A new film is coming out this week based on the early days of “Saturday Night Live,” and we’re looking back at some of the Chicago stars who have come out of the show. (And no, we’re not counting everyone who walked through the doors of Second City.)
John Belushi
Born in Humboldt Park and raised in Wheaton, Belushi trained at Second City before he became one of the original “SNL” cast members in 1975. He helped bring Billy Goat Tavern to national fame with his popular “cheezborger” skit. After the star died at 33 of an overdose, his brother Jim was cast on the show.
Bill Murray
The Wilmette native’s time on “SNL” was short in the late ‘70s, but he did leave with an Emmy for writing on the show. Murray later transitioned to the big screen, starring in slapstick comedies, dramas, and several Wes Anderson films.
Danitra Vance
The South Side native was the first Black woman to join the regular “SNL” cast in 1985. Vance incorporated her classical Shakespearean training into sketches, but she left the show after one season frustrated with playing stereotypical roles. Vance died of breast cancer in 1994 in the south suburbs.
Chris Farley
City Cast Madison might claim the Wisconsin native, but Chicago was instrumental to Farley’s comedic career. He performed at the iO Theater and Second City (with Stephen Colbert). While on “SNL” in the ‘90s, Farley helped put Bears superfans on the map. Farley died from an overdose at his John Hancock condo at age 33.
Horatio Sanz and Amy Poehler at the "Weekend Update" desk on "Saturday Night Live” in 2005. (Dana Edelson / NBC via Getty)
Horatio Sanz
Sanz joined the “SNL” cast in 1998 after being scouted at Second City. Born in Chile and raised in Humboldt Park, Sanz was on the show for eight years, often appearing in sketches with Jimmy Fallon. Sanz settled a lawsuit in 2022 with a former fan who alleged he sexually abused her when she was a minor.
John Mulaney
The comedian, raised in Lincoln Park, was a writer on the show from 2008 to 2012. He helped come up with Stefon, who Bill Hader played during “Weekend Update.” Mulaney has hosted the show five times.
Cecily Strong
Strong was on “SNL” for 11 seasons, giving us characters like Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party. She was born in Springfield, raised in Oak Park, and also trained at Second City.
Sarah Sherman performs her standup comedy routine in 2023. (Astrida Valigorsky / Getty)
Sarah Sherman
The newest cast member with ties to Chicago is Sarah Sherman, aka Sarah Squirm. The Northwestern University alum was cast in 2021. Before then, she cut her teeth in Chicago’s comedy scene with her bizarre variety shows at the Hideout.
📣 Honorable mention: While you watch Maya Rudolph impersonate Vice President Kamala Harris this season, learn about her mom, Minnie Riperton, who was from Bronzeville and has a public housing complex named after her.
“Saturday Night” comes out Friday.
