SNL Cast Members With the Most Successful Movie Careers

Before he ever appeared on SNL, Billy Crystal made American television history in 1977 when he played one of the first openly gay characterss on TV in the sitcom “Soap.” He joined SNL in 1984 and was known for his impressions of actor Fernando Lamas, talk show host Joe Franklin, and boxer Muhammad Ali. He shifted to motion pictures and appeared in films such as “Running Scared” and “Throw Momma from the Train.” He was propelled into movie stardom with the hits “When Harry Met Sally…” and “City Slickers.”

The Canadian Oscar-nominated actor (“Driving Miss Daisy”) is behind many of the most popular comedies of the last century, in some of which he also starred, including “The Blues Brothers,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Coneheads.” Aykroyd was also an SNL writer, winning an Emmy Award in 1977. He was also nominated for an Emmy for performing in the show.

After a year as an SNL cast member Chevy Chase left the show. He was the first Weekend Update anchor and became famous for his impression of a klutzy President Gerald Ford. Chase, known for his deadpan humor, had a successful film career in the 1980s with movies like “Caddyshack,” the National Lampoon films, and “Fletch.” Chase has returned to SNL for special appearances. However, his reputation as someone difficult to work with prompted producer Lorne Michaels to permanently ban him from the show.

Bill Murray, who was on SNL from seasons 2 to 5, is one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood. He is mostly known for being the leading character in comedies — “Groundhog Day,” “Ghostbusters,” “Caddyshack,” and “Moonrise Kingdom.” The versatile actor has also starred in acclaimed dramas such as “St. Vincent” and “Lost in Translation” for which he was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar.

Long before he played the recurring role of Iron Man in the immensely successful films of The Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. appeared on SNL. He did impressions of Elvis Presley, George Michael, Paul Simon, and Sean Penn, among others. Downey struggled with drug addition over the course of his career. Nevertheless, he has earned accolades for his work in films such as his Oscar-nominated roles in “Chaplin” and the comedy “Tropic Thunder.” Other notable screen credits include “Weird Science,” “Wonder Boys,” “Natural Born Killers,” and “Restoration.”