Top 10 SNL Characters Who Stole the Show

Eddie Murphy’s presence on “SNL” can’t be overstated, as he almost single-handedly revived the series with his characters. Mister Robinson could be considered the most scene-stealing and effortless of them all. Poking fun at the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” children’s progrma, Murphy injects humor into this more adult-oriented format. He brings up serious topics that subvert the audience’s expectations and draw huge laughs. Examining everything from relationship issues to theft, Robinson gives the performer a chance to be his own one-man-show. The comedian always delivers with a pitch-perfect performance that switches emotions on a dime. For a recurring skit from the 1980s, this entire premise hasn’t lost any of its power.

While it might not make sense, the Scottish actor’s toxic presence on “Celebrity Jeopardy!” elevates every version of the sketch. Darrell Hammond’s characterization takes the real man and bends him into an evil man that you can’t take your eyes off. Will Ferrell’s Trebek continuously falls for this guest’s pranks in some memorable innuendos. Hammond’s version of the star never stops in a relentless assault of comedy gold. For many people, he could be considered among the fan-favorites of the recurring segment. He also gets most of the best jokes as he finishes off the host with amazing final answers.

If you haven’t explored the early years of “SNL,” this iconic duo deserves your attention. The Festrunk brothers are exactly how they sound - with a shameless energy. Played by Dan Aykroyd and Steve Martin, these characters are nothing short of electric in any scene. The actors practically jump off the screen with their jittery moves. They’re also a couple of hopeless romantics that can’t seem to ever settle down. Becoming a part of comedy history, the wild and crazy guys never disappoint with their antics. They can even join other sketches in cameo appearances while still maintaining the same charm.

You don’t have to know what “The Lawrence Welk Show” even is to enjoy the sketches she’s in. All you need to know is that Kristen Wiig’s character arrives to spoil the performance. Playing Dooneese, the performer leans into her physical skills. This is also evident in her other recurring work such as nervous Sue. With some unforgettable makeup and small hands, the comedian brings a bizarre role to life with song and dance. The lyrics are especially funny, combined with choreography that freaks out the other characters. All the finer details of this character seem so specific that nobody but Wiig could pull them off. From impromptu singing to popping bubbles, this tour-de-force lets the lead actress steal the spotlight.

From their first appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar were lovable goofs that stood out. Mike Myers and Dana Carvey gave the characters a combination of heart, attitude, and nerdiness you couldn’t resist. The long-running sketch poked fun at pop culture and even welcomed some famous guests like Aerosmith. Myers and Carvey captured viewers with their chemistry, playing off of each other during hilarious segments like their famous lists. Carvey himself was no stranger to scene-stealing performances either, given his work as Church Lady. Taking their talents to the big screen, they even earned themselves a movie series.

Rachel Dratch’s character appears in several “Saturday Night Live” sketches, frequently getting laughs from her bummer personality. Debbie Downer also steals the show in one of the most chaotic sequences in “SNL” history. During the sketch set at Disney World, the actress tries to talk about awful things in between giggles. The performer’s deadpan performance finally crumbles in one of the funniest disasters ever. Any discussion of the program’s most laugh-inducing skits isn’t complete without mentioning Dratch’s work. With a slew of other hilarious scenes, this character commands every one with her monotone dialogue.

It’s hard to explain the anomaly that is David S. Pumpkins. Tom Hanks first played the part in 2016, setting the internet ablaze in the process. Pumpkins doesn’t scare amusement park riders, but he does cause lots of hilarious confusion. If “random” was an “SNL” character, you could make the argument for this role being the king of them all. Hanks wears an absurd outfit, dances with skeletons, and tosses out catchphrases like a professional. The wild skit became so popular that it even inspired Halloween costumes. You also can’t discount the actor’s central performance as arguably being his most chaotic and fun-filled in recent memory.

Coming out in the early 2000s, the “More Cowbell” skit created its own cultural footprint. This largely comes down to the work of Will Ferrell as the musician in question. With his outrageous performance, the comedian goes wild with the instrument. His dedication to the music puts him at odds with his bandmates and an amazing Christopher Walken character. Gene also has some wardrobe that doesn’t quite fit, making the whole scene that much more entertaining. Your eyes are glued to Ferrell as he tears up the screen with his moves. By the time it’s over, this fictionalized member of Blue Öyster Cult revitalized the cowbell forever.

In a truly iconic part, Chris Farley turns into a complete superstar as Matt Foley. The motivational speaker flies into every sketch with nonstop energy. Standing out amongst amazing characters from the 1990s, Foley might be the best of the decade with his catchphrases and physical comedy. Farley disappears into the frantic role, makes his co-stars laugh, and delivers hilarious lines with ease. His ability to dive into tables is unmatched, giving yet another reason this idea became famous. The actor never ceases to amaze in show-stopping performances from holiday-themed versions to a trip to prison.

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

Gilda Radner Goes on Iconic Rants as One of the Early “Weekend Update” Characters

Fred Armisen’s Character Never Has a Dull Moment as She Invades Personal Spaces

The Oil Baron Gives Adam Driver a Chance to Yell at Students in Hilarious Fashion

Some of Molly Shannon’s Greatest Work Involves Literally Throwing Herself Around

Kate McKinnon Makes Every Part of Her Alien Story Sound Effortlessly Funny

In a career of great character work, Bill Hader might’ve outdone himself with Stefon. It’s nearly a foolproof part that even allows for the actor to break at any point. Stefon’s segments on “Weekend Update” became one of the performer’s most anticipated sketches, featuring incredible writing at every moment. Hader’s performance hits on all cylinders while talking about crazy clubs. It’s become such a phenomenon that he’s brought the segment back for his hosting stints, earning big reactions from the audience. The format allows for the artist to really reveal his talents in a glorious presentation.