Top 10 SNL Cast Members Who Have Performed on Broadway
#10: Laurie Metcalf
Although her time on the series was short-lived, Laurie Metcalf made the most of it. Even though she did not continue with the show beyond one episode, her career blossomed both onscreen and onstage. One of the founding members of the renowned Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Metcalf made her Broadway debut in “My Thing Of Love” and received her first Tony nomination for “November.” She also appeared in “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “Broadway Bound,” and the onstage adaptation of “Misery.” In 2017, she won a Tony Award for starring in “A Doll’s House, Part 2” and again a year later for “Three Tall Women.” She may have had one of the shortest runs in “SNL” history, but something tells us, she did alright on her own.
#9: Garrett Morris
A cast member from 1975-1980, Garrett Morris started his show biz career by appearing in musicals. The actor who became known for his impeccable comedic timing, starred in Broadway shows like “Hallelujah, Baby!” and “Ain’t Supposed to Die A Natural Death.” Since then, Morris has gone on to accumulate an impressive amount of credits appearing on “2 Broke Girls”, “Shameless,” and “This Is Us.” In 2019, the comedic actor returned to his sketch comedy background by appearing in “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” Here’s hoping he’ll also return to his musical origins again one day.
#8: Martin Short
Canadian born and bred, Martin Short started his career off in the theatre appearing in the star-studded Toronto production of Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell.” After proving his sketch comedy chops on “SCTV,” he joined the tenth season of “SNL.” In the 90s, he made his way to Broadway, starring in a musical version of “The Goodbye Girl” and continued to appear in shows like “Little Me.” In fact, Short was approached to appear in the original production of the Broadway blockbuster, “The Producers.” He turned the role down, but he eventually played Leo Bloom in a touring production. Years later in 2006, he took up residency on 42nd street with his own one-man show “Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me,” adding another checkmark to his theatrical resume.
#7: Billy Crystal
For a brief time, Billy Crystal was part of the “SNL” ensemble. After one season, Crystal pursued other prospects, which led him to becoming one of the go-to comedians of the 80s. It wasn’t until 2004 that Billy made his Broadway debut when he adapted his autobiography, “700 Sundays” for the stage. The one-man show features stories from his life growing up in and around Manhattan and earned him a Tony for Special Theatrical Event in 2005. A filmed version of the play was produced by HBO nearly ten years later, proving that Crystal made a lasting impression on New York’s theatre scene.
#6: Christine Ebersole
Even the biggest of Broadway devotees might not know that Tony-winning stage icon Christine Ebersole was once an “SNL” cast member. For a total of 20 episodes, the songstress appeared on the show, which included her serving as co-anchor of “Weekend Update.” Outside of Studio 8H, she has appeared in productions of “Oklahoma!,” “Camelot,” and “42nd Street,” the latter of which won her a Tony. In 2007, she earned her second Tony Award for the musical adaptation of “Grey Gardens.” No doubt her “SNL” comedy skills helped her tap into both the comedy and tragedy of the show.
#5: Molly Shannon
Known for bringing to life characters like Mary Katherine Gallagher and Terri Rialto, Molly Shannon's comedic chops are top-notch. After serving as an ensemble member from 1995-2001, Molly enjoyed starring in an array of on-screen projects. In 2011, her next great comedy challenge arrived when she joined Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth in their revival of “Promises, Promises.” Molly’s portrayal of flirtatious Marge MacDougall became a fan favorite and stayed with the show until it closed. It’s been quite a while since Shannon appeared onstage and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that she’ll return sooner rather than later.
#4: Taran Killam
Soon after departing “Saturday Night Live,” Taran Killam joined the cast of the Broadway blockbuster, “Hamilton.” Assuming the role made famous by Jonathan Groff, Killam stepped into King George III’s perfectly polished shoes. A former University of California, Los Angeles musical theatre student, his transition from sketch to stage wasn’t so far-fetched. Since leaving the revolutionary show, Taran has not revisited the stage. However, between his comedy, acting, and singing skills, we’re sure he’ll “be back” on the Great White Way in no time.
#3: Ana Gasteyer
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“SNL” fans might not know that one-time cast member, Ana Gasteyer is a seasoned musical theatre actress. After finishing her “Live” run, Gasteyer set her sights on the stage and originated the sought-after role of Elphaba in the Chicago production of “Wicked,” later joining the Broadway cast. Soon after, she starred in the revival of “The Threepenny Opera.” Since then, Ana has appeared on stages across America, from New York to Los Angeles. No matter what stage she’s occupying, one thing is for certain, Ana Gasteyer is “Defying” all our expectations.
#2: Gilda Radner
An original “Saturday Night Live” cast member, Gilda Radner is one of the most beloved performers to come out of the show. Her amazing stage presence made her transition to Broadway an obvious move. “GGilda Radner – Live from New York” was her Great White Way debut and featured her singing, dancing, and bringing to life some of her most famous “SNL” characters. Everyone from Baba Wawa to Roseannadanna made an appearance. Years later the event was filmed for the big screen and directed by Mike Nichols. Gilda went on to make her second and final Broadway appearance in “Lunch Hour” in the 80s, leaving her mark as a comedy legend.
#1: Will Ferrell
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Written and starring funnyman Will Ferrell, “You’re Welcome America” made its debut in 2009. The one-man show starring Ferrell as former POTUS George W. Bush was a satirical comedic look at the controversial figure. The play was inspired by Will’s impression of Bush during his time on “SNL.” After its run, the show went on to become Tony-nominated and was filmed for HBO in late 2009. Although this is his only Broadway credit to date, we’re hopeful that Will has more satirical stage-ready material up his sleeve.
