Top 10 Celebs Who Ruined Their Careers on SNL

This punk rock band might not have been a household name in 1981. However, Fear had at least one prominent fan: John Belushi. When Belushi returned in what would ultimately be his final SNL appearance, he was adamant that Fear be the musical guest with slamdancers. The performance got out of control, with one of their songs being cut short. It was rumored that a riot broke out with thousands of dollars in property damage. While some say thats grossly embellished, the appearance gave the band a reputation. Although Fear recorded their first record shortly after, various clubs refused to book them. Fellow punk rockers have cited Fear as an influence, but their infamous SNL performance has arguably clouded their music.

This stand-up joined SNL during its 35th season. Jenny Slate immediately left an impression, although not in the ideal way. The premiere episode included a sketch where several words beginning with f were uttered. Slate accidentally let the wrong f-word slip. She did her best not to break character, but the moment still felt like a slow-motion train wreck. While Slate remained with SNL for a season, it almost seemed as if she were in the penalty box, with few other sketches showcasing her talent. Nevertheless, Slate claims the f-bomb isnt solely why she was let go from SNL, saying it just wasnt the right fit. What seemed like her big break was a setback, but Slate soon found acclaim in film and television.

Damon Wayans felt he was being underutilized during his first and only season on SNL. The Mr. Monopoly sketch, in which he played a cop, is one example of how the show treated Wayans as a glorified extra. Live on the air, Wayans put his own spin on the character, playing him in a stereotypically gay manner. Wayans knew going off script was grounds for termination, which is precisely what happened. Some were convinced Wayans sabotaged his career. Others argued the stunt would make his career. While Wayans briefly returned to SNL that season, it was uncertain if hed ever truly break out beyond the standup scene. That was until he joined another sketch comedy series, In Living Color, four years after his SNL firing.

Many wouldnt understand the genius of Andy Kaufman until he was gone. Although never officially a cast member, Kaufman had sporadically appeared on SNL since the first episode. With Kaufmans act becoming increasingly divisive, SNL left his fate in the viewers hands. Two numbers were provided, one to keep Andy and the other to dump him. While Kaufman was in on this bit, it backfired with the public ultimately voting to give him the boot. Although Kaufman accepted the results, the negative press only made it harder for him to find work. Some felt antagonizing executive producer Dick Ebersol was one example of Kaufmans self-destructive behavior. To an extent, this foreshadowed his premature death in 1984, almost a year after his last SNL appearance.

Ye is no stranger to causing a ruckus on live television, be it a hurricane relief telethon or the VMAs. Despite Wests unpredictable track record, he served as SNLs musical guest several times without a major incident. Well, until Wests September 2018 appearance, that is. Closing out the Season 44 premiere, West donned his MAGA hat, launching a rant supporting President Donald Trump. Although the tirade wasnt aired, Kenan Thompson joked that West essentially held everyone in the room hostage. Contrary to rumors, West wasnt banned from SNL, although between this scandal and his feud with Pete Davidson, its not surprising that he hasnt appeared on the show since. Meanwhile, Wests career has continued to spiral amid mental health issues and other controversial statements.

From vaudeville, to radio, to the dawn of television, Milton Berle left his mark as a comedy legend. By the late 70s, though, Berle was generally seen as a fading star. Hosting SNL provided an opportunity to connect with a new generation. Yet, the SNL team knew they were in trouble as the notoriously egotistical Berle attempted to hijack the production, plaguing the set with humor that ranged from dated to deeply offensive. Berle proved so self-congratulatory that he guaranteed a standing ovation for his performance of September Song, although Lorne Michaels claims only about ten stood up. Not only was he banned from SNL, but his appearance seemingly proved something everyone other than Berle knew: his time in the spotlight had come and gone.

With the exit of Lorne Michaels and the original cast, SNL Season 6 desperately needed a life preserver. The season found its saving grace in Eddie Murphy, although executive producer Jean Doumanian expected Charles Rocket to be the shows latest breakout. Ironically, Rocket would be Doumanians undoing. After Rocket dropped an f-bomb during a 1981 taping, director Dave Wilson thought it might be the end of live television. It wasnt, but Doumanian was swiftly replaced with Dick Ebersol, who opted not to bring back Rocket or several others for the following season. Between his SNL firing and self-inflicted death in 2005, Rocket found work as a supporting player in projects like Dumb and Dumber. He never became the superstar that Doumanian envisioned, however.

Sinéad OConnor was perhaps even more well-known for her outspoken political and social views than her music. The late singers legacy has been overshadowed by her 1992 SNL appearance. Following a performance of Bob Marleys War, OConnor tore a photograph of Pope John Paul II, vaguely encouraging the audience to fight the real enemy. She later elaborated, accusing the Catholic Church of abuse. While OConnor expressed no regrets, her protest received a whirlwind of criticism that followed her like a storm cloud. As more accusations surrounding the church came to light and were addressed by the pope himself, people began to reevaluate how OConnor was treated. Some at SNL even called her brave, although this reappraisal was largely reserved for after she died in 2023.

Once among the biggest action stars in the world, Steven Seagal is now primarily known for being the worst SNL host ever. Thats not just our opinion. Lorne Michaels and multiple cast members have cited Seagal as the most hated host in SNL history. Seagal didnt earn this title simply because he wasnt funny or because his range is incredibly limited, although both are fair assessments. Above all else, Seagal came off as a jerk who was not only incapable of taking a joke, but seemed baffled by the sheer notion of humor. Although Seagal continued to make movies, some more successful than others, his star eventually plummeted. SNL was all too happy to revel in his downfall, getting the last laugh.

Before 2004, this pop singer was best known as Jessica Simpsons little sister. Ever since then, Ashlee Simpson has been the one who got caught lip-syncing on SNL. At the time, it appeared Simpsons career was at a turning point with Pieces of Me making it onto the Billboard Hot 100. Simpson performed the song on SNL, although the audience grew confused when Pieces of Me started playing again during her second set. Simpson looked equally bewildered, as Autobiography was supposed to play. Jigging off stage, Simpson later explained she was losing her voice. Simpson has joked about the technical mix-up and even returned to SNL. In a career spanning music, screen, and stage, though, Simpson cant seem to escape this awkward incident.

Which celebrity do you think had the most disastrous SNL appearance? Let us know in the comments.