity voice” to television, offering an alternative to the media-dominated entertainment of the era.
SNL is now poised to kick off its 50th season on September 28, with Jean Smart as host and Jelly Roll as the musical guest. The season will be celebrated with a live, three-hour primetime special on February 16, 2024, an event set to take place on a Sunday, breaking from its traditional Saturday night slot. This special will highlight the show’s enduring influence on comedy, television, and pop culture.
As we look forward to the upcoming season, it’s worth revisiting what happened to the original cast—the comedians who laid the foundation for this long-running show. Each member of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” took different paths after leaving SNL, but they all made lasting contributions to comedy and entertainment. Here’s a look at where they are now:
John Belushi, perhaps the most iconic of the original cast, brought frenetic energy and physical humor to SNL. He portrayed memorable characters like Samurai Futaba and Jake Blues of “The Blues Brothers,” the latter alongside Dan Aykroyd. Belushi left the show in 1979 to pursue a career in film and music, starring in hits like National Lampoon’s Animal House and The Blues Brothers movie in 1980. However, his success was marred by substance abuse issues. On March 5, 1982, Belushi tragically died at age 33 from a drug overdose at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. His death marked the end of an era for SNL, symbolizing the darker side of fame in the 1970s entertainment world. His widow, Judith Belushi Pisano, later collaborated on a biography defending him against the negative portrayal in Bob Woodward’s book, Wired. Despite his short life, Belushi’s work—especially his portrayal of Jake Blues—remains a touchstone in American comedy.
Gilda Radner brought sweetness and charm to the first five seasons of SNL, creating unforgettable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella. Radner’s comedic versatility made her a fan favorite, and she left SNL in 1980 to pursue other projects, including her one-woman Broadway show Gilda Live. She also starred in several films, including The Woman in Red, which was written and directed by her future husband, Gene Wilder. Tragically, Radner was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986. She shared her battle in her autobiography It’s Always Something, published just before her death in 1989 at age 42. Her influence on SNL and comedy at large remains profound, with tributes such as the 2018 documentary Love, Gilda celebrating her legacy.
Chevy Chase, another breakout star, was the first SNL cast member to leave the show. Known for his sarcastic delivery on Weekend Update and his bumbling portrayals of President Gerald Ford, Chase’s comedic style earned him widespread recognition. After leaving SNL during its second season, Chase transitioned to a successful film career. His early hits included Caddyshack, Foul Play, and the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, which cemented his status as a comedy star. However, Chase’s career has seen ups and downs, including the failure of The Chevy Chase Show in 1993 and controversies during his time on Community. Despite this, Chase remains a beloved figure in comedy, recently engaging with fans through screenings of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and interacting with over a million followers on TikTok.
Laraine Newman portrayed characters like Connie Conehead and public access TV host Christie Christina during her time on SNL. She left the show in 1980 and later revealed her struggles with addiction and depression. After becoming sober in 1987, Newman found steady work in TV, film, and voice acting. Her voice has been heard in major animated films like Wall-E, Toy Story 3, and Up. She also pursued writing and editing for magazines, and in 2021, she released her memoir May You Live in Interesting Times. Newman continues to work in the entertainment industry and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2017 alongside her original SNL castmates.
Dan Aykroyd was known for his diverse characters, from Beldar Conehead to his “wild and crazy” act with Steve Martin. Post-SNL, Aykroyd soared to stardom, co-writing and starring in the hit Ghostbusters franchise, and appearing in films like Trading Places and The Blues Brothers. His career spans comedy, film, and entrepreneurship—he co-founded the House of Blues music venue chain and has dabbled in the liquor business with his Crystal Head Vodka. Though his directorial debut Nothing but Trouble in 1991 was a commercial failure, Aykroyd’s career remains marked by huge successes. He continues to be involved in various projects, including recent work on the Blues Brothers legacy with a new audio documentary titled Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude.
Jane Curtin played more reserved roles compared to her castmates, often serving as the straight-laced foil to more flamboyant characters. She portrayed Prymaat Conehead and delivered deadpan humor as a regular on Weekend Update. After leaving SNL in 1980, Curtin transitioned to television, starring in hit shows like Kate & Allie in the 1980s and 3rd Rock from the Sun in the 1990s. Curtin’s acting has remained largely focused on TV, and she has continued to work steadily throughout her career.
Garrett Morris, the oldest member of the original cast, brought a wealth of experience as a singer, playwright, and actor to his role on SNL. His character Chico Escuela, a retired baseball player, became a fan favorite. Morris was also known for his impressions of cultural figures like Sammy Davis Jr. and Muhammad Ali. After leaving the show in 1980, Morris faced personal and professional challenges, including being shot in an attempted robbery in 1994. However, he recovered and went on to appear in numerous TV shows, including long-running roles in Martin and 2 Broke Girls. At 87, Morris remains active in the entertainment industry, with credits in films like Ant-Man and TV appearances on This Is Us.
As “Saturday Night Live” enters its 50th season, the show’s enduring legacy is a testament to the talents of its original cast. Their contributions to comedy continue to influence new generations of performers, and their work remains an integral part of the show’s storied history.
“SNL” 50th
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