The Funniest Female SNL Alumni
Kristen Wiig, a shining star during her tenure on SNL from 2005 through 2012, crafted memorable characters like the quirky Target Lady and the forever excitable Sue. With her hilarious performances and gift for improvisation, Wiig solidified her place as one of the most iconic female cast members in the show's history.
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Gilda Radner, a true pioneer, carved a path for women in comedy with her captivating and lovable characters such as Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella during the show's first five seasons. Radner's impact is everlasting, as her trailblazing spirit continues to inspire generations of female comedians.
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Tina Fey, not only a gifted performer but also a brilliant writer, served as both a cast member and head writer from 1997 to 2006. Known for her smart and sassy Weekend Update co-anchor, as well as her spot-on portrayal of Sarah Palin, Fey's comedic genius left an indelible mark on the show's history.
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Amy Poehler's infectious energy, coupled with her knack for creating endearing and funny characters, made her a standout from her debut in 2001 through 2008. Along with her legendary stint as Weekend Update co-anchor, Poehler shined with unforgettable characters like the raucous Kaitlin and the lovable Hillary Clinton.
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Kate McKinnon, a true chameleon, has been dazzling audiences since her debut in 2012 with her uncanny ability to embody a wide range of characters and impressions. From her uproarious take on Hillary Clinton to her lovably oddball Ms. Rafferty, McKinnon has solidified herself as a legend in the making.
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Maya Rudolph graced the SNL stage from 2000 to 2007, leaving a legacy filled with uncanny impressions and beloved characters. With her impeccable portrayal of icons like Oprah Winfrey and Donatella Versace or the hilarious original characters like Bronx Beat's Jodi Deitz, Rudolph charmed viewers with her versatility and talent.
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- #33 of 289 onThe Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
Cecily Strong has been a master of satire and hilarious impressions since joining the cast in 2012. From her time as a Weekend Update co-anchor to her unforgettable take on Melania Trump, Strong's unique comedic stylings have left audiences clamoring for more.
More Cecily Strong- #96 of 289 onThe Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
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- #58 of 134 onThe Most Successful 'Saturday Night Live' Alumni
Molly Shannon, the fearless physical comic, dominated the late '90s on SNL with her tenacity and commitment to her offbeat characters such as Mary Katherine Gallagher and Sally O'Malley. Her energy was contagious, as she managed to steal scenes and hearts with her full throttle performances.
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Rachel Dratch, a brilliant character actress, consistently entertained from 1999 until her departure in 2006. With her spot-on impressions of everyone from Calista Flockhart to Britney Spears and original characters like Debbie Downer, Dratch had a knack for making audiences both laugh and cringe in the best way.
More Rachel Dratch- #54 of 289 onThe Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
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Jane Curtin, an original cast member, brought a refreshing balance of wit and sophistication to the chaos of the early days of SNL. As one of the first female Weekend Update anchors, Curtin set a precedent for other women to follow, proving that women could be hilarious in their own right.
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- #14 of 289 onThe Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
- #21 of 122 onThe Best SNL Cast Members Of All Time
Cheri Oteri's quirky sense of humor made her a standout during her tenure on SNL from 1995 to 2000. Known for her distinctive voice and high-energy performances, Oteri delighted viewers with classic characters like the cheerleader Arianna and the slightly unnerving Spartan Spirit leader.
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Vanessa Bayer, a delightful comedic presence during her tenure from 2010 through 2017, showcased her talent for impressions and likable characters. With her infectious take on Miley Cyrus and the awkwardly lovable Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy, Bayer left an enduring impression upon her departure.
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Ana Gasteyer, a tremendously gifted performer, made her mark on SNL from 1996 to 2002 with her versatile character work and delightful singing voice. From her endearing portrayal of Bobbi Mohan-Culp to her uproarious impressions of Martha Stewart and Celine Dion, Gasteyer's talent was truly multifaceted.
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- #88 of 289 onThe Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
- #43 of 122 onThe Best SNL Cast Members Of All Time
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, before skyrocketing to fame on Seinfeld, spent a few years on SNL from 1982 to 1985. Although her time was brief, her innate gift for physical comedy and sharp wit left a lasting impression, paving the way for her iconic career in comedy.
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Jan Hooks, with her impeccable comic timing and undeniable charm, captivated audiences during her SNL tenure from 1986 to 1991. With memorable characters like the lounge singer Candy Sweeney and her spot-on impressions of Sinead O'Connor and Hillary Clinton, Hooks left a comedy legacy that's fondly remembered to this day.
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- #108 of 289 onThe Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
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Aidy Bryant, a true gem since her debut in 2012, has consistently delighted viewers with her warm presence and an array of unforgettable characters. From her affable Lil' Baby Aidy persona to her hilarious take on Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Bryant's talent has shined in every sketch she's graced.
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Leslie Jones, a powerhouse comic with a magnetic presence, captured attention and laughter alike during her tenure on SNL from 2014 to 2019. Whether she was dominating Weekend Update with hilarious personal stories or bringing her signature swagger to various characters, Jones was a force to be reckoned with.
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Heidi Gardner, a gifted performer who made her SNL debut in 2017, has consistently brought fresh energy and a unique comedic perspective to the show. With standout characters like teen movie critic Bailey Gismert and her delightful impressions, Gardner has already made a lasting impression on viewers.
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Nasim Pedrad, a radiant talent during her time on SNL from 2009 to 2014, showcased her unique ability to adopt quirky characters and create delightful impressions. With her memorable portrayal of Kim Kardashian and eccentric original characters like Bedelia, Pedrad captured audiences with her comedic charm and wit.
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- #204 of 289 onThe Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
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Laraine Newman, an original cast member, brought a youthful zest and versatile talent to the formative years of SNL. As the mastermind behind characters like Connie Conehead and Sheri the Valley Girl, Newman helped to lay the groundwork for the show's comedic trajectory and earned her place in SNL history.
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Ego Nwodim, a rising star since joining the cast in 2018, has quickly won over audiences with her magnetic presence and spot-on character work. From her hilarious sketches like "Career Day" to her fantastic impressions of celebrities like Issa Rae, Nwodim's comedic abilities show no signs of slowing down.
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Melissa Villaseñor, a true master of impressions since her SNL debut in 2016, has consistently delighted viewers with her unique spin on celebrity doppelgängers and delightful original characters. With her spot-on portrayals of icons like Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton, Villaseñor has become an indispensable asset to the cast.
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Julia Sweeney, a talent who rose to prominence during her SNL years from 1990 to 1994, gave us the iconic androgynous character Pat. With her unique style and fearless approach to comedy, Sweeney will forever be remembered for pushing boundaries and leaving a lasting impression on the show's comedic landscape.
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Joan Cusack, before becoming a much-admired actress, briefly graced the SNL stage during the 1985-1986 season. Though her time on the show was short-lived, Cusack's undeniable talent and penchant for bringing heartfelt sincerity to her comedic performances left an indelible mark on her diverse career.
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Sarah Sherman
Sarah Sherman, joining SNL as a featured player in 2021, has already begun turning heads with her distinctive comedic voice and genuine enthusiasm. With great expectations surrounding her tenure, Sherman is poised to make her mark on the legendary sketch show.
Jenny Slate, a brilliant comic and gifted actress, made her splash on SNL for one brief but memorable season from 2009 to 2010. With her endearing voice and undeniable talent for timing and observation, Slate found her place in audiences' hearts and expanded her range in a successful post-SNL career.
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- #236 of 289 onThe Funniest Female Comedians of All Time
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Abby Elliott, carrying on her family's comedic legacy, lent her talents to SNL from 2008 to 2012. With her incredible impressions of celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Zooey Deschanel, Elliott's knack for capturing the essence of her subjects won over viewers time and time again.
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Nora Dunn, a major comedic talent during her SNL run from 1985 to 1990, consistently entertained viewers with her impeccable character work and biting wit. With beloved characters like the Sweeney Sisters and a brilliant take on Imelda Marcos, Dunn's impact remains palpable.
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Sarah Silverman, an acclaimed comic both on and off the SNL stage, briefly joined the cast during 1993-1994. Despite her short-lived tenure, Silverman showcased her uncensored humor and unique comic sensibility, which would later become her signature style in her successful career.
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Janeane Garofalo, a prolific comedian, briefly contributed her sardonic humor and biting sarcasm to SNL during the 1994-1995 season. Though her time on the show was fleeting, Garofalo's unapologetic comedic voice paved the way for her successful career in stand-up and television.
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