Top 10 SNL Cast Members Who Are Great at Stand Up

Starting stand-up as a teenager, Pete Davidson put the work in early to become a notable talent. His natural skills got him a job as one of the younger cast members on “SNL.” While he might not have been the most versatile sketch performer, Davidson excelled on “Weekend Update” with extended routines about his personal life and pop culture. These segments feel like they’re perfectly synthesized from his own act. Returning to the stage after “Saturday Night Live,” the comedian remains an open book during his sets. One of the reasons people love him is his vulnerability, honesty, and wit. He might be a social media fixation for his relationships, but the comic clearly resonates with audiences for his time behind the microphone.

This comedian might not have had a huge impact on “SNL,” but she was destined for greatness elsewhere. Jenny Slate started in the New York comedy scene doing stand-up and improv. Together with Gabe Liedman, she crafted a comedic duo that prepared her for live television. After only one season on “Saturday Night Live,” Slate left the show to pursue other TV work and the idea for “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” Her stand-up career blossomed even further with the release of “Stage Fright.” Along with acclaimed films like “Obvious Child,” the comedian has been able to excel with an eclectic style all her own.

Beloved for his unfiltered personality, Tracy Morgan has made a name for himself across several mediums. His work as a stand-up led him to “Saturday Night Live” in the 1990s. With a few recurring characters, Morgan proved himself as a dynamic presence on the show. His exit gave him an opportunity to pursue stand-up more as well as a popular role on “30 Rock.” He always manages to have an unshakable demeanor that’s completely authentic. Even after a terrible car accident threatened his health, the comedian fought back his way back to the stage. His material is able to span hardships and career fortune while still maintaining a grounded approach to his life.

With a towering stature, Kevin Nealon became a memorable figure in late 1980s and 1990s “SNL.” He turned his deadpan humor from stand-up into a welcome asset for the “Weekend Update” desk. Outside of the show, his witty sensibility keeps audiences entertained through various supporting parts and cameos in hit comedies. Nealon’s strongest asset is his joke writing, often too smart for audiences to get on first listen. He also uses this dry persona on hilarious appearances for programs like “Conan.” Developing his own hiking series, the comedian now connects to a larger audience through his off-the-cuff humor online. Through it all, the performer can turn a subtle bit into something truly funny.

Developing her own niche on the show, Leslie Jones was a force to be reckoned with during her stint on “SNL.” She has an engaging personality that works well in contrast to co-stars like Colin Jost. This makes her stints on “Weekend Update” particularly memorable, as well as some impressions like Whoopi Goldberg. Her ability to shock audiences and share brutal honesty makes for an unforgettable delivery. With the skills to entertain in any situation, her compelling stage work translates to films and even game shows. Jones clearly has an energy that’s contagious in any setting, but especially noteworthy during her stand-up.

During his time on “SNL,” Dana Carvey established himself as one of the great impressionists. His ability to adapt to any scene with a key voice made him an amazing talent. This translates especially well to his stand-up, where he can show off his character work without constraints. He can go blue with impressions of old actors or take a longer look at his many political caricatures. Carvey can easily disappear into any number of people. One of his other great strengths is to continue to be relevant, working on impressions of newer targets such as Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

Martin Short is the star of not one but two incredibly successful sketch comedy shows. After his time on the Canadian sketch series “SCTV,” he spent one season at “SNL” with the likes of Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest. This achievement, along with a prosperous film career, has made the comic a legend. The consummate professional also makes the most of his presence on the stage. In more recent years, he’s been known to tour with fellow icon Steve Martin. When Short’s not helping to resurrect the art of insult comedy, the performer has also become one of the finer talk show guests of the last several decades.

Starting as a stand-up, Norm Macdonald created his own alternative brand of comedy. His tenure on “SNL” was highlighted by his controversial time hosting “Weekend Update.” Offering up jokes that pushed boundaries, Macdonald ruffled enough feathers to get him fired from the program. He continued to do stand-up and cultivate a cult persona for his trademark delivery. Along with appearances in film and his own talk show, the comedian was unafraid to tackle taboo subjects in his own material. His offbeat attitude lured audiences into a false sense of security before pulling the rug out from under them. More than almost anyone else, he could turn an ordinary phrase into something hilarious because of his timing.

Chris Rock started on “SNL” in the early 1990s. His time on the show might’ve been short-lived, but it was a proving ground for him as a performer. He then took the comedy scene by storm with huge specials during the decade. The comedian became a rockstar with the microphone, pushing the medium farther with his pointed observations and smart writing. His work on “Bring the Pain” is just one slice of his genius, putting him at the top of the ladder with relatable material. He’s maintained a reputation for being one of the better comedic minds of his day. Even after a notable run-in with Will Smith, the artist came back stronger and as popular as ever.

Eddie Murphy is arguably the gold standard of his era. He gained prominence on “SNL,” practically saving the show from being canceled in its rocky 1980s run. Murphy left the program for a blockbuster movie career and two of the most famous specials of the decade. “Delirious” and “Raw” are both celebrated for having some of the comedian’s trademark jokes. The performer largely stopped touring in the 1990s, but his impact on stage was so pivotal that he inspired a whole new generation of comics. He’s often counted among the greatest in his field for his incredible timing, bold style, and prolific output.