Many comedians have used Saturday Night Live as a stepping stone to stardom, with some staying for decades (Kenan Thompson recently completed his 20th season), while others only last a short time. Interestingly, a brief tenure on the show does not necessarily predict future career success.
Surprisingly, major stars like Martin Short, Chevy Chase, and Billy Crystal only appeared for one season. Meanwhile, comedians like Damon Wayans, Tim Robinson, and Christopher Elliott struggled to match the show’s comedic style. Others, such as Chloe Troast, who shared her emotional departure on Instagram, and Michaela Watkins, weren’t invited back after their first season.
Martin Short made a lasting impression on SNL with his portrayal of Ed Grimley, despite only being part of the cast for one season
Below is a look at several former SNL cast members who had brief runs on the iconic NBC show and what they’ve gone on to achieve.
Chloe Troast, Season 49
Chloe Troast made a big impression during her one season on SNL in season 49, starring in sketches like “Get That Boy Back” alongside Chris Appleton, “Little Orphan Cassidy” with Timothée Chalamet, and “Christmas Classics” with Kate McKinnon.
Unfortunately, when NBC announced the cast for season 50, Troast revealed she hadn’t been asked to return. In an Instagram post, she expressed her disappointment, writing, “I wish I was going back to be with all the amazing friends I made there; it truly felt like home.”
She will next appear in the comedy Sweethearts, set to release in November.
Chevy Chase, Season 1
Chevy Chase was part of SNL’s original cast during its debut in 1975, making a major impact by creating the “Weekend Update” segment, which has since been hosted by talents like Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, and Colin Jost.
Though Chase exited the show midway through the second season, he returned to host several times between 1978 and 1999. His departure allowed his film career to take off with major roles in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, Caddyshack, and others.
At 80 years old, Chase’s most recent role was voicing Santa in 2023’s Glisten and the Merry Mission.
Jenny Slate, Season 35
Famous for the viral “Don’t Be Suspicious” TikTok sound, Jenny Slate’s SNL debut also went viral when she accidentally cursed during her first episode in the 2009-2010 season.
Recalling the moment in an interview with Glamour, she said, “It felt like an explosion when I said ‘f—‘ on live TV.” After the mishap, creator Lorne Michaels checked in on her, knowing the public fallout could be tough. Though she only lasted one season, Slate has since found success in Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and her Oscar-nominated animated film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.
Martin Short, Season 10
Martin Short had made a name for himself on Canada’s SCTV before being brought on to SNL for its 10th season, where he left a lasting impression.
Although his time on the show from 1984 to 1985 was short, his portrayal of the eccentric Ed Grimley remains iconic. Despite working alongside comedy heavyweights like Billy Crystal and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Short struggled with the intense weekly pace, describing the experience to HuffPost as “final exams every week.”
After leaving SNL, Short enjoyed success with roles in Three Amigos and Only Murders in the Building.
Billy Crystal, Season 10
Billy Crystal’s immense talent is undeniable, and though his one-season stint on SNL was brief, it was still serious.
In the book Live From New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live, Crystal reflected, “When I joined the show, I was bursting with ideas and excitement. Every day was a new discovery of what we could create.”
Though his time on SNL was short, he went on to cement his place in pop culture with roles in films like When Harry Met Sally and as a perennial Oscars host.
Christopher Guest, Season 10
In the same season as Short and Crystal, Christopher Guest joined SNL for one year in 1985. His comedic legacy includes starring in the cult classic This Is Spinal Tap and directing works like Best in Show and Mascots.
Guest has also enjoyed a long marriage to actress Jamie Lee Curtis, with whom he shares two children.
Robert Downey Jr., Season 11
Before becoming Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. honed his comedic skills on SNL from 1985 to 1986. Despite working with talents like Joan Cusack and Jon Lovitz, Downey famously described the season as “arguably the worst” in the show’s history.
Though he didn’t find success on the show, Downey eventually rose to global stardom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and recently teased a new role as Dr. Doom.
Damon Wayans, Season 11
Damon Wayans is well-known for his comedy dynasty, but his time on SNL was short-lived. Cast in season 11, Wayans clashed with showrunners and was finally fired after going off-script during a live sketch. Despite the setback, Wayans was invited back for the season finale to perform stand-up.
In October, Wayans and his son will star in their CBS show Poppa’s House.
Joan Cusack, Season 11
Coming from a family of actors, Joan Cusack joined SNL for a brief stint in season 11, lasting only 17 episodes. Post-SNL, Cusack found success in films like Runaway Bride and more recently gained recognition for her role in Shameless.
Anthony Michael Hall, Season 11
Anthony Michael Hall holds the distinction of being the youngest cast member in SNL history, joining the show in his teens. After the disappointing ratings of season 11, Hall was let go but rebounded with roles in Edward Scissorhands, The Dark Knight, and many others.
Ben Stiller, Season 14
Ben Stiller’s time on SNL was among the shortest — he quit after just five weeks. His ambition was directing, which he achieved through films like Zoolander and Tropic Thunder.
Sarah Silverman, Season 19
Sarah Silverman’s one season on SNL from 1993 to 1994 wasn’t her finest moment, but she turned it into a learning experience. After being let go, Silverman pursued stand-up and appeared in films like There’s Something About Mary. Her recent special Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love is available on Max.
Christopher Elliott, Season 20
Christopher Elliott, famous for his role in Schitt’s Creek, auditioned for SNL twice before joining in season 20. Despite his love for sketch comedy, Elliott admitted SNL wasn’t the right fit, but his time on the show connected him with industry greats. Years later, his daughter Abby would also join SNL, becoming a cast member from 2008 to 2012.
Rob Riggle, Season 30
Rob Riggle’s dream of being on SNL became a reality when he was cast for the 2004-2005 season. However, the overwhelming size of the cast limited his screen time, leading him to leave after one season. Riggle found greater success on The Daily Show and in movies like 21 Jump Street.
David Koechner, Season 21
David Koechner, known for his loud, hilarious persona, seemed destined for SNL, but creative differences led to his exit after a single season.
