Who is the most successful SNL cast member? You heard the first five, and if not please read the first half of this article. Now the final countdown begins who is the most successful SNL Alumni of all time?
5. Adam Sandler
Although the networks didn’t like him, Adam Sandler proved himself and became one of the greatest. From Canteen boy to Opera man and his hilarious acoustic guitar songs Sandler mad a name for himself. Kick starting his Hollywood career with cult comedy classics Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, Sandler never fails to deliver at the box office and became one of the most bankable comedians of the 2000’s. With a line of comedy albums and his own production company (named after his first to major hits) Happy Madison productions, Sandler has gone from the annoying goof ball to annoying goof ball with a lot of money and respect.
4. Tina Fey
Going from Head writer to cast member Tina fey has been a powerhouse of SNL stardom and success. Her Sarah Palin impression became so wildly popular that she caught the attention of Sarah Palin herself who came on the show to call her out. Tina is also the creator and star of the Emmy award winning show 30 Rock based on her experiences of being head writer for SNL.
3. Chris Farley
Arguably the greatest performer ever to have graced the SNL stage one can only fathom the success Farley would have achieved had he still been with us. Almost immediately following his SNL career Farley starred in a string of box office hits including Tommy Boy and Black Sheep. Before his death Farley had began work on a computer animated film which was said to be his greatest performance to date. Only one scene was rendered before he died and the role of Shrek was passed on to Mike Myers who completely changed the story.
2. Will Ferrell
During his first season of SNL, Will Ferrell was deemed the worst SNL cast member of all time. That all changed and by his last season in 2003 he became the only cast member ever to receive a standing ovation at the end credits. After many supporting roles in films during his SNL years Ferrell proved himself as a leading man in three wildly successful films. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Elf and Old School, since then Ferrell has become one of Hollywood’s most sought after stars. He also created with former SNL writer buddy Adam McKay the viral video website Funny or Die.com which now has its own HBO series.
1. John Belushi
At last the most successful SNL cast member of all time… Mr. John Belushi. Like Farley we can only imagine what Belushi would have given us had he been alive today, but his movies and unforgettable character live on in the hearts of many. From Animal House to the Blues brothers John Belushi was the first ultra successful alumni that was widely regarded and loved by all.
