Who Holds the Record as the Longest-Tenured “Saturday Night Live” Cast Member?
If you’re a fan of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), you’re probably familiar with the show’s rotating cast of comedians. But have you ever wondered who holds the record for the longest tenure on the show? In this article, we’ll take a look at the answer to that question, as well as some of the other SNL cast members who have stuck around for a long time.
Contents
What is Saturday Night Live?
Before we dive into the details, let’s start with a brief overview of what “Saturday Night Live” is all about. SNL is a sketch comedy and variety show that first premiered on NBC in 1975. It’s known for its satirical takes on politics, pop culture, and current events, as well as its musical performances by popular artists.
Each episode features a different host (usually a celebrity or public figure) and a variety of sketches and segments that range from political satire to commercial parodies to recurring characters.
The Longest-Tenured SNL Cast Member
So who holds the record for the longest tenure as a cast member on SNL? The answer is Kenan Thompson.
Thompson first joined the show in 2003 and has been a mainstay ever since. He’s known for his impressions of celebrities like Steve Harvey and Al Sharpton, as well as his recurring characters like D’Andre Cole and David “Big Papi” Ortiz.
As of 2023, Thompson has been on the show for 20 seasons, surpassing the previous record holder, Darrell Hammond, who was on the show for 14 seasons.
Other Long-Tenured SNL Cast Members
While Thompson may hold the record for the longest tenure on SNL, he’s not the only cast member to stick around for a long time. Here are a few others who have had lengthy runs on the show:
Seth Meyers
Seth Meyers joined the cast of SNL in 2001 and was a fixture on the show for over a decade. He eventually transitioned to hosting “Late Night with Seth Meyers” in 2014.
Fred Armisen
Fred Armisen was on SNL for 11 seasons, from 2002 to 2013. He’s known for his impressions of political figures like Barack Obama and Michael Bloomberg, as well as his recurring characters like Nicholas Fehn and Garth from “Wayne’s World.”
Bill Hader
Bill Hader joined the cast of SNL in 2005 and remained on the show for eight seasons. He’s known for his impressions of celebrities like Vincent Price and James Carville, as well as his recurring characters like Stefon and Herb Welch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kenan Thompson currently holds the record for the longest tenure as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” However, there have been several other cast members who have stuck around for a long time and left their mark on the show. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of SNL, it’s clear that the show has a rich history and a talented cast of performers.
FAQs
Who is the newest cast member of “Saturday Night Live”?
A: The newest cast member of SNL is usually announced at the beginning of each season, so it’s hard to say without knowing the most recent update.
Who was the first cast member of “Saturday Night Live”?
A: The original cast of SNL included Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner.
How many seasons of “Saturday Night Live” have there been?
A: As of 2023, there have been 48 seasons of “Saturday Night Live.”
Who are some of the most iconic characters on “Saturday Night Live”?
A: There have been many iconic characters on SNL over the years, but some of the most memorable include the Blues Brothers, Wayne and Garth from “Wayne’s World,” and more recently, Stefon and the Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party.
Has “Saturday Night Live” ever had a spin-off show?
A: Yes, there have been several spin-off shows from SNL over the years, including “The Blues Brothers” and “Wayne’s World” movies, as well as TV shows like “The Coneheads” and “It’s Pat.”