20 Celebs Who RUINED Their Careers on SNL

#20: Ann Risley

Ann Risley was part of the ill-fated “Saturday Night Live ‘80” cast, the infamous lineup that followed the departure of Lorne Michaels and most of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Risley was brought in as a cast member, but the season was a critical disaster and ratings plummeted. She later admitted she didn’t even want to join the show, calling it a horrible experience. And after “SNL”, her career never really recovered, taking a few small TV roles before leaving Hollywood altogether and opening an acting school. While the whole cast suffered to some degree, Risley is often remembered as one of the most tragic performers in SNL history, a promising career cut short by factors outside of her control.

#19: Robert Blake

Even before his notorious legal troubles of the early 2000s, Robert Blake had already taken a hit with “Saturday Night Live”. When invited to host back in 1982, the “Baretta” star reportedly hated the sketches, clashed with the cast, and even threw a crumpled script at writer Gary Kroeger. Needless to say, he was never invited back. The hosting gig cast a shadowy pall on his professional reputation, and whether from SNL, age, or some combination of both, the roles dried up shortly after. Blake would later face much darker headlines involving murder charges, but his disastrous SNL appearance was an early sign that his time in the spotlight was dimming, and dimming fast.

#18: Karmin

In the early 2010s, Karmin was a YouTube sensation turned major label pop act, known for their rapid-fire covers and upbeat tracks. But when they performed on SNL in 2012, the duo’s quirky, internet-polished style just didn’t translate to live TV. Critics panned the performance as awkward and forced, with many calling it one of the weakest musical segments in the show’s history. Now that’s rough. The backlash was brutal, and Karmin’s mainstream career basically vanished overnight. Despite reinventing themselves later under a new name, Karmin never reached the level of fame that their viral videos promised. Sometimes the big stage just isn’t the right stage.

#17: Dan Vitale

Do you remember Dan Vitale? Exactly. Hired in 1985 during the show’s famous rebuilding year, his debut was nothing short of a trainwreck. Struggling with nerves, shaky delivery, and behind-the-scenes personal troubles, his first sketches bombed so hard that audiences barely remember them. Unlike other cast members who bounced back from rocky starts, Vitale never got another chance - he was fired before the season wrapped, reportedly due to those aforementioned personal troubles. The disastrous appearance effectively torpedoed his career, relegating him to trivia question status in SNL history as “that guy” who appeared in Pee-Wee Herman’s episode.

#16: Louise Lasser

Best known as the star of “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman”, Louise Lasser hosted SNL in 1976 during its very first season. But the episode turned into one of the strangest in the show’s history. Lasser, who had recently been arrested for drug possession, did not get along with the regular performers and insisted on mostly performing solo bits. The result was an awkward, disjointed mess that both critics and her fellow cast members absolutely hated. She was called a few not-so-nice names by her co-workers, and a reputation as a “difficult” actress followed her for years. To this day, Lasser’s hosting gig is still remembered as one of SNL’s most infamous, and earliest, disasters.

#15: Andrew Dice Clay

By the early ‘90s, stand-up comedian Andrew Dice Clay was already controversial for his vulgar and misogynistic routines. So when he hosted SNL in 1990, protests erupted both inside and outside the studio. Cast member Nora Dunn boycotted the episode in protest, and musical guest Sinead O’Connor dropped out entirely after learning that Clay would be involved. And while he did well enough on the show, the negative publicity dealt a major blow to Clay’s career, cementing his reputation as a toxic comedian. His film and TV opportunities quickly dried up, and while he still has a cult legion of fans, his SNL stint was certainly a deflating moment - at least for his mainstream career.

#14: Frank Zappa

While he was a genius musician, live television wasn’t exactly Frank Zappa’s strong suit. When he hosted SNL in 1978, Zappa played the bad guy - he openly mocked the cue cards, frequently broke character, and generally acted like he was above the whole production. The cast and crew were furious at him, and audiences were put off by his smug attitude. Lorne Michaels swore never to have him back, and the debacle reinforced Zappa’s reputation as a brilliant but insufferable man. Though his music career continued, he struggled to stay relevant throughout the 1980s, and the hosting gig remains one of the most notoriously uncomfortable episodes in the show’s history.

#13: Elon Musk

Remember when people actually liked Elon Musk? WatchMojo remembers. The tech mogul took a shot at comedy by hosting SNL in 2021, but the episode sparked instant controversy - critics questioned why a billionaire with questionable PR should be spotlighted, and Musk’s stiff comedic timing didn’t win anyone over. While some praised him for at least trying (unlike some other celebs on this list), the backlash was swift and intense. The episode highlighted Musk’s awkwardness outside the boardroom, and combined with later, much worse, controversies, it hurt his reputation forever. This was the beginning of the end for poor Mr. Musk.

#12: Chevy Chase

He might’ve been SNL’s first breakout star, but Chevy Chase’s repeated return to hosting was nothing short of disastrous. Known behind the scenes as one of the most difficult celebrities to work with, Chase has reportedly insulted cast members, made racist jokes, and burned bridges every time he went back to the show. His gig on February 15, 1997 was especially rough, and for many, that was the absolute last straw. Chase’s career soon went into decline following the episode, with his reputation as a comedy legend overshadowed by his reputation as an unfathomable jerk. He made a brief resurgence on “Community,” but he even managed to ruin that. It’s no wonder he’s basically persona non grata at 30 Rock.

#11: The Replacements

When The Replacements performed on SNL in 1986, they were posed to be America’s next great rock band. Instead, the famously rowdy group lived up to their reputation - showing up drunk, swearing on live TV, and sloppily tearing through their songs. It’s therefore no surprise to hear that the bigwigs were not happy, and the band was never asked to return. The incident also fed into their image as self-saboteurs, and while critics generally loved their music, the mainstream success that seemed just within reach slipped away forever. Their SNL gig has gone down as one of the ultimate examples of a band blowing their big break, and for all of us to see.

#10: Fear

This punk rock band might not have been a household name in 1981. However, Fear had at least one prominent fan: John Belushi. When Belushi returned in what would ultimately be his final “SNL” appearance, he was adamant that Fear be the musical guest… with slamdancers. The performance got out of control, with one of their songs being cut short. It was rumored that a riot broke out with thousands of dollars in property damage. While some say that’s grossly embellished, the appearance gave the band a reputation. Although Fear recorded their first record shortly after, various clubs refused to book them. Fellow punk rockers have cited Fear as an influence, but their infamous “SNL” performance has arguably clouded their music.

#9: Jenny Slate

This stand-up joined “SNL” during its 35th season. Jenny Slate immediately left an impression, although not in the ideal way. The premiere episode included a sketch where several words beginning with “f” were uttered. Slate accidentally let the wrong f-word slip. She did her best not to break character, but the moment still felt like a slow-motion train wreck. While Slate remained with “SNL” for a season, it almost seemed as if she were in the penalty box, with few other sketches showcasing her talent. Nevertheless, Slate claims the f-bomb isn’t solely why she was let go from “SNL,” saying it just wasn’t the right fit. What seemed like her big break was a setback, but Slate soon found acclaim in film and television.

#8: Damon Wayans

Damon Wayans felt he was being underutilized during his first and only season on “SNL.” The “Mr. Monopoly” sketch, in which he played a cop, is one example of how the show treated Wayans as a glorified extra. Live on the air, Wayans put his own spin on the character, playing him in a stereotypically gay manner. Wayans knew going off script was grounds for termination, which is precisely what happened. Some were convinced Wayans sabotaged his career. Others argued the stunt would make his career. While Wayans briefly returned to “SNL” that season, it was uncertain if he’d ever truly break out beyond the standup scene. That was until he joined another sketch comedy series, “In Living Color,” four years after his “SNL” firing.

#7: Andy Kaufman

Many wouldn’t understand the genius of Andy Kaufman until he was gone. Although never officially a cast member, Kaufman had sporadically appeared on “SNL” since the first episode. With Kaufman’s act becoming increasingly divisive, “SNL” left his fate in the viewers’ hands. Two numbers were provided, one to keep Andy and the other to dump him. While Kaufman was in on this bit, it backfired with the public ultimately voting to give him the boot. Although Kaufman accepted the results, the negative press only made it harder for him to find work. Some felt antagonizing executive producer Dick Ebersol was one example of Kaufman’s self-destructive behavior. To an extent, this foreshadowed his premature death in 1984, almost a year after his last “SNL” appearance.

#6: Kanye West

Ye is no stranger to causing a ruckus on live television, be it a hurricane relief telethon or the VMAs. Despite West’s unpredictable track record, he served as “SNL’s” musical guest several times without a major incident. Well, until West’s September 2018 appearance, that is. Closing out the Season 44 premiere, West donned his MAGA hat, launching a rant supporting President Donald Trump. Although the tirade wasn’t aired, Kenan Thompson joked that West essentially held everyone in the room “hostage.” Contrary to rumors, West wasn’t banned from “SNL,” although between this scandal and his feud with Pete Davidson, it’s not surprising that he hasn’t appeared on the show since. Meanwhile, West’s career has continued to spiral amid mental health issues and other controversial statements.

#5: Milton Berle

From vaudeville, to radio, to the dawn of television, Milton Berle left his mark as a comedy legend. By the late 70s, though, Berle was generally seen as a fading star. Hosting “SNL” provided an opportunity to connect with a new generation. Yet, the “SNL” team knew they were in trouble as the notoriously egotistical Berle attempted to hijack the production, plaguing the set with humor that ranged from dated to deeply offensive. Berle proved so self-congratulatory that he guaranteed a standing ovation for his performance of “September Song,” although Lorne Michaels claims only about ten stood up. Not only was he banned from “SNL,” but his appearance seemingly proved something everyone other than Berle knew: his time in the spotlight had come and gone.

#4: Charles Rocket

With the exit of Lorne Michaels and the original cast, “SNL” Season 6 desperately needed a life preserver. The season found its saving grace in Eddie Murphy, although executive producer Jean Doumanian expected Charles Rocket to be the show’s latest breakout. Ironically, Rocket would be Doumanian’s undoing. After Rocket dropped an f-bomb during a 1981 taping, director Dave Wilson thought it might be “the end of live television.” It wasn’t, but Doumanian was swiftly replaced with Dick Ebersol, who opted not to bring back Rocket or several others for the following season. Between his “SNL” firing and self-inflicted death in 2005, Rocket found work as a supporting player in projects like “Dumb and Dumber.” He never became the superstar that Doumanian envisioned, however.

#3: Sinéad O’Connor

Sinéad O’Connor was perhaps even more well-known for her outspoken political and social views than her music. The late singer’s legacy has been overshadowed by her 1992 “SNL” appearance. Following a performance of Bob Marley’s “War,” O’Connor tore a photograph of Pope John Paul II, vaguely encouraging the audience to “fight the real enemy.” She later elaborated, accusing the Catholic Church of abuse. While O’Connor expressed no regrets, her protest received a whirlwind of criticism that followed her like a storm cloud. As more accusations surrounding the church came to light and were addressed by the pope himself, people began to reevaluate how O’Connor was treated. Some at “SNL” even called her “brave,” although this reappraisal was largely reserved for after she died in 2023.

#2: Steven Seagal

Once among the biggest action stars in the world, Steven Seagal is now primarily known for being the worst “SNL” host ever. That’s not just our opinion. Lorne Michaels and multiple cast members have cited Seagal as the most hated host in “SNL” history. Seagal didn’t earn this title simply because he wasn’t funny or because his range is incredibly limited, although both are fair assessments. Above all else, Seagal came off as a jerk who was not only incapable of taking a joke, but seemed baffled by the sheer notion of humor. Although Seagal continued to make movies, some more successful than others, his star eventually plummeted. “SNL” was all too happy to revel in his downfall, getting the last laugh.

#1: Ashlee Simpson

Before 2004, this pop singer was best known as Jessica Simpson’s little sister. Ever since then, Ashlee Simpson has been “the one who got caught lip-syncing on ‘SNL.’” At the time, it appeared Simpson’s career was at a turning point with “Pieces of Me” making it onto the Billboard Hot 100. Simpson performed the song on “SNL,” although the audience grew confused when “Pieces of Me” started playing again during her second set. Simpson looked equally bewildered, as “Autobiography” was supposed to play. Jigging off stage, Simpson later explained she was losing her voice. Simpson has joked about the technical mix-up and even returned to “SNL.” In a career spanning music, screen, and stage, though, Simpson can’t seem to escape this awkward incident.

What do you make of these incidents? Let us know in the comments below!