Saturday Night Live is not just famous for its long-term shows; it also has various iconic characters who have made the show memorable for a reason. Here we have 17 greatest SNL characters of all time.
Wayne Campbell
Wayne’s public-access TV shows became famous and legendary because of their blend of humor and pop culture references. He was also famous for being a part of Wayne’s World duo with Garth Algar, together they used catchphrases and their relaxed attitude to get the attention of the audiences.
Garth Algar
Making Wayne and Garth one of the most memorable pairs in SNL history, Garth’s nervous energy, awkwardness, and strange personality make his bond with Wayne more healthy, making them complement each other.
Roseanne Roseannadanna
Gilda Radner was an experienced personality in terms of comedy delivery and timing. Roseanne was a classic, being one of the original SNL cast members, known for her revolting speeches and misinterpretations of events.
Stefon
Known widely as a city correspondent who delivers illogical nightlife recommendations on Weekend Update. Hader’s frequent breaking of character and his strange club description made him a fan favorite and an unforgettable part of the show.
The Church Lady
Dana Carvey hosts the fictional talk show Church Chat. Church Lady is a judgmental, pious character. Her catchphrase, “Isn’t that special?” and her holier-than-thou attitude has left an irreversible mark on SNL.
Matt Foley
Chris Farley’s motivational speaker, Matt Foley, who famously lives ‘in a van down by the river,’ is a larger-than-life character that showcases Farley’s physical comedy and ability to go all out for laughs.
The Coneheads
Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman played an alien family trying to adapt to life on Earth, which became an SNL staple in the late 1970s. Their bizarre speech patterns and strange customs provided a satirical look at American suburban life.
David S. Pumpkins
A relatively recent addition, David became an instant hit. With his ridiculous Halloween costume, bizarre behavior, and the catchphrase “Any Questions?” Tom Hanks brought a weird yet delightful character to life.
Emily Litella
Another classic from Gilda Radner, Emily is a sweet but confused elderly woman who regularly misunderstands important issues, leading to hilarious Weekend Updates segments filled with her catchphrase “Never Mind!”
Debbie Downer
As the ultimate buzzkill, Debbie is known for her ability to ruin any happy occasion by bringing up morose or depressing facts. Rachel Dratch’s delivery and the frequent breaking of character by her and her castmates made these sketches iconic.
The Blues Brothers
What started as a musical sketch about two brothers who loved blues music turned into a cultural phenomenon. The Blues Brothers, with their black suits, sunglasses, and soulful performances, remain one of SNL’s most enduring acts.
Spartan Cheerleaders
Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri’s overly enthusiastic Spartan Cheerleaders brought a unique brand of offbeat humor to the show. Their mismatched athleticism and bizarre cheers were a highlight of the late 90s.
MacGruber
A parody of the action hero, MacGyver, he is a hilariously incompetent character who fails to diffuse bombs in the most ridiculous ways. The absurdity of his failures and the dramatic build-up make MacGruber’s sketches endlessly fun.
Mr. Robinson
Eddy Murphy’s Mr. Robinson is a parody of Mr. Rogers with a gritty twist. Set in a tough urban environment, Mr. Robinson’s irreverent takes on teaching his audience gave SNL some of its most memorable moments.
Lisa Loopner
As one of the nerdy teenagers in The Nerds sketches, Lisa was a quintessentially awkward high schooler. Gilda Radner’s portrayal, complete with braces and a lisp, brought both humor and heart to the character.
Stuart Smalley
He is the self-help guru who hosts Daily Affirmation where he tries to boost his self-esteem and that of his viewers. Stuart became an iconic SNL character in the early ‘90s.
Target Lady
Kristen Wiig’s Target Lady is an overly enthusiastic cashier with an obsession for bargains and a love for her job. Her exaggerated reactions and quirky customer interactions made her one of the standout characters of Wiig’s tenure on SNL.
