Ever wondered where the original cast members of Saturday Night Live are now? The iconic show, a launching pad for comedic legends, is celebrating its 50th season, and it's time to revisit the stars who made it all possible.

Airing since 1975, SNL, the brainchild of Lorne Michaels, has consistently delivered a blend of American live sketch comedy and variety. With a constantly evolving ensemble of writers and performers, the show has become a cultural touchstone. The early seasons, in particular, are revered for the talent that helped establish Saturday Night Live as a comedic institution. From impressions and skits to unforgettable sketches, the show's comedic flare is undeniable. Currently holding the record for the most Emmy nominations (341) of any television show in history, SNL continues to evolve while honoring its rich past.

Category	Information
Full Name	Laraine Newman
Birth Date	March 2, 1952 (age 72)
Birth Place	Los Angeles, California, USA
Nationality	American
Education	Beverly Hills High School
Occupation	Actress, Comedian, Writer, Voice Artist
Years Active	1971present
Known For	Original cast member of Saturday Night Live
Notable SNL Characters	Sheri the Cheerleader, Connie Conehead, Child Psychiatrist
Other Notable Roles	Invaders from Mars (1986), Coneheads (1993), Problem Child 2 (1991)
Awards and Nominations	Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series (nominated, 1976)
Spouse(s)	Chad Einbinder (m. 1991)
Children	Sophie Einbinder
Website	larainenewman.com

Laraine Newman, now 72, was a pivotal force in the early days of SNL. An original cast member and writer until 1980, she brought a unique comedic sensibility to the show. After her SNL tenure, Newman transitioned to journalism and film, appearing in movies like "Invaders from Mars" (1986) and "Coneheads" (1993). Her contributions to comedy and entertainment continue to be celebrated.

The very first episode of Saturday Night Live, featuring Chevy Chase, aired on October 11, 1975, marking the beginning of a television revolution. What many may not recall is that in its nascent stages, the show was initially titled "NBCs Saturday Night," a moniker necessitated by the presence of sports broadcaster Howard Cosell. This detail highlights the show's evolving identity and the challenges it faced in its early years.

Over the past five decades, a staggering 165 cast members have graced the SNL stage, from the original "Not Ready for Primetime Players" to the current ensemble of season 50. Each cast member has brought their unique talents and perspectives to the show, contributing to its enduring legacy. With such a vast alumni network, curiosity naturally arises: What are they doing now?

The show's anniversary has prompted many to reflect on the best cast members SNL has ever had. Rankings and lists abound, celebrating the official cast members and their contributions over the years. This renewed interest has also sparked a wave of "where are they now" series, revisiting the careers of SNL alums from the '70s, '80s, and '90s.

Dan Aykroyd, another comedic giant from the early SNL days, was a writer and cast member until 1979. Now 72, Aykroyd cemented his place in pop culture history as one of the leads in "Ghostbusters" (1984). His post-SNL career has been marked by continued success in film and television.

Even mishaps can become iconic moments on SNL. During her debut as a cast member, Jenny Slate, paired with Kristen Wiig in the "Bikers Chicks Chat" sketch, accidentally uttered "I f ing love you" instead of the intended "I friggin love you." This unscripted moment, though initially jarring, has become a memorable part of SNL history.

Fred Armisen, known for his diverse characters and musical talent, shared a behind-the-scenes tidbit about a "Wizard of Oz" sketch written by John Mulaney. The sketch featured newly discovered footage from "The Wizard of Oz," introducing a character that was cut from the original movie: a weathervane. Armisen played the weathervane alongside Anne Hathaway's Dorothy, adding another layer of comedic absurdity to the SNL archives.

The May 2022 hosting stint of Benedict Cumberbatch on SNL delivered a treasure trove of comedic moments. One standout was the "Cheese" bit, which delighted audiences with its quirky premise. Additionally, the "Mother's Day Gifts" sketch provided viewers with content worth writing home about, showcasing the show's ability to tackle relatable themes with a comedic twist.

In honor of the show's 50th anniversary special, scheduled for a Sunday broadcast (8 PM EST/5 PM PST), fans and critics alike have been compiling lists of the 50 best cast members in SNL history. These rankings spark debate and nostalgia, highlighting the show's impact on comedy and popular culture.

Tina Fey, another SNL alum, transitioned to "30 Rock" after leaving the show in 2006. Since then, she has starred in a string of successful projects, including "Great News," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," "Baby Mama," "Date Night," "Sisters," "Modern Love," and "Wine Country." Fey's post-SNL career underscores the show's ability to nurture and launch comedic talents.

The show has gone through a transition phase. As the Wiig/Hader/Samberg era came to a close, Saturday Night Live faced its most challenging period since the early '90s. However, the show appears to be navigating these transitions effectively, with new talent emerging and the overall quality remaining high.

Sadly, not all SNL stories have happy endings. A former cast member was murdered by his wife in 1998 at the age of 49, a tragic reminder that even in the world of comedy, real-life tragedies can occur.

Mike Myers, the beloved funnyman, made a triumphant return to SNL on December 5, 1992, and remained for the remainder of the season. Myers' return was met with enthusiasm from fans who had missed his unique brand of humor.

Of the seven original "Saturday Night Live" cast members, four are anticipated to participate in the show's 50th-anniversary celebration. These comedic pioneers include Chevy Chase (81), Garrett Morris (88), Jane Curtin (77), and Laraine Newman, promising a nostalgic and memorable reunion.

All seasons of Saturday Night Live are now conveniently available on Peacock, allowing viewers to binge-watch their favorite episodes and rediscover classic sketches. This accessibility ensures that SNL's legacy will continue to thrive for generations to come.

The show premiered on October 11, 1975, kicking off an everlasting comedy legacy and launching the careers of some of the most influential figures in comedy.

A lot has changed since Saturday Night Lives first episode aired. For one thing, the show was then called NBCs Saturday Night since sports broadcaster Howard Cosell, of all people, had a show called Saturday Night Live.

Welcome to watchmojo, and today were counting down our picks for the top 10 SNL cast members from the '90s: For this list, well be looking at the best performers from the decade and their careers after leaving the iconic show.

Did we forget a favorite SNL cast member from the 90s? Let us know in the comments below.

Lets take a look at what some of those SNL alums are up to in the 2000s edition of our SNL where are they now series, and be sure to look back at the \u201970s cast, the \u201980s cast, and the \u201990s

Darcy Schild contributed to an earlier version of this story.