Who Among Celebrities Never Joined the Saturday Night Live Cast?

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a iconic American sketch comedy show that has run for over four decades, with its cast members regularly becoming household names themselves. However, just like many celebrities, some big names in the entertainment industry have never been part of the show's cast, despite their numerous appearances as hosts. Let's explore some well-known personalities who have never joined the SNL cast.

Brad Pitt and Company

While many of Hollywood's top stars have graced the stage of Saturday Night Live, some continue to remain outside the regular cast. One such example is Brad Pitt, an actor renowned for his versatility and skills on both screen and stage. Brad has hosted the show but has never become a regular cast member. Similarly, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, and Meryl Streep, renowned for their Oscar-winning performances, have hosted but have not been part of the main cast.

The Misconception About Regular Hosts

It's important to note that hosting the show does not automatically make a person a cast member. Some celebrities who have hosted multiple times are often mistaken for cast members due to their frequency on the show. Notable examples include Steve Martin, who has hosted the show 15 times, eight times during the show's second and fifth seasons, a period when many original cast members were still active on the show. Steve's distinctive presence and frequent appearances might easily blur the lines between host and regular cast member.

Recurring Characters with Non-Casting Celebrities

Even more confusing might be the case of celebrities with recurring guest roles on the show, where they are frequently seen but never join the regular cast. Renowned actors like John Goodman and George Wendt and even political figures like Abe Vigoda have made recurring appearances as characters, providing memorable sketches but never joining the SNL regular cast.

Why Bother Listing Non-Cast Members?

Given that Saturday Night Live has only had approximately 150 cast members throughout its 45-year run, it might indeed be more efficient to list all of them rather than enumerate those who have never been cast members. However, for the curious, here are a few notable figures who have remained cast-free: Billy Crystal, Ted Danson, Larry David, Bill Hader, and Jim Carrey, who auditioned but was not chosen.

Conclusion

The distinction between host and cast member can often be blurred, given the frequent and memorable appearances of certain celebrities on Saturday Night Live. However, despite their significant contributions to the show, actor Jim Carrey stands as one of those notable exceptions, showcasing that even an acclaimed performer may not always become a part of the SNL cast.