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The Not Ready For Prime Time Players: Where Are The Original SNL Cast Members Now In 2025?

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The legacy of the original *Saturday Night Live* cast, affectionately known as "The Not Ready for Prime Time Players," continues to shape comedy and pop culture nearly fifty years after their debut in 1975. This groundbreaking ensemble, hand-picked by creator Lorne Michaels, not only launched the late-night sketch comedy institution but also established the blueprint for comedic stardom that remains today. While some members tragically left us too soon, the five surviving players are still active in Hollywood, with several planning major appearances for the show’s upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations.

The curiosity surrounding the original cast—Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner—is perennial, especially as the show approaches its half-century mark. As of late 2024 and early 2025, many of these comedy legends are experiencing a resurgence in attention, with new projects, film releases, and major television appearances confirming their status as true icons of American humor.

The Complete Original SNL Cast: A Biography of The Not Ready for Prime Time Players

The original seven cast members of *Saturday Night Live* (then simply titled *NBC's Saturday Night*) premiered on October 11, 1975. They were a revolutionary mix of improvisational talent, character actors, and writers who defined the show’s anarchic early years. Below is a full biographical profile of each of The Not Ready for Prime Time Players.

  • Dan Aykroyd (Born July 1, 1952, Ottawa, Canada): The youngest member of the original cast, Aykroyd was a master of technical jargon and bizarre characters. He is one half of the iconic musical duo The Blues Brothers with John Belushi. Post-SNL, he became a massive film star, co-writing and starring in *Ghostbusters*.
  • John Belushi (Born January 24, 1949, Chicago, USA; Died March 5, 1982): The volatile, physical heart of the original cast. Known for his intense energy and characters like the Samurai and the Killer Bees. His film career included *Animal House* and *The Blues Brothers*. Belushi tragically died at age 33 from a drug overdose (a speedball of cocaine and heroin) at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.
  • Chevy Chase (Born October 8, 1943, New York, USA): The first breakout star of SNL, known for his signature opening line ("Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!") and his role as the original anchor of "Weekend Update." He left SNL early in Season 2 to pursue a hugely successful film career, starring in classics like *Caddyshack* and the *National Lampoon's Vacation* series.
  • Jane Curtin (Born September 6, 1947, Massachusetts, USA): Known for her deadpan delivery, intelligence, and being the perfect straight woman to her male co-stars. She was the first female anchor of "Weekend Update" and a star of the "Coneheads" sketches. Post-SNL, she starred in hit sitcoms like *Kate & Allie* and *3rd Rock from the Sun*.
  • Garrett Morris (Born February 1, 1937, Louisiana, USA): The oldest member of the original cast and the show's first Black cast member. A trained opera singer and actor, his most famous character was the Dominican baseball player Chico Escuela, whose catchphrase was "Baseball been very, very good to me." He later starred in the sitcom *The Jamie Foxx Show*.
  • Laraine Newman (Born March 2, 1952, California, USA): A versatile character actress known for her unique and often bizarre characters, including the child therapist Sherry and the Conehead matriarch, Laarta. Her career after SNL pivoted successfully to voice acting, becoming a prolific and highly sought-after artist in animation.
  • Gilda Radner (Born June 28, 1946, Michigan, USA; Died May 20, 1989): The beloved, foundational female comedian of the group, known for her sweetness and vulnerability, mixed with brilliant, manic energy. Her iconic characters included Emily Litella, Roseanne Roseannadanna, and Baba Wawa. Radner died at age 42 from ovarian cancer, a disease she battled publicly and with humor.

Current Status and New Projects: Where Are They Now in 2025?

The surviving members of The Not Ready for Prime Time Players remain active in the entertainment industry, with several major projects and appearances scheduled for 2025, coinciding with the show’s 50th-anniversary buildup. Their careers demonstrate an incredible longevity, moving far beyond the confines of their early sketch comedy roots.

Dan Aykroyd: Ghostbusters, Blues, and the Paranormal

Dan Aykroyd’s career continues to be defined by his two most famous creations: The Blues Brothers and *Ghostbusters*. In 2024, Aykroyd reprised his role as Dr. Ray Stantz in the film *Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire*, continuing his involvement in the franchise he co-created. He has also teased the possibility of another *Ghostbusters* movie, indicating his continued commitment to the supernatural comedy world. Beyond film, Aykroyd’s other major project is his television series, *The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd*, which returned for a second season in late 2024, focusing on shocking and bizarre real-life stories. He also continues to celebrate the legacy of The Blues Brothers, headlining the annual Blues Brothers Con in 2024 alongside Jim Belushi.

Jane Curtin and the SNL 50th Anniversary

Jane Curtin, known for her sharp wit and pioneering role as a female comedy anchor, remains a respected figure in television. Her recent work has focused on film and television roles that leverage her signature dry delivery. Most notably, Curtin is expected to participate in the highly anticipated *Saturday Night Live* 50th-anniversary special, scheduled for February 2025. Her involvement highlights her status as a foundational pillar of the show, particularly for her work establishing the "Weekend Update" format that remains a centerpiece of the show today. Curtin's enduring presence in the industry underscores her successful transition from sketch comedy to a respected dramatic and comedic actress.

Laraine Newman: The Queen of Animation Voice Work

Laraine Newman has successfully carved out a niche as one of Hollywood's most prolific voice actors, a career path she embraced after her time on SNL. She credits her animation work with giving her a wide range to create characters without the need for auditions. In 2024, Newman was active, hosting the Hollywood, Health & Society's Sentinel Awards and celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Groundlings, the legendary improv troupe where she got her start. Looking ahead to 2025, she is set to appear in the animated fantasy-novel adaptation, *The Sisters Grimm*, which is scheduled for streaming in October. Her career is a testament to the versatility required of the original SNL cast.

Chevy Chase and Garrett Morris: Recent Appearances and Milestones

Chevy Chase, whose brief but impactful time on SNL launched him into immediate movie stardom, continues to work in film. In a nostalgic reunion for fans, Chase re-teamed with his *National Lampoon's Vacation* co-star Randy Quaid for the new movie *The Christmas Letter* in 2024. This project demonstrates his continued presence in the comedy film space. Meanwhile, Garrett Morris, who broke barriers as the first Black cast member, celebrated his 88th birthday in February 2025. Like Curtin, Morris is also expected to be a key figure in the *SNL* 50th-anniversary celebrations, recognizing his pioneering role and enduring contribution to the show's history. His legacy is often highlighted as one of resilience and groundbreaking comedy.

The Undying Legacy of Belushi and Radner

The early deaths of John Belushi and Gilda Radner cast a long, poignant shadow over the SNL family and the comedy world at large. Their influence, however, remains immeasurable, with their iconic characters and sketches being celebrated by every generation of comedians who follow.

Gilda Radner's characters, such as the hard-of-hearing commentator Emily Litella and the gross-out consumer advocate Roseanne Roseannadanna, were masterpieces of character work that blended physical comedy with deep emotional truth. Her autobiography, which detailed her struggle with ovarian cancer, established her as an advocate and a symbol of humor in the face of adversity. The Gilda's Club network of cancer support centers was founded in her honor, ensuring her legacy extends beyond comedy into philanthropy.

John Belushi’s raw, explosive energy was a force of nature that defined the early, anarchic spirit of SNL. His characters, whether the maniacal Samurai Futaba or the street-smart Jake Blues, were instantly iconic. His untimely death in 1982 was a cultural shockwave that is often cited as a turning point for the show and Hollywood’s approach to celebrity excess. His work, particularly in *The Blues Brothers*, remains a benchmark for comedic performance.

The original cast, or "The Not Ready for Prime Time Players," were more than just a comedy troupe; they were a cultural phenomenon. Their collective genius laid the foundation for modern sketch comedy, proving that television could be a platform for edgy, intelligent, and politically charged humor. Their enduring careers and the celebrated legacies of those who have passed continue to define the gold standard for comedic excellence.

original cast of snl
original cast of snl

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