Top 10 2000s SNL Cast Members: Where Are They Now?
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 2000s SNL Cast Members: Where Are They Now? For this list, we’ll be looking at the best “Saturday Night Live” performers from the decade. This list includes any active cast members from the 2000s. Did we forget one of your favorite cast members? Let us know in the comments below.
#10: Jimmy Fallon
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Starting in the 90s, Jimmy Fallon was a breakout star for “Saturday Night Live.” He really came into his own in the following decade, turning in several unforgettable characters like the DJ from Z105. Always a team player, he would serve up powerhouse performances on "Celebrity Jeopardy" as any number of celebrities. Fallon had more chances to shine as a solid “Weekend Update” co-host. This helped prepare him for “The Tonight Show,” which he's successfully hosted for many years. Even if his film career was brief, the comedian found his footing in late-night television with his own brand of fun energy. Seth Meyers is another successful cast-member-turned-late-night-host, but Fallon has an even better track record as a sketch performer.
#9: Darrell Hammond
Darrell Hammond ranks highly among “Saturday Night Live” impressionists for his unprecedented mimicry. His lengthy tenure on the show produced many memorable renditions of politicians like Bill Clinton and even Donald Trump. People also remember his work on "Celebrity Jeopardy." Bringing a subversive streak to Sean Connery, he was a notable antagonist for Will Ferrell's Alex Trebek. Hammond has since returned to the show for a few guest spots, notably playing Trump before Alec Baldwin took over the role. He also became the replacement announcer for “SNL,” filling the role set by legendary voiceover man Don Pardo.
#8: Fred Armisen
Fred Armisen embraces the absurdity of every character on “SNL,” from real people to his own crazy creations. His many celebrity impressions on the show ranged from Joy Behar to President Obama. One of his most notable appearances was as New York Governor David Paterson in a recurring “Weekend Update” sketch. When he wasn’t working at “Saturday Night Live,” Armisen teamed up with Carrie Brownstein to create the comedic series “Portlandia,” highlighting his continued efforts to explore the strange and wonderful parts of humanity. Through newer appearances in comedies like “Los Espookys,” the actor brings that same lovable and quirky energy to every role.
#7: Rachel Dratch
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Rachel Dratch is among the more underrated utility players from 21st-century “SNL.” Her tenure comes during one of the heydays of female talent on the show. Many people remember Dratch for her character Debbie Downer, a recurring skit whereby she ruins everyone’s day with her bad vibes. She also teamed up with Will Ferrell in the delightfully cringey skit about a couple in a hot tub. Thankfully for fans, she reappeared several times after her exit in 2006. Aside from her guest spots on “Saturday Night Live,” she’s also starred on Broadway and in a handful of Adam Sandler comedies. Dratch manages to steal a scene no matter the format.
#6: Kenan Thompson
Top 10 Times Kenan Thompson Broke the SNL Cast
As the longest-running cast member in “SNL” history, Kenan Thompson lights up every single sketch with his perfect expressions. His extended experience on the series has given him the opportunity to do everything, from key supporting parts to amazing starring roles. One of his greatest performances is as the lively host in the “What Up with That?” sketches. He’s been known as one of the essential members of the cast since the mid-2000s. Thompson also explored other film and TV work outside of the show, including his own program named “Kenan.” No matter how long he stays on “Saturday Night Live,” he’s always a welcome addition to any sketch.
#5: Will Forte
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Will Forte’s unique delivery and lovably odd characters gave “SNL” some of its best laughs during the 2000s. He played a variety of intriguing people from a high school coach to a spelling bee contestant. Perhaps his finest role was as MacGruber, the recurring parody of the “MacGyver” program from the 80s. The role even inspired a cult movie in 2010, which is one of a handful of films that the actor has starred in outside of the show. Forte also featured in and co-created the unique Fox comedy series “The Last Man on Earth.” The performer returns occasionally to host, always bringing his anarchic demeanor to every skit.
#4: Maya Rudolph
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Whether she was making jokes or singing, Maya Rudolph never disappointed on “SNL.” She consistently brought the funny from 2000 to 2007. Her impressions of figures such as Oprah and Beyoncé are just two of the many celebrities she’s accurately portrayed over the years. A vocalist in her own right, she also delivered a show-stopping rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Her frequent guest performances and hosting gigs also give her ample opportunity to remind people of her brilliance. She even won two Emmys, one for appearing as Kamala Harris and another for her hosting duties in 2021. Outside of the program, the performer has worked on several great comedies such as “Bridesmaids.” Elsewhere on TV, Rudolph brought her gravitas to shows like “The Good Place.”
#3: Bill Hader
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A fan-favorite impressionist, Bill Hader represents a high watermark for the 2000s period of “SNL.” He shot onto the scene in skits showcasing his knack for voices, including the horror icon Vincent Price. Over the course of eight years, Hader elevated the work of many of his generation's greatest performers. He created several classic characters, with the most indelible one being the club promoter Stefon. Beyond his initial success with the series, he made several notable appearances in films from “Tropic Thunder” to “The Skeleton Twins.” His TV success didn’t stop with “Saturday Night Live” either. For his role as the hitman-turned-actor Barry, Hader has won multiple Emmys.
#2: Kristen Wiig
Top 10 Times Kristen Wiig Broke People on SNL
Kristen Wiig’s one-of-a-kind performances solidified her as an instant “SNL” legend. In fact, her exuberance on screen was nearly unmatched during her tenure. Playing many oddball characters, Wiig stole the spotlight in her first few years there with roles like Gilly and the Target Lady. She usually breathes life into exasperated people who can barely contain themselves like Sue in the recurring skits about surprise parties. The performer carried over her talent for becoming crazy humans in the film world. She co-wrote and starred in “Bridesmaids,” along with other comedies like “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.” In her attempts to try parts outside of the comedy world, the actress also showed promising work in “Wonder Woman 1984.”
#1: Amy Poehler
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Being a co-founder of the Upright Citizens Brigade, Amy Poehler was a perfect choice to be an “SNL” cast member. She was such a reliable presence on the show that she would frequently lead or co-host the skit itself. The comedian also effectively co-hosted “Weekend Update” with Tina Fey and then Seth Meyers. Shining as a little kid or a Bronx television personality, the actress looked superbly confident in any position. This led to a number of hilarious comedy roles in films such “Mean Girls” and “Wine Country.” It also was the precursor to her immensely successful turn as Leslie on “Parks and Recreation.” Her “Update” partner Fey was another amazing writer and co-host, but Poehler has the extra edge as an all-around performer.
