SNLStars Who Only Lasted One Season, and Where They Are Now

Mar. 15, 2025

Chloe Troast, Robert-Downey Jr., Damon Wayans on ‘SNL’.Photo:Getty(3)

Getty(3)

Saturday Night Livehas served as a career launching pad for many comedians, and though some have had incredible longevity on the program (Kenan Thompson just finished his 20th season), others have only made it a few weeks. But as it turns out, your tenure on the show doesn’t necessarily mean anything for your future success.It may be hard to believe, but superstars such asMartin Short,Chevy ChaseandBilly Crystalonly lasted one season on the show;Damon Wayans, Tim Robinson andChristopher Elliottwere all decidedly not a fit for the weekly sketch program’s brand of comedy. And still others, such asChloe Troast(who just announced her departure in an emotional post on Instagram) and Michaela Watkins, were not invited to return after their debut year.Below, see which formerSaturday Night Livestars only did a one-season stint on the long-running NBC show — and find out where they are now.

Saturday Night Livehas served as a career launching pad for many comedians, and though some have had incredible longevity on the program (Kenan Thompson just finished his 20th season), others have only made it a few weeks. But as it turns out, your tenure on the show doesn’t necessarily mean anything for your future success.

It may be hard to believe, but superstars such asMartin Short,Chevy ChaseandBilly Crystalonly lasted one season on the show;Damon Wayans, Tim Robinson andChristopher Elliottwere all decidedly not a fit for the weekly sketch program’s brand of comedy. And still others, such asChloe Troast(who just announced her departure in an emotional post on Instagram) and Michaela Watkins, were not invited to return after their debut year.

Below, see which formerSaturday Night Livestars only did a one-season stint on the long-running NBC show — and find out where they are now.

01of 20Chloe Troast, Season 49Chloe Troast as Mama Cass.Will Heath/NBC via GettyChloe Troastjoined theSNLcast for season 49 and instantly became a fan favorite, appearing in sketches such as “Get That Boy Back” with Chris Appleton, “Little Orphan Cassidy” with Timothée Chalamet and “Christmas Classics” with Kate McKinnon.However, after NBC announced the new additions for season 50, Troast revealed she had not been asked to come back.“Unfortunately, I have not been asked to come back toSNLthis season,” she wrote in aheartfelt Instagram post. “I wish I was going back to be with all the amazing friends I made there, it truly felt like home. It just wasn’t in the cards.“Troast is slated to appear in the comedySweetheartswhich comes out in November.

01of 20

Chloe Troast, Season 49

Chloe Troast as Mama Cass.Will Heath/NBC via Getty

Will Heath/NBC via Getty

Chloe Troastjoined theSNLcast for season 49 and instantly became a fan favorite, appearing in sketches such as “Get That Boy Back” with Chris Appleton, “Little Orphan Cassidy” with Timothée Chalamet and “Christmas Classics” with Kate McKinnon.

However, after NBC announced the new additions for season 50, Troast revealed she had not been asked to come back.

“Unfortunately, I have not been asked to come back toSNLthis season,” she wrote in aheartfelt Instagram post. “I wish I was going back to be with all the amazing friends I made there, it truly felt like home. It just wasn’t in the cards.”

Troast is slated to appear in the comedySweetheartswhich comes out in November.

02of 20Chevy Chase, Season 1Chevy Chase during ‘Weekend Update’.NBC/NBCU/GettyChevy ChasejoinedSaturday Night Livein its premiere season back in 1975, and though his tenure was short, his impact was major: The comedian originated the role of the “Weekend Update” anchor which would go to the likes of Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Michael Che and Colin Jost in the decades that followed.Though Chase left the show in the middle of season 2, hecame back to hosteight times between 1978 and 1999. And his quick departure only allowed his career to take off: He starred in megahits such as theNational Lampoon’s Vacationmovies,Caddyshackand more.Now 80, the actor’s last credit is voicing Santa in 2023’sGlisten and the Merry Mission.

02of 20

Chevy Chase, Season 1

Chevy Chase during ‘Weekend Update’.NBC/NBCU/Getty

Chevy ChasejoinedSaturday Night Livein its premiere season back in 1975, and though his tenure was short, his impact was major: The comedian originated the role of the “Weekend Update” anchor which would go to the likes of Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Michael Che and Colin Jost in the decades that followed.

Though Chase left the show in the middle of season 2, hecame back to hosteight times between 1978 and 1999. And his quick departure only allowed his career to take off: He starred in megahits such as theNational Lampoon’s Vacationmovies,Caddyshackand more.

Now 80, the actor’s last credit is voicing Santa in 2023’sGlisten and the Merry Mission.

03of 20

Jenny Slate, Season 35

Jenny Slate on ‘SNL’.

You may instantly recognize Jenny Slate’s work in the form of the “Don’t Be Suspicious"TikTok sound, but herSNLdebut went equally as viral: In the 2009-2010 season, Slate accidentally cursed during her first episode.

Since leavingSNL,she has appeared inParks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nineand theKroll Show,as well as more dramatic fare like the filmObvious Child.She’s also been Oscar-nominated for her animated filmMarcel the Shell with Shoes On.She recently appeared inIt Ends with Usand continues her voice-acting work onBob’s BurgersandThe Great North.

04of 20

Martin Short, Season 10

Martin Short as Ed Grimley and Ringo Starr as Unlucky Man.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

The beloved comedian was on the show from 1984 to 1985 and created memorable characters such as Ed Grimley.

Though his season is considered one of the most stacked, talent-wise, in the show’s history — Julia Louis Dreyfus, Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest were also on during his stint — Short simply couldn’t keep up with the tight schedule the show runs on, tellingHuffPostit felt like “it was final exams, every week.” (And many of those stars went on to leave shortly after he did.)

Short went on to doThree Amigos, Cross My Heart, Prince Charmingand more. He is currently starring as Oliver Putnam inOnly Murders in the Building.

05of 20

Billy Crystal, Season 10

Jim Belushi and Billy Crystal on ‘SNL’.Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

You can’t run downBilly Crystal’s epic resume without mentioning his stint onSNLand yet, he too was on the show for season 10 only.

“Every day I was excited at the discovery of what we could do. I never put a time limit on how long I would be there or what it would give me or get me. I didn’t approach it like that. I just felt personally as a performer and as a creative person I had to give it my shot.”

It wasn’t a fit in the end, but Crystal ended up having a pretty big impact on pop culture nonetheless, starring in films such asWhen Harry Met Sallyand becoming the quintessential Oscars host.

06of 20

Christopher Guest, Season 10

Gary Kroeger as Amish Impersonator, Christopher Guest as Larry Woods.RM Lewis Jr./NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty

RM Lewis Jr./NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty

In the same year as Short,Christopher Guestalso had a year contract and left after season 10 ended in 1985.

Guest famously appeared in 1984’sThis Is Spinal Tapand served as a writer and director on various projects includingFamily Tree, Mascots,andBest in Show,among other works.

07of 20Robert Downey Jr., Season 11Robert Downey Jr. as Julian Lynch.Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank via GettyLong before he won our hearts and saved the world as Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man, a fresh-facedRobert Downey Jr.practiced his comedic chops onSaturday Night Live.The Marvel mainstay was a cast member on the NBC hit from 1985 to 1986 and though other talents such as Joan Cusack, Nora Dunn, Jon Lovitz, Dennis Miller, Danitra Vance and Damon Wayans were all part of the season,Downey called it"arguably the worst season in its history” during an interview onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.Downey, who struggled to make his mark on the show as he wasn’t as versed in sketch comedy, griped about having been dubbed the “worst cast member,” jokingly telling Fallon, “Come on! There’s a lot of competition for that.“He found a more positive legacy as a Marvel mainstay, most recently announcing his plans to transitionfrom Iron Man into Dr. Doom.

07of 20

Robert Downey Jr., Season 11

Robert Downey Jr. as Julian Lynch.Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Long before he won our hearts and saved the world as Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man, a fresh-facedRobert Downey Jr.practiced his comedic chops onSaturday Night Live.

The Marvel mainstay was a cast member on the NBC hit from 1985 to 1986 and though other talents such as Joan Cusack, Nora Dunn, Jon Lovitz, Dennis Miller, Danitra Vance and Damon Wayans were all part of the season,Downey called it"arguably the worst season in its history” during an interview onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Downey, who struggled to make his mark on the show as he wasn’t as versed in sketch comedy, griped about having been dubbed the “worst cast member,” jokingly telling Fallon, “Come on! There’s a lot of competition for that.”

He found a more positive legacy as a Marvel mainstay, most recently announcing his plans to transitionfrom Iron Man into Dr. Doom.

08of 20Damon Wayans, Season 11Damon Wayans as Little Richard.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyThe Wayans family are world-renowned for their comedic chops, but long beforeDamon Wayansbroke through in his brother’s sketch comedy showIn Living Colorin the ’90s and portrayed beloved dad Michael Kyle inMy Wife and Kids,he had a short-lived stint onSaturday Night Live.The actor was cast as a featured player in season 11, and while his talent was undeniable, he and the showrunners had creative differences. Wayans was fired after having gone off script in a sketch titled “Mr. Monopoly,” during one of the live shows,per Collider.Nonetheless, Wayans was invited back to perform a stand-up set during the show’s season finale that year.Come October, Wayans and his son Damon Jr. will be helming their own CBS series titledPoppa’s House.

08of 20

Damon Wayans, Season 11

Damon Wayans as Little Richard.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

The Wayans family are world-renowned for their comedic chops, but long beforeDamon Wayansbroke through in his brother’s sketch comedy showIn Living Colorin the ’90s and portrayed beloved dad Michael Kyle inMy Wife and Kids,he had a short-lived stint onSaturday Night Live.

The actor was cast as a featured player in season 11, and while his talent was undeniable, he and the showrunners had creative differences. Wayans was fired after having gone off script in a sketch titled “Mr. Monopoly,” during one of the live shows,per Collider.

Nonetheless, Wayans was invited back to perform a stand-up set during the show’s season finale that year.

Come October, Wayans and his son Damon Jr. will be helming their own CBS series titledPoppa’s House.

09of 20Joan Cusack, Season 11Joan Cusack as Tracy and Danitra Vance as Dana.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyAlso on that fated cast of season 11 wasJoan Cusack, who, like Wayans, also came from anacting family.After her 17-episode stint onSaturday Night Live,Cusack would make a name for herself, appearing in films such asRunaway Bride, High Fidelity, Raising Helenand more. These days, many would recognize her for playing Sheila Jackson in Showtime’sShameless.

09of 20

Joan Cusack, Season 11

Joan Cusack as Tracy and Danitra Vance as Dana.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Also on that fated cast of season 11 wasJoan Cusack, who, like Wayans, also came from anacting family.

After her 17-episode stint onSaturday Night Live,Cusack would make a name for herself, appearing in films such asRunaway Bride, High Fidelity, Raising Helenand more. These days, many would recognize her for playing Sheila Jackson in Showtime’sShameless.

10of 20

Anthony Michael Hall, Season 11

Dennis Miller, Robert Downey Jr., Anthony Michael Hall during ‘Weekend Update’.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

WithNational Lampoon’s Vacation, The Breakfast ClubandSixteen Candleson his resume, it’s no wonderAnthony Michael Hallwas the youngest cast member to joinSNLin the history of the show — a record he still holds today.

11of 20Ben Stiller, Season 14Jon Lovitz as Ace, Ben Stiller as Gloverboy Selvaggi.Raymond Bonar/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyIn one of the shortestSNLtenures ever,Ben Stillerquit the show after just five weeks. “At that point, I just wanted to make short films and I knew I wasn’t good live because I would get nervous,” Stiller explained while onThe Howard Stern Show, revealing his ultimate goal was to be a director.He would accomplish his dream, directingZoolanderin 2001,The Cable Guy, Tropic Thunder, Stiller and MearaandThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty, among many other works.

11of 20

Ben Stiller, Season 14

Jon Lovitz as Ace, Ben Stiller as Gloverboy Selvaggi.Raymond Bonar/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Raymond Bonar/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

In one of the shortestSNLtenures ever,Ben Stillerquit the show after just five weeks. “At that point, I just wanted to make short films and I knew I wasn’t good live because I would get nervous,” Stiller explained while onThe Howard Stern Show, revealing his ultimate goal was to be a director.

He would accomplish his dream, directingZoolanderin 2001,The Cable Guy, Tropic Thunder, Stiller and MearaandThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty, among many other works.

12of 20

Sarah Silverman, Season 19

Kevin Nealon and Sarah Silverman during ‘Weekend Update’.Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

A youngSarah Silvermanlent her talents toSNLin season 19 of the show which aired from 1993 to 1994. However, Silverman who was also on the show as a writer, was fired after the single season.

“It was a huge defeat for me, but overcoming it, it’s like a broken bone, it heals stronger,“Silverman said of the firing.

“I had like a cluster of firings —Saturday Night Live, i got fired from a sitcom I was hired for — and then I got a real complex about it like I would make sure I still had the job before I’d go in because I got used to getting fired. But somehow I outgrew that and then I ended up keeping jobs.”

Her latest stand-up special, 2023’sSarah Silverman: Someone You Loveis available on Max.

13of 20

Christopher Elliot, Season 20

Chris Elliott and Janeane Garofalo in a skit.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Now recognizable for his role as Roland Schitt fromSchitt’s Creek,Christopher Elliottwas sharpening his surreal humor for decades before he landed the role as mayor in the hit show.

Elliott first auditioned for season 11 ofSaturday Night Live, then ultimately turned it down as he was still working with David Letterman on theLate Show. He then auditioned again for season 20 and garnered a spot as one of the cast members.

However, the actor has admitted that joiningSNLwasn’t the best decision. “I had already left working for Dave. At that point, [SNL] was at a very low point and they just offered me the job. I was in L.A. and I was desperate to get back to New York so I took it,” he toldThe Daily Beast.

“But yeah, it was the totally wrong thing for me to do. Everybody was very sweet, Lorne has always been very supportive of me and I met really nice people who worked there and all that, but that totally wrong for me to go there.”

14of 20

Rob Riggle, Season 30

Rob Riggle.ana Edelson/NBCU

ana Edelson/NBCU

Rob Rigglejoined the cast ofSaturday Night Liveas a featured player from 2004 to 2005.

“The first job I ever got in show business [was]Saturday Night Live,” Riggle toldThe A.V. Club. “I had done a couple of appearances onConanbut just as like, ‘Man in the Audience,’ or ‘Security Guard,’ or ‘Tarzan Who Speaks to Animals.’ Just little bit- characters. I was very grateful for those but my first job ever wasSaturday Night Liveand I think that was a dream come true.”

Though he was living his dream. Riggle couldn’t compete with the existing cast for screen time and didn’t get a second season.

“The year I was hired, I was the only guy hired. The cast was massive. Fifteen people on the cast and I’m the only new guy,” he explained while on The Daily Beast’sLast Laughpodcast. “Well, you know Darrell Hammond’s getting his, Tina Fey, Amy [Poehler] is getting hers, Maya Rudolph is getting hers, Will Forte, go down the list, they’re all getting their time. I’m going in there and I’m drinking out of a firehose.”

He appeared inThe Real Bros of Simi Valley: The Movieearlier this year.

15of 20David Koechner, Season 21David Koechner as Fagan, Mark McKinney as Lucien Callow.Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyWith his larger-than-life personality, one would thinkDavid Koechnerwould be the perfect person for a long-running stint atSNL.Like Wayans, however, it seems the actor and some of the people behind the show had creative differences.“There are some people who had made suggestions or people who I felt were out of position and I don’t mind letting people know my opinions. [SNL]is not necessarily a place where people’s opinions are welcome,” he told Tom Green, who was guest-hostingLarry King Now.Koechner was let go after he did season 21, which aired from 1995 to 1996.He went on to appear inThe Office, Cheap Thrillsand perhaps most notably, theAnchormanfilms. Recently, he lent his talents to this year’sGanymedeandHalf Baked: Totally High.

15of 20

David Koechner, Season 21

David Koechner as Fagan, Mark McKinney as Lucien Callow.Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

With his larger-than-life personality, one would thinkDavid Koechnerwould be the perfect person for a long-running stint atSNL.Like Wayans, however, it seems the actor and some of the people behind the show had creative differences.

“There are some people who had made suggestions or people who I felt were out of position and I don’t mind letting people know my opinions. [SNL]is not necessarily a place where people’s opinions are welcome,” he told Tom Green, who was guest-hostingLarry King Now.

Koechner was let go after he did season 21, which aired from 1995 to 1996.

He went on to appear inThe Office, Cheap Thrillsand perhaps most notably, theAnchormanfilms. Recently, he lent his talents to this year’sGanymedeandHalf Baked: Totally High.

16of 20Michaela Watkins, Season 34Michaela Watkins as Hoda Kotb, Kristen Wiig as Kathie Lee Gifford.Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via GettyThough some former cast members walked away of their own volition, Michaela Watkins' firing fromSNLcame quite as a shock to many.Watkins was on the NBC show from 2008 to 2009 but wasn’t asked to come back for the following season.“I don’t think anyone knows what Lorne Michaels was thinking. That’s one of the exciting things about him. If he were to vanish, the show would just freeze. Not a single thing would be shot because so much hinges on him,” she toldEntertainment Weeklyat the time.“The only explanation I got from him — and he’s not known to say things just to make people feel better — was that he felt deep down that I should have my own show. And I agreed.SNLwas a dream come true for me. It was a fantastic year. I don’t have any regrets.“She’s got a busy acting career, and has been seen inAbbott Elementary, Search PartyandEnlightened.

16of 20

Michaela Watkins, Season 34

Michaela Watkins as Hoda Kotb, Kristen Wiig as Kathie Lee Gifford.Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Though some former cast members walked away of their own volition, Michaela Watkins' firing fromSNLcame quite as a shock to many.

Watkins was on the NBC show from 2008 to 2009 but wasn’t asked to come back for the following season.

“I don’t think anyone knows what Lorne Michaels was thinking. That’s one of the exciting things about him. If he were to vanish, the show would just freeze. Not a single thing would be shot because so much hinges on him,” she toldEntertainment Weeklyat the time.

“The only explanation I got from him — and he’s not known to say things just to make people feel better — was that he felt deep down that I should have my own show. And I agreed.SNLwas a dream come true for me. It was a fantastic year. I don’t have any regrets.”

She’s got a busy acting career, and has been seen inAbbott Elementary, Search PartyandEnlightened.

17of 20Peter Aykroyd, Season 5Harry Shearer as Mr. Blackwell, Chevy Chase, Peter Aykroyd.Alan Singer/NBCU PhotoThough his brother Dan did a strong four seasons onSaturday Night Live, Peter Aykroyd only did one, but that seems to have been more than enough.Peter joined the cast as a writer and featured member in season 5, which ran from 1979 to 1980. Though he left after the singular season, in his short time at 30 Rock, the actor snagged an Emmy nod for outstanding writing in a variety or music program.Peter worked with his brother on several projects, including the filmsConeheadsandDragnet. The two also co-wrote the 1991 comedy-horror filmNothing but Trouble.Petersadly diedof sepsis from an untreated hernia in Nov. 2021. He was 66.

17of 20

Peter Aykroyd, Season 5

Harry Shearer as Mr. Blackwell, Chevy Chase, Peter Aykroyd.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo

Alan Singer/NBCU Photo

Though his brother Dan did a strong four seasons onSaturday Night Live, Peter Aykroyd only did one, but that seems to have been more than enough.

Peter joined the cast as a writer and featured member in season 5, which ran from 1979 to 1980. Though he left after the singular season, in his short time at 30 Rock, the actor snagged an Emmy nod for outstanding writing in a variety or music program.

Peter worked with his brother on several projects, including the filmsConeheadsandDragnet. The two also co-wrote the 1991 comedy-horror filmNothing but Trouble.

Petersadly diedof sepsis from an untreated hernia in Nov. 2021. He was 66.

18of 20Laurie Metcalf, Season 6Laurie Metcalf.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyPerhaps no one had a shorter tenure thanLaurie Metcalf.TheLady Birdactress didoneepisode of the show back in 1981, in which she played a “Weekend Update” reporter sent on the street to ask New Yorkers whether or not they’d take a bullet for the president,“perVulture.She also appeared in a pre-tapped sketch titled “Laurie Has a Story” alongside Catherine O’Hara.“You know, it seems like a dream because it was so long ago and it was a whirlwind five days I spent in New York. I think it was my first to New York ever,” Metcalf toldVultureof her experience.“I was so out of my element; I had not idea what I was doing. But I know that I did it because there is proof, there is footage,” she joked. “When I see that, I realize I was very naïve and brave about it in a way. Like, ‘Okay, you want me to do this? Okay, let’s go.'“Shortly after, the WGA went on strike and the show went on hiatus. Metcalf was not asked to come back once taping resumed. The actress would get her big break playing Jackie Harris inRoseanne,a role she reprised decades later in the show’s 2018 rebootThe Conners.

18of 20

Laurie Metcalf, Season 6

Laurie Metcalf.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Perhaps no one had a shorter tenure thanLaurie Metcalf.

TheLady Birdactress didoneepisode of the show back in 1981, in which she played a “Weekend Update” reporter sent on the street to ask New Yorkers whether or not they’d take a bullet for the president,“perVulture.She also appeared in a pre-tapped sketch titled “Laurie Has a Story” alongside Catherine O’Hara.

“You know, it seems like a dream because it was so long ago and it was a whirlwind five days I spent in New York. I think it was my first to New York ever,” Metcalf toldVultureof her experience.

“I was so out of my element; I had not idea what I was doing. But I know that I did it because there is proof, there is footage,” she joked. “When I see that, I realize I was very naïve and brave about it in a way. Like, ‘Okay, you want me to do this? Okay, let’s go.'”

Shortly after, the WGA went on strike and the show went on hiatus. Metcalf was not asked to come back once taping resumed. The actress would get her big break playing Jackie Harris inRoseanne,a role she reprised decades later in the show’s 2018 rebootThe Conners.

19of 20Tim Robinson, Season 38Kevin Hart and Tim Robinson on ‘SNL’.Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/GettyAt the height of hisSNLtenure, Tim Robinson went viral as the guy who made Kevin Hart lose his cool in the “Barnes and Noble Firing” sketch from season 38.Still, his talent was so undeniable that even though he wasn’t asked back as a cast member, Lorne Michaels tapped his talents as a writer and he continued to work on the show for three more years, until his contract ended.Robinson went on to star inBrother Nature, DetroitersandAn American Picklebefore creating his own sketch comedy series,I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson,for which he’s won three Emmys.

19of 20

Tim Robinson, Season 38

Kevin Hart and Tim Robinson on ‘SNL’.Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

At the height of hisSNLtenure, Tim Robinson went viral as the guy who made Kevin Hart lose his cool in the “Barnes and Noble Firing” sketch from season 38.

Still, his talent was so undeniable that even though he wasn’t asked back as a cast member, Lorne Michaels tapped his talents as a writer and he continued to work on the show for three more years, until his contract ended.

Robinson went on to star inBrother Nature, DetroitersandAn American Picklebefore creating his own sketch comedy series,I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson,for which he’s won three Emmys.

20of 20

Janeane Garafalo, Season 20

Janeane Garofalo as Cheryl Houston.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Janeane GarafaloquitSNLsix months after joining season 20.

“I was only there very briefly, but there really were some great hosts, of course,” she toldBroadway Worldback in 2012. “I don’t know if the comedy being done that year was that great, but it was a thrill to be there for the brief amount of time I was there.”

source: people.com