Top 10 SNL Cast Members You Forgot About

The 80s weren’t exactly the best era for “SNL,” with creator Lorne Michaels departing for a few seasons, and the show receiving some of its worst reviews during that time. Writer and performer Kroeger lasted a while, joining the same year as Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who played Marie to his Donny Osmond in one noteworthy sketch. After leaving "SNL" in 1985, Kroeger kept working in show business for some time hosting various game shows like "The Newlywed Game." However, he’s since branched off into other ventures, including two unsuccessful runs for Iowa political office. Hey, they can't all be Schwarzenegger.

Success on other stages doesn't necessarily translate to success on the "SNL" stage. Case in point, Denny Dillon, who received a Tony nomination shortly after her one season on "SNL." Another talented performer who had the misfortune of being on the show during a tumultuous time, Dillon had a few characters in her time, such as Pinky Waxma or salon customer Nadine. After leaving "SNL," Dillon acted on the HBO sitcom “Dream On,” and lent her voiceover talents to animated series such as "Bobby's World," "Batman: The Animated Series," and "Courage the Cowardly Dog.” She has also continued with her theater work, and since come out as gay, making her “SNL’s” first gay female cast member.

Melanie Hutsell had a pretty good run on “SNL,” lasting for three seasons. But she didn’t make a long-term impact with characters like Di or Jan Brady or her Mayim Bialik and Tonya Harding impressions. After leaving “SNL” in 1994, Hutsell spent most of the 2000s away from entertainment, focusing instead on raising her children. However, Hutstell has since returned to our screens, appearing in films with other "SNL" alums such as "Bridesmaids" along with recurring roles on shows including "Transparent”. Who doesn’t appreciate a good comeback?

If the name “Jeff Richards” doesn’t ring a bell, how about “Drunk Girl?” Richards played the inebriated character numerous times on "Weekend Update." He also did skilled impressions of diverse figures like Bill O’Reilly and Dustin Hoffman. Richards' sketch comedy experience predated his time on "SNL,” as he was previously a featured player on "MADtv." While he might not be at the same fame level as Will Ferrell or Adam Sandler, Richards has found continued success in the world of stand-up comedy. Hopefully, he doesn’t have to deal with too many “drunk girls” in the crowd.

Tim Kazurinsky is another fairly forgotten "SNL" cast member, lasting for three seasons in the 80s. However, he got a solid number of impressions under his belt, including a few that wouldn't fly by today's standards. Kazurinsky also created memorable characters such as Dr. Jack Badofsky and "Mr. Landlord" on "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood." He reportedly had a conflict with "SNL" producer Dick Ebersol and left the show for good in 1984. Some might argue Kazurinsky was gone before his time. But hey, he's also in a few "Police Academy" movies.

A featured player for the show’s 26th season, Minor apparently never quite found his footing on the show and was let go after his first and only season. If you watched "SNL" back then, you might recall Minor’s "Rap Street" sketch or his Al Sharpton impression on “Weekend Update.” Since leaving "SNL," Minor has popped up on various comedy series such as "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "Key & Peele." Hey, those are some major accomplishments too.

Although Hudson was only on the show for a single season, she definitely made "SNL" history. As the first Black woman on "SNL," joining - and leaving - in the show’s sixth season, Hudson helped to pave the way for cast members such as Ellen Cleghorne, Leslie Jones, and Ego Nwodim. Before being inducted into the cast as a featured player, Hudson appeared a few times as an uncredited extra and continued to pop up occasionally until 1984. After that, Hudson seems to have left show business for good. Wherever Hudson is now, we hope she realizes just how important she is.

Another history-maker on "SNL" is Terry Sweeney, who, upon joining the cast in Season 11, became the first openly gay cast member. Not only that, but Sweeney was also the first openly gay male actor on network television. Before joining the cast, Sweeney was a writer on "SNL." In his one-season on-camera, Sweeney tended to be given stereotypical roles, with plenty of drag for impressions like Nancy Reagan, Joan Collins, and Joan Rivers. After leaving "SNL," Sweeney wrote for "MADtv" and appeared on "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story." And most importantly, he was a true pioneer.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Remember Father Guido Sarducci?

The Second Black Female Cast Member Sadly Passed Away in 1994

Who Didn't Love the Delta Delta Delta Girls?

When you think of the original cast of "SNL," names like John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Gilda Radner likely spring to mind. However, one cast member who deserves more recognition is Laraine Newman, who was in the "SNL" cast for the first five seasons and provided the show with great characters like Sister Serena, Connie Conehead, and Vickie. Newman would also avoid repeating roles, which might have hindered their popularity. According to Newman, she went through some difficult times on "SNL," but she has since enjoyed a fruitful post-"SNL" career, with plenty of voiceover and writing work. And the coolest thing? She was once approached in public by John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Here’s to Laraine Newman: our favorite forgotten “SNL” star.