All ‘Saturday Night Live’ Cast Members Who Have Died
The history of ‘Saturday Night Live’ includes performers and contributors who left a lasting mark on sketch comedy. Many of them carried iconic characters, sharpened the show’s satire, and built careers that stretched across film, television, and stand up.
This list gathers notable alumni who have passed away and highlights their work on the show and beyond. Each entry includes clear career notes and verified life details to help readers understand what they did and when they left us.
Norm Macdonald
A stand up veteran before joining ‘Saturday Night Live’, Norm Macdonald first wrote for ‘The Dennis Miller Show’ and ‘Roseanne’ before Lorne Michaels brought him to Studio 8H. He became the face of ‘Weekend Update’ for multiple seasons, known for a dry delivery and recurring angles that shaped the desk for years.
After the show he led the sitcom ‘Norm’, starred in the feature ‘Dirty Work’, and appeared in films including ‘Screwed’. He died on September 14, 2021 after a private battle with cancer at the age of 61.
John Belushi
John Belushi was among the founding players of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and helped define its early voice through high energy physical comedy and sharp musical parodies. He and Dan Aykroyd launched the Blues Brothers act on the show, which later became a touring band and a hit film as ‘The Blues Brothers’.
Belushi made a breakout big screen splash in ‘National Lampoon’s Animal House’ and appeared in features such as ‘1941’ and ‘Neighbors’. He died on March 5, 1982 in Los Angeles at the age of 33.
George Coe
George Coe was part of the original ensemble that launched ‘Saturday Night Live’, appearing in early episodes while also maintaining a steady career in film and theater. His background included stage credits and character roles that made him a versatile presence on camera.
On the big screen he appeared in ‘Kramer vs. Kramer’, ‘The Stepford Wives’, and later ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’. He died on July 18, 2015 in Santa Monica at the age of 86.
Tom Davis
Tom Davis joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a writer and on air contributor and became one half of the Franken and Davis duo that delivered recurring bits and monologues. His work helped shape early seasons through sketches that balanced absurdity with topical commentary.
Beyond the show he continued writing, performing, and publishing, including a memoir that chronicled his years in comedy. He died on July 19, 2012 in Hudson, New York at the age of 59.
Chris Farley
Chris Farley brought high energy characters to ‘Saturday Night Live’, including the motivational speaker Matt Foley and a series of physical showstoppers that became instant fan favorites. He joined after performing with Second City and quickly became central to many live sketches and filmed pieces.
Farley transitioned to films with ‘Tommy Boy’, ‘Black Sheep’, and ‘Beverly Hills Ninja’ while continuing guest appearances tied to his ‘Saturday Night Live’ persona. He died on December 18, 1997 in Chicago at the age of 33.
Gilbert Gottfried
Gilbert Gottfried appeared as a cast member during one of the show’s transitional eras and brought an unmistakable voice to sketches and desk pieces. His time on ‘Saturday Night Live’ came after years of stand up in New York clubs.
He went on to prolific voice work, most famously as Iago in ‘Aladdin’, and appeared on television in shows such as ‘Hollywood Squares’ and ‘Cyberchase’. He died on April 12, 2022 at the age of 67.
Phil Hartman
Phil Hartman was a cornerstone of ‘Saturday Night Live’ for many seasons, known for precise impressions of political and entertainment figures and for anchoring sketches with calm authority. He also contributed voices to ‘The Simpsons’, including Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz.
After leaving the show he starred on the NBC sitcom ‘NewsRadio’ and appeared in films such as ‘Houseguest’ and ‘Jingle All the Way’. He died on May 28, 1998 in Encino, California at the age of 49.
Jan Hooks
Jan Hooks was a key player on ‘Saturday Night Live’ who delivered vivid impressions and original characters across multiple seasons. She frequently teamed with Nora Dunn, including the Sweeney Sisters singing sketches that became staples of the era.
Hooks later joined ‘Designing Women’ and worked in film and television, continuing to contribute memorable roles. She died on October 9, 2014 in Woodstock, New York at the age of 57.
Michael O’Donoghue
Michael O’Donoghue served as a pioneering writer and on air presence during the formative years of ‘Saturday Night Live’. Known as Mr. Mike, he set an early tone for the show’s dark edge and experimental filmed segments.
He created and starred in ‘Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video’ and continued writing for television and film projects after leaving the show. He died on November 8, 1994 in New York City at the age of 54.
Don Pardo
Don Pardo was the longtime voice of ‘Saturday Night Live’, delivering the opening roll call and announcing musical guests for decades. His signature introduction framed generations of casts and anchored the show’s weekly rhythm.
Pardo also worked on broadcasts for NBC and made appearances in projects such as Woody Allen’s ‘Radio Days’. He died on August 18, 2014 in Tucson at the age of 96.
Gilda Radner
Gilda Radner was the first person hired for ‘Saturday Night Live’ and became central to the original cast with characters such as Emily Litella, Roseanne Roseannadanna, Lisa Loopner, and Baba Wawa. Her work blended sharp writing with fearless live performance.
After leaving the show she starred on stage and in films and published the memoir It’s Always Something about her experience with cancer. She died on May 20, 1989 in Los Angeles at the age of 42.
Charles Rocket
Charles Rocket joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ during an overhaul season and appeared in a wide range of sketches and desk pieces. He later built a steady career in film and television with memorable character roles.
His feature credits include ‘Dumb and Dumber’ and ‘Hocus Pocus’, and he appeared in numerous series across the next two decades. He died on October 7, 2005 in Canterbury, Connecticut at the age of 56.
Tony Rosato
Tony Rosato performed on both ‘SCTV’ and ‘Saturday Night Live’, bringing an improvisational background and quick character work to sketches. His tenure came during a period of cast turnover that saw several Second City alumni step into the show.
He continued acting in television and film, including the series ‘Night Heat’, and worked in voice roles as well. He died on January 10, 2017 in Toronto at the age of 62.
Danitra Vance
Danitra Vance joined ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the mid eighties and introduced characters that drew on her stage training and sharp social observation. She brought a distinct voice to the cast and expanded the range of perspectives on the show.
Vance also appeared in films such as ‘Jumpin’ at the Boneyard’ and worked in theater throughout her career. She died on August 21, 1994 in Illinois at the age of 40.
Dan Vitale
Dan Vitale appeared on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a featured player and contributed to sketches during a season of significant cast change. He also performed in stand up and sketch shows outside the series.
His later credits included roles in independent films and appearances tied to his New York comedy roots. He died on May 6, 2023 in New York at the age of 66.
If we missed someone you want remembered, share their name and favorite sketch in the comments so others can add to the conversation.