10 SNL Ex-Cast Members Who Got the Last Laugh

Top 10 SNL Cast Members Who Got the Last Laugh

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the “SNL” cast members who were fired but got the last laugh as hosts or simply for going on to bigger and better things

#10: Laurie Metcalf

If you didn’t know this actress was on “SNL,” don’t worry—it was barely a blip in her career. Even she said she’d think it was a dream if there weren’t proof. Laurie Metcalf was a featured player in the show’s disastrous sixth season, which was plagued by a writers’ strike and new management struggles. The series went on hiatus, and when it returned, Metcalf wasn’t invited back. Probably for the best—if she had stayed, she might’ve missed out on her Three Primetime Emmy-winning role as Jackie in “Roseanne,” countless film roles, and a celebrated theater career. Not to mention “Lady Bird,” which earned her an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination.

#9: Gilbert Gottfried

Gottfried was another comedic actor caught in the chaos of “SNL’s” Jean Doumanian era. By then, the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players were gone, and the show was undergoing a full rebrand. Unfortunately, Gottfried’s run suffered from bad timing, a disillusioned audience, and a comedy style that didn’t quite click. When Doumanian was out, so was he. But luckily, his career didn’t seem to take much of a hit. He kept performing stand-up, made frequent guest appearances on hit shows throughout the ‘90s, and became a prolific voice actor. With that unmistakable voice, it’s fair to say he made his mark far beyond “SNL.”

#8: Robert Downey Jr.

This actor joined “SNL’s” ill-fated 11th season alongside Anthony Michael Hall, Randy Quaid, and Joan Cusack. Anyone who’s seen his work—or even just an interview—knows he’s a funny guy, yet his stint was so forgettable that Rolling Stone ranked him dead last among all cast members. Perhaps his greatest legacies from that time are a bizarre “Suitcase Boy” sketch and a… noisy “Weekend Update” segment. Fortunately, he found his footing in more serious roles, from “Iron Man” to “Sherlock Holmes” to his Oscar-winning turn in “Oppenheimer.” But comedy wasn’t entirely in the rearview—he even returned to host in season 22. So, he was clearly deemed funny enough for a comeback!

#7: Martin Short

Short started on “Second City Television” before joining “SNL” in season 10 alongside Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest. Despite the season being called an “All-Star” year, and despite creating characters like Nathan Thurm and Ed Grimley, Short lasted just one season. As he told Seth Meyers, this was the Dick Ebersol era, right after Eddie Murphy left, and he and other comedians were brought in to save the show. His contract wasn’t renewed after that one season, but it’s safe to say things worked out. He’s racked up Emmy, Tony, Golden Globe, and SAG wins and nominations—and he’s since joined “SNL’s” exclusive Five-Timers Club. Sounds like a win to us!

#6: Julia Louis-Dreyfus

The “Seinfeld” actress was just 21 when she joined “SNL” in season 8. She left after season 10, later admitting her struggles stemmed from being so green about the industry. Still, she learned a lot—like how she only wanted jobs she actually found fun. That mindset paid off when she landed “Seinfeld,” earning her first Primetime Emmy as Elaine. She later won six more for “Veep,” and in 2017, she tied the record for most Primetime Emmys for a single role. She eventually returned to host “SNL,” which she found a much more enjoyable experience, and was rightfully recognized in “The Real Women of SNL.” Not bad for someone who once felt out of place there!

#5: Chris Rock

Not long after getting his big break thanks to Eddie Murphy, Rock joined “SNL” in season 16 accompanied by a lineup dubbed as the show’s “Bad Boys,” but frustration set in fast. Rock grew tired of being cast in racist stereotypes, and by the time he was fired, he already had one foot out the door. He quickly moved to “In Living Color”—until that got canceled. Not that it slowed him down. From the 2000s onward, he built a powerhouse career, creating “Everybody Hates Chris,” releasing hit stand-up specials, and starring in countless movies. And with four Emmys and three Grammys, it’s safe to say “SNL” wasn’t his peak.

#4: Shane Gillis

Shane Gillis was set to join “SNL” in 2019 alongside Bowen Yang and Chloe Fineman. But before the season even began, resurfaced podcast clips of him using offensive language led to his firing. Lorne Michaels later admitted the decision wasn’t his, and he wasn’t happy about it. Gillis explained that, as a comedian, he pushes boundaries but acknowledged he may have gone too far and apologized. Still, he pointed out that no one could take away the fact that he was “funny enough to get “SNL.”” While he never became a cast member, he got the last laugh going on to host twice, even joking about the controversy during his season 49 debut.

#3: Damon Wayans Sr.

This story is a bit different from what we’ve covered so far. This “SNL” alum had his last laugh while still on the show. Wayans joined after Murphy left, but some thought he was hired more as a token than for his talent. Michaels was aware of the optics and might’ve pushed too hard to prove otherwise, meaning Wayans often got limited screen time. He was often stuck in the background or playing stereotypical roles, which frustrated him. Things came to a head during a sketch called “Mr. Monopoly,” where he made some last-minute changes to his character. He got fired immediately, just as he’d hoped! Didn’t stop him from hosting in season 20, though!

#2: Adam Sandler

Another of “SNL’s” “Bad Boys,” Sandler joined in season 16 but was shown the door after season 20. Apparently, a new NBC exec wasn’t a fan of the group, and both Sandler and Chris Farley were let go. According to Sandler, the writing was already on the wall, and rather than outright firing them, the network gave them the chance to quit first. No matter, though, because his wildly successful comedy career speaks for itself. He also got the last laugh during his musical monologue as host in season 44. Sandler has nothing but love for the series, but he still couldn’t help but bring up all his success since those days.

#1: Norm MacDonald

When MacDonald was fired, he initially thought it was because of his relentless O.J. Simpson jokes. Then NBC president Don Ohlmeyer later claimed it was due to declining “Weekend Update” viewership and their failed attempts to make him more crowd-pleasing. He was removed from “Update” but stayed in sketches—until they let him go entirely. But not long after, he was invited back to host and used his entire monologue to roast the show, joking about his firing and “SNL’s” declining ratings. Honestly, is there a better way to get the last word than hosting the show just to point out they threw you off the ship right before it started sinking?




Which former “SNL” cast member do you think got the biggest last laugh? Let us know in the comments.