As Saturday Night Live (SNL) enters its landmark 50th season on September 28, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible talent the show has brought to the comedy world. While the show takes place in New York, it’s Chicago that has helped shape much of its humor and many of its most memorable characters.
The Windy City has been a major hub for comedic talent, with many SNL cast members honing their skills in Chicago’s famed improv and theater scene, particularly at The Second City and iO Theater. From legends like Bill Murray and John Belushi to more recent talents like Cecily Strong and new cast member Emil Wakim, Chicago has played a pivotal role in shaping some of SNL’s brightest stars.
Bill Murray
Born in Wilmette, a suburb of Chicago, Bill Murray is a comedy legend and Second City alum. He joined SNL in 1977 and quickly became a fan favorite with characters like Nick the Lounge Lizard. Murray’s deadpan wit and sarcastic style set him apart, and his success extended well beyond the show, starring in films such as Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day.
John Belushi
A Chicago native and one of SNL’s original cast members, John Belushi was an iconic performer who helped shape the show’s early success. His larger-than-life characters, like the Samurai and his role in the “Blues Brothers” alongside Dan Aykroyd, made him a defining face of the show. Belushi got his start at Second City and left an indelible mark on both SNL and American comedy.
Dan Aykroyd
While born in Canada, Dan Aykroyd’s comedy roots are firmly planted in Chicago’s Second City. A founding cast member of SNL, Aykroyd brought to life iconic characters like the Coneheads and co-created the “Blues Brothers” alongside John Belushi. His time at Second City helped solidify his comedic chops, and his partnership with Belushi became one of SNL’s most enduring legacies.
Chris Farley
Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Chris Farley made his comedic home at Chicago’s Second City before joining SNL in 1990. His over-the-top physical comedy and characters like motivational speaker Matt Foley made him a standout. Farley’s fearless performances and his undeniable charm helped him become a comedy legend, with films like Tommy Boy cementing his legacy.
Cecily Strong
Cecily Strong, born in Springfield, Illinois, and raised in Oak Park, developed her comedic skills in Chicago, performing regularly at iO Theater and The Second City. She joined SNL in 2012 and quickly became known for her unforgettable characters like Cathy Anne and her sharp impersonations of public figures such as Judge Jeanine Pirro and Melania Trump.
Strong remains one of the longest-tenured female cast members in SNL history, leaving the show in 2022.
Maya Rudolph
Though raised in California, Maya Rudolph’s connection to Chicago runs deep—her mother, the legendary singer Minnie Riperton, was born and raised in the city. Rudolph joined SNL in 2000 and became known for her versatile performances, including her portrayal of Oprah Winfrey and her iconic Beyoncé impression. Her family’s Chicago roots contribute to her connection to the city and its cultural influence.
Tim Meadows
Tim Meadows spent ten seasons on SNL, one of the longest runs of any cast member. He got his start at Second City and brought characters like “The Ladies Man” to life on the show. Meadows’ versatility and subtle comedic style made him a beloved performer during his tenure on SNL.
Horatio Sanz
Horatio Sanz, raised on Chicago’s West Side, was a key player on SNL from 1998 to 2006. Known for his comedic chemistry with Jimmy Fallon and his ability to break character, Sanz honed his skills at Second City and remains a fan favorite for his lovable, goofy style.
Danitra Vance
Danitra Vance made history as the first Black woman to become a repertory player on SNL during the 1985–1986 season. A Roosevelt University graduate, Vance was known for her strong characters and broke ground for diverse representation in comedy. Her ties to Chicago and her trailblazing role continue to be celebrated.
Joan Cusack
A Chicago native and member of the Cusack acting family, Joan Cusack briefly appeared on SNL during the 1985–1986 season. Known for her unique comedic style, Cusack’s Chicago roots helped her transition from improv theater to television and film, where she became a beloved actor in movies like Working Girl and School of Rock.
Tim Kazurinsky
A Second City alum, Tim Kazurinsky was a cast member on SNL from 1981 to 1984. Known for his quirky and cerebral humor, Kazurinsky’s time on the show saw him creating memorable characters and sketches. His work post-SNL, including roles in the Police Academy series, made him a well-known comedy figure.
David Koechner
Though his time on SNL was brief, David Koechner made a lasting impression. Koechner, a Second City performer, went on to find success in films like Anchorman and The Office. His Chicago improv background helped shape his comedic style and larger-than-life characters(
Nora Dunn
Chicago-born Nora Dunn was a cast member of SNL from 1985 to 1990. Known for her sharp wit and bold performances, Dunn is remembered for boycotting an episode hosted by Andrew Dice Clay in protest of his misogynistic humor. Her Chicago upbringing and Second City training gave her the confidence to stand out in an already strong cast(
Tina Fey
Although Tina Fey was born in Pennsylvania, she sharpened her comedic skills in Chicago, working at Second City and iO Theater before becoming head writer at SNL in 1999. She was the first female head writer of the show and famously portrayed Sarah Palin during the 2008 presidential election. Her work on SNL and later on 30 Rock helped solidify her as one of the sharpest comedic voices of her generation.
Amy Poehler
Another Second City alum, Amy Poehler made her way to SNL in 2001, where she quickly became known for her quick wit and comedic versatility. From her role as co-anchor on “Weekend Update” alongside Tina Fey to her iconic impressions of Hillary Clinton, Poehler’s Chicago training helped her become one of SNL’s most beloved cast members. Her post-SNL success includes the hit series Parks and Recreation.
Jim Belushi
Like his brother John, Jim Belushi also got his start in Chicago’s vibrant comedy scene at The Second City. He joined SNL in 1983, where his versatile performances and physical comedy made him a standout. Although he is often overshadowed by his brother’s legacy, Jim carved out his own path with memorable characters and sketches, later finding success in television and film, including his sitcom According to Jim.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Though born in New York, Julia Louis-Dreyfus honed her comedy chops at Chicago’s Practical Theatre Company before joining SNL in 1982. While her time on the show was brief, it paved the way for her starring role on Seinfeld and later Veep, where she became a multi-Emmy-winning comedic actress. Chicago played a vital role in shaping her early career.
Robert Smigel
Though mostly known as a writer, Robert Smigel, another Chicago improv veteran, had a lasting influence on SNL. He created the unforgettable “TV Funhouse” segments and co-wrote some of the show’s most memorable sketches, including the “Bill Swerski’s Superfans” skits, which immortalized Chicago’s sports culture
Saturday Night Live‘s 50th season premiere is this Saturday with host Jean Smart (Hacks) and musical guest, Jellyroll on NBC and Peacock. Let’s see if Emil follows in the footsteps of his Chicago predecessors.
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