In this movie Saturday nightAudiences get a sneak peek into the chaotic process of putting together the first episode of Saturday Night Live On the air, but there’s curiosity about what happened to the original cast afterwards. Saturday night is a historical comedy directed by Jason Reitman and led by a massive star-studded cast, including Gabriel LaBelle, Dylan O’Brien, Rachel Sennott, Willem Dafoe, JK Simmons, and more. The movie revolves around the real life sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live, which has been shared consistently since 1975. The film shows Lorne Michaels’ struggle to make the show happen.
A major aspect of Saturday night is the figure. nowadays, Audiences recognize members of Saturday Night Live’s Cast to be some of the best comedians of their generation. However, this was not the case during the first season of the show. Michaels hired relatively unknown performers that NBC had very little faith in. They were known as the “not ready for prime-time players.” However, these actors eventually became household names and did amazing things next Saturday Night Live. To do this, they eventually had to leave the show altogether.
Chevy Chase left SNL during Season 2
Chase’s fiancé did not want to move to New York
The first member of SNL The original cast to leave the show was Chevy Chase. Chase was originally hired as a writer but became a full-time cast member before the show’s premiere. in Saturday night, He is portrayed by Cory Michael Smith as arrogant but also incredibly funny. Chase was the first host of Weekend Update and helped set the tone for the rest of it SNL 50 seasons. however, Chase only stayed with the show for a season and a half before exiting. This decision was apparently made by his fiancee, Jacqueline, who did not want to move to New York.
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Aside from his partner’s wishes, Chase probably also felt confident about leaving SNL Because he had several opportunities waiting for him. His success on SNL Led to his casting in projects like foul play, caddishack, And National Lampoon’s Vacation. He also began collaborating with other popular comedians, including Martin Short and Steve Martin Three Amigos. finally, Chase became a big name in comedy And continued to work in his old age Community And Hot Tub Time Machine. Meanwhile, Chase has not been on screen since 2015.
Dan Aykroyd left SNL after Season 4
Aykroyd has bigger and better opportunities
Similar to Chase, Dan Aykroyd was another comedian who was hired by SNL As a writer but eventually became a cast member. He quickly became known for his wide range of impersonations and his youthful, energetic spirit. Notably, Aykroyd was the youngest member of SNL Original cast. Dylan O’Brien’s portrayal of Aykroyd portrays the comedian as a goofy and flirtatious young man who has a joke for almost any situation. Aykroyd finally left SNL At the end of season 4 To pursue bigger and better roles.
Many speculated that Aykroyd only left because his close friend, John Belushi, also left and wanted to take Aykroyd with him.
Once again, Aykroyd’s career followed a similar trajectory as Chase’s. Still SNL, He took roles in iconic comedy projects like The Blues Brothers, Coneheads, And these Ghostbusters Franchise. Aykroyd has enjoyed quite a fruitful career since. He performed on the screen as recently as 2024 in Game Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. In this way, it seems like a good decision that Aykroyd left SNL When he did. Many speculated that Aykroyd only left because his close friend, John Belushi, also left and wanted to take Aykroyd with him.
John Belushi left SNL after Season 4
Belushi wanted to pursue a film career
John Belushi was another pivotal member of SNL Original cast. Belushi’s main draw was his physical humor And his ability to create unique and hilarious characters. For example, Belushi and Aykroyd’s Blues Brothers characters were originally meant only to warm up the studio audience but eventually expanded into an actual musical act and film franchise. in Saturday night, Belushi is played by Matt Wood. He is shown as an unpredictable and fairly evil character who has to be worked with to access his incredible talent.
Unfortunately, Belushi’s still alive SNL Wasn’t as lucky as Chase or Aykroyd. After his exit from the show in season 4, Belushi took on roles in major films such as Animal house And The Blues Brothers. However, Belushi struggled with substance abuse issues that led to serious health issues. in 1982, Belushi died of a drug overdose At the age of 33. Belushi’s death was a huge upset for the comedy community and for those who enjoyed watching him. Although his death occurred decades ago, he is still remembered for his amazing talent.
Gilda Radner left SNL after Season 5
Radner left along with Lorne Michaels
Just one season after Aykroyd and Belushi left SNL, Gilde Radner followed. Radner was the first performer to be cast SNL Freshman castand was known for originating popular characters such as Roseanne Roseannadanna and Baba Wawa. Played by Ella Hunt, Radner’s character in Saturday night Seems to be quirky, enthusiastic and optimistic. However, she seems to struggle with the fact that she is always cast as the little sister, and never the sexy female character. Regardless, Radner is another comedian whose performances have stayed with audiences for years afterward.
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finally, Radner is gone SNL Because Lorne Michaels is leaving. Michaels was interested in pursuing other projects, but NBC refused to set SNL On a hope for him. With that, Michaels exited the series and much of the main cast left with him, including Radner. Fortunately, like the rest of the freshman cast, Radner has various opportunities open to her, including a one-woman show on Broadway and a play. She did not build a movie career like her other castmates. Unfortunately, Radner died in 1989 of ovarian cancer.
Laraine Newman left SNL after Season 5
Newman followed Radner & Michaels
another one SNL Cast member to follow Michaels out was Laraine Newman. Newman was the founder and an original member of the GroundlingsUltimately leading to her casting in SNL. Newman’s greatest talents are her ability to improvise and her unique characters as Connie Conehead, although she usually doesn’t repeat characters as often as her peers. in Saturday night, Newman is played by Emily Fairn and is a relatively quiet and pious young woman, albeit wildly funny. This makes sense, since Newman spoke about her unhappiness while working on SNL.
After Michael S SNL Exit, Newman followed and tried to pursue a movie career. She was not nearly as successful as some of her other castmates, presumably because of her struggles with drug addiction and depression. However, in the 1990s, Newman got sober and found her niche in voice acting. She has performed in countless animated series and movies, viz Danny Phantom, Avatar: The Last AirBender, Rugrats, Finding Nemo, And more. Recently, Newman published in 2024s Despicable Me 4 and is set to star in the upcoming animated film, Dog man.
Garrett Morris left SNL after Season 5
Morris is also left with Michaels
Yet another SNL Cast member to follow Michaels is Garrett Morris. Morris was the only African-American cast member in the first season of SNL, And was noted for his singing performances and his writing skills. Before SNL, Morris was a playwright. As portrayed by Lamorne Morris in Saturday night, Morris struggled to find his place in SNL, Not sure why he was chosen as a cast member. In real life, Morris often felt as if he was put into stereotypical roles because of his race. This led to some unhappiness with the series.
Morris’ treatment on SNL It eventually led other BIPOC actors in the series to question the roles they were given, leading to beneficial changes for the sketch show.
After his departure from SNL, Morris took on a variety of television and film projects, with some of the most notable The Jeffersons, The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin, And 2 Broke Girls. Morris has continued his acting career in the present dayAppearing in 2015s ant man The 2018 drama series this is me And the 2019 sketch comedy show, A black lady sketch show. Morris’ treatment on SNL It eventually led other BIPOC actors in the series to question the roles they were given, leading to beneficial changes for the sketch show.
Jane Curtin left SNL after Season 5
Curtin followed with Michaels and the rest of the cast
The last SNL Cast member to leave the show was Jane Curtin, who also followed Michael, Radner, Newman and Morris. Curtin typically played the “straight woman” in sketchesActing opposite more unpredictable characters like Belushi and Radner. Behind the scenes, she is also described as more together and focused than her peers. Played by Kim Matula, Curtin brings that same energy Saturday night, Although her talent for deadpan comedy and characters is also on display.
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Unlike her colleagues, Curtin did not attempt to start a movie career, but instead stayed on television. She has appeared in two long-running television shows, Chain & Alley And Work it out. She also appeared on series II 3rd stone from the Sun And did voice work for Recess And Cyberchase. Curtin continues to act to this day, with her latest projects in 2023’s sci-fi movie owls, and an episode of the comedy series, Bupkiss. Finally, you return in Saturday night, Along with the rest of the original cast, is a welcome gift for modern audiences.