Monday, September 19, 2011

Top 10 SNL Cast Members Who've Been Successful In Film

A Tribute to those SNL cast members who've transitioned from television comedy to take Hollywood by storm.

10. Tina Fey (2000-2006) A fixture on Weekend Update. Tina has only six films under her belt, but her films have averaged over $71million box office. Most notable for her Sarah Pallin skits, of which she's won an Emmy for. Her films include Baby Mama, Date Night and Megamind.


9. John Belushi (1975-1979) John's career was on the way up. Films like The Blues Brothers, 1941,  and Animal House are still cult favorites today. Best known on SNL for his role as Samurai Futaba. Sadly, his personal demons caught up with him and a great talent was taken from us.


8. Chris Rock (1990-1993) In more than 27 films, Chris Rock has taken huge strides from SNL onto the Silver Screen. His films collectively earned over 1.1 billion dollars, most notably Lethal Weapon 4, Dogma, The Longest Yard, Madagascar, and CB4.




7. Chevy Chase (1975-1976) Former cast member and 9 time host, more than any other cast member, Chevy Chase was one of the first to launch successfully into film. National Lampoon's Vacation series, Spies Like Us, Caddyshack, Three Amigos, and the Fletch movies. Winner of 2 Golden Globes, he was an extremely bankable comedian early on, but he seemed to have lost steam in the 90's. Over the last ten years he has been regulated to supporting roles and bit parts. Chevy Chase recently returned to television in the series Community.


6. Dan Aykroyd (1975-1979) Once, he was one of the wild and crazy guys, Dan left SNL for better fortune in film. He is an accomplished writer, producer, and actor, including 1 Oscar nomination. His resume includes Ghostbusters 1 & 2, Nothing But Trouble, Spies Like Us, The Great Outdoors, Dragnet and more. Best known for his dead pan delivery and the ability to ramble facts and statistics with the speed and rhythm of a ticker tape machine.


5. Will Ferrell (1995-2002) For over 7 years Will Ferrell was a staple of SNL. His Alex Trebek skits were consistently the funniest reoccurring skits going. With 24 films on his impressive resume, his movies have grossed a combined 1.4 billion dollars. A Night At The Roxbury, a SNL skit turned movie, helped propel him to on screen success. With films like Step Brothers, Blades of Glory, Talladega Nights, and Elf, there's no signs of him slowing down.

4. Bill Murray (1977-1980) Bill Murray's success has been one of the most consistent of all the long term SNL alumnus. He is just as relevant today as he was over 30 years ago. With 34 career films, and a collective box office of 1.4 billion dollars, Bill is a true SNL success story. Although a comedian, he's even transcended that genre into drama, such as The Razor's Edge, Ed Wood, and Lost City. However, this Oscar nominated actor will be remembered best for his work in Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, Stripes, Scrooged and Groundhog Day

3. Adam Sandler (1991-1995) Former SNL's Opera Man has been in over 24 films, and has his own production company, Happy Madison. While none of his films ever busted any blocks, he has enjoyed above moderate success. His films have grossed 1.9 billion collectively. His company has produced films like The Longest Yard, Big Daddy, Billy Madison, 50 First Dates, and Grown Ups


2. Mike Myers (1989-1995) Mike Myers is riding an unparalleled wave of success. With his Wayne's World, Austin Powers, and Shrek franchises, he is making serious bank. He has also transitioned into dramatic roles such as 54 and Inglourious Basterds. Featured in 15 films, his movies have grossed over 2.2 billion dollars.

1. Eddie Murphy (1980-1984) A fantastic comedian on SNL, best known for his skits as Buckwheat, Gumby, and Mr. Robinson. His film success is second to none. 36 films so far, and over 3.9 billion dollars, Eddie Murphy has made a few stinkers, but they do not curve his successes. From voicing the Donkey in Shrek, all the way back to Trading Places, and performing multiple roles in films like Coming To America and The Nutty Professor, Eddie flexes his talent and range.

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