Live from New York! It’s 50 seasons later for “SNL.”
The landmark NBC sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” premiered on October 11, 1975, featuring sharp humor, clumsy antics, George Carlin as host, and musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian. In those initial years, young viewers gathered around the TV to enjoy the Lorne Michaels production that brought counterculture to the mainstream through the Not Ready for Prime Time Players.
“What is attractive and unusual about the program is that it is an attempt, finally, to provide entertainment on television in a recognizable human, non-celebrity voice, and in a voice, too, that tries to deal with the morass of media-induced show business culture that increasingly pervades American life,” Michael J. Arlen from The New Yorker wrote in a 1975 review.
This year, on September 28, the first episode of “SNL’s” half-century season is set to air, culminating in a three-hour live primetime special on February 16. Jean Smart will host the season opener, with Jelly Roll as musical guest.
Over the decades, some seasons outshone others, yielding breakout stars like Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and Mike Myers. It prompts the question: What happened to the original cast post-“SNL?”
John Belushi made waves in “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” “Continental Divide,” “Neighbors,” and “The Blues Brothers.” Leaving “SNL” in 1979, he pursued music and film, receiving mixed reviews. His hard-living ways ended tragically on March 5, 1982, at age 33, after overdosing at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. His death marked the end of an era and was a somber moment for his fans and loved ones. Belushi’s work on “SNL” included frenzied performances and films like “Old Boyfriends” and Spielberg’s “1941.” He also created the character “Joliet” Jake Blues with Dan Aykroyd, leading to the iconic “The Blues Brothers” film in 1980.
Gilda Radner brought iconic characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna, Lisa Loopner, and Emily Litella to life during her five-year stint on “SNL.” In 1979, she wowed Broadway with her one-woman show, “Gilda Live.” Radner’s film work includes “First Family” and “The Woman in Red,” starring alongside future husband Gene Wilder. Tragically, she passed away on May 20, 1989, due to ovarian cancer. Her life was later celebrated in the documentary “Love Gilda” in 2018.
Chevy Chase was the first to exclaim, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” and he has a substantial list of post-“SNL” credits. Known for “Weekend Update,” his bumbling portrayals, and subsequent career in films like “Fletch,” “Caddyshack,” and “The Three Amigos!,” his work also includes the “Vacation” series. Chase’s ventures varied in success, including a failed late-night talk show in 1993. He left “Community” following controversies involving racial slurs. However, audiences continue to enjoy his contributions to film and television, and he connects with fans on TikTok.
Laraine Newman departed “SNL” in 1980, known for characters like Connie Conehead and her work on “Weekend Update.” She has openly discussed her issues with depression and addiction, achieving sobriety in 1987. Newman continued with steady film, TV, and voice work, appearing in hits like “Wall-E” and “Toy Story 3.” In 2021, she released an audio memoir, “May You Live in Interesting Times.”
Dan Aykroyd left an indelible mark on “SNL” before leaving in 1979. Known for a multitude of characters and sketch contributions like The Blues Brothers and Coneheads, his post-SNL successes include “Trading Places,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Driving Miss Daisy.” He remains active, recently contributing a documentary, “Blues Brothers: The Arc of Gratitude.”
Jane Curtin, who excelled in deadpan humor, left “SNL” in 1980. She went on to star in “Kate & Allie” and “3rd Rock from the Sun.” Her career included a mix of TV roles and Broadway work, earning multiple Emmys along the way.
Garrett Morris, the oldest original cast member, brought memorable characters like Chico Escuela to life. His career spanned singing with Harry Belafonte, acting in numerous TV comedies like “2 Broke Girls,” and surviving a serious shooting in 1994. Morris continued to thrive in both television and film, including roles in “Cooley High” and Marvel’s “Ant-Man.”
These original cast members set a high bar, leaving legacies that endure as “Saturday Night Live” celebrates its 50th season.
