5 Successful Comedy Actors Who Bombed Their SNL Auditions

There are many ways to become a successful comedic actor, but there are precious few routes for a young up-and-comer to get more exposure than a stint on “Saturday Night Live.” Household names like Bill Murray, Amy Poehler, Eddie Murphy, Phil Hartman, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Kristen Wiig, and many others paid their dues on the show before going on to write their names in the annals of entertainment history.

That being said, “Saturday Night Live,” which aired its 50th season in 2025, isn’t necessarily a fast track to A-lister status, and an entertainer’s career is hardly doomed if they fail to make the cut.