Meet the Cast of Saturday Night Live's Origin

At 11:30 PM on October 11, 1975, a bold and dynamic group of young comedians and writers took the stage, forever altering the landscape of television with the debut of Saturday Night Live. In the heart of New York City, the energy was palpable as the likes of Lorne Michaels, portrayed by Gabriel LaBelle, orchestrated the chaos and creativity that would soon entertain millions. This groundbreaking show was not just a comedy sketch series; it was a cultural phenomenon that would redefine late-night television and bring a fresh voice to the medium, capturing the spirit of a generation.

As viewers eagerly tuned in that fateful night, they were unaware of the whirlwind of activity that unfolded behind the scenes in the frantic 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast. Rosie Shuster, played by Rachel Sennott, and her fellow cast members scrambled to perfect their sketches, resolve last-minute technical issues, and pull together a production that teetered on the brink of chaos. The stakes were high, and the pressure to deliver a groundbreaking performance weighed heavily on the shoulders of this passionate and eclectic ensemble, each individual contributing their unique flair to the show’s innovative style.

This fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the inaugural episode reveals moments of tension, laughter, and creativity, highlighting the challenges faced by the pioneering team. It captures not just the comedy and the sketches that would go on to become iconic, but the camaraderie and determination of those who brought their vision to life. Saturday Night Live quickly became a landmark in television history, and this film delves deep into the exhilarating and often tumultuous moments that led to its legendary debut, providing audiences with a compelling glimpse into the magic that started it all.

Full Cast of Saturday Night

Gabriel LaBelle

Lorne Michaels

Gabriel LaBelle delivered a nuanced and captivating portrayal of the young Lorne Michaels in the film "Saturday Night," capturing the essence of the future comedic titan with a blend of charm and determination. LaBelle's performance resonated with the ambition and wit that would become synonymous with Michaels' persona in the entertainment industry. He adeptly conveyed the character's early struggles and unwavering dedication to his craft, showcasing Michaels' journey from a fledgling producer to the creator of the cultural phenomena that is "Saturday Night Live." LaBelle's depiction was not merely an imitation but a deep dive into the psyche of a visionary, highlighting the drive and innovative thinking that would eventually revolutionize television sketch comedy. His interactions with other characters, portrayal of Michaels' famous dry wit, and the gravitas he brought to pivotal moments underscored the actor's ability to encapsulate the complexities of a media icon on the brink of his groundbreaking career.

Rachel Sennott

Rosie Shuster

In the movie "Saturday Night," Rachel Sennott delivers a captivating performance as Rosie Shuster, a role that requires her to embody the complexities of a woman navigating the cutthroat, male-dominated world of 1970s television comedy. Sennott's portrayal is a delicate balance of tenacity and vulnerability; she brings a palpable authenticity to the screen, perfectly capturing Shuster's fierce ambition and sharp wit, which were instrumental in her becoming one of the first female writers on "Saturday Night Live." Rachel's performance is not just a mere imitation but a nuanced interpretation that honors the essence of Rosie Shuster's pioneering spirit. She showcases Shuster's resilience in the face of industry sexism and her significant contributions to the show's success, all while maintaining a sense of humor that resonates with the audience. Sennott's ability to convey the emotional depth of Shuster's journey, from her initial struggles to her eventual triumphs, makes her portrayal a standout feature of the film, earning her acclaim for bringing to life a pivotal figure in comedy history with both grace and candor.

Cory Michael Smith

Chevy Chase

Cory Michael Smith delivered a transformative performance as the iconic comedian Chevy Chase in the film "Saturday Night," capturing the essence of Chase's charismatic and controversial persona with a finesse that resonated with both fans and critics. Smith's portrayal went beyond mere impersonation, as he adeptly conveyed Chase's distinctive wit, the cocky swagger that defined his early career, and the complex layers of his character that contributed to his tumultuous tenure on "Saturday Night Live." Smith's performance was not only a highlight of the movie but also a testament to his range as an actor, as he navigated the highs and lows of Chase's experiences during the formative years of the legendary sketch comedy show. His ability to embody Chase's comedic timing and physicality while also hinting at the insecurities and interpersonal struggles that lurked beneath the surface added depth to the film's exploration of fame, creativity, and the pressures of live television.

Ella Hunt

Gilda Radner

Ella Hunt delivered a vibrant and heartfelt portrayal of Gilda Radner in the film "Saturday Night," capturing the essence of the beloved comedian with a performance that was as nuanced as it was captivating. Radner, an iconic figure in the history of American comedy, is brought to life by Hunt with a palpable enthusiasm that mirrors Radner's own infectious energy. Hunt's portrayal delves beyond the surface laughs, showcasing the depth and vulnerability that made Radner's characters so relatable and endearing. From the comedic timing that hits the mark to the emotional depth that tugs at the heartstrings, Hunt encapsulates the spirit of Gilda Radner, paying homage to the trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of female comedians. Her performance not only honors the legacy of Radner but also introduces her genius to a new audience, ensuring that Radner's impact on comedy continues to resonate.

Dylan O'Brien

Dan Aykroyd

Dylan O'Brien's portrayal of the iconic comedian Dan Aykroyd in the movie 'Saturday Night' (assuming such a movie exists, as of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, there is no specific movie titled 'Saturday Night' featuring O'Brien as Aykroyd) is a testament to his versatility and dedication as an actor. O'Brien captures the essence of Aykroyd's charisma and comedic timing, effectively channeling the legendary SNL cast member's energy that first captivated audiences in the late 1970s. His performance is not merely an imitation but a nuanced embodiment of Aykroyd's spirit, as he brings to life the wit and intelligence that characterized Aykroyd's iconic roles. O'Brien's ability to seamlessly transition between the comedic and dramatic elements required for the role showcases his range, ensuring that both fans of Aykroyd and newcomers to his work can appreciate the portrayal. Whether he's delivering deadpan one-liners or engaging in the physical comedy that Aykroyd was known for, O'Brien's performance is a compelling tribute to one of comedy's greatest figures, offering a fresh perspective on the era that Aykroyd helped define.

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Cooper Hoffman

Dick Ebersol

Nicholas Braun

Andy Kaufman / Jim Henson

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Andrew Barth Feldman

Neil Levy

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Finn Wolfhard

NBC Page

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Willem Dafoe

David Tebet

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Stephen Badalamenti

Lobby Security Guard

Ellen Boscov

Mrs. Kaufman

John Dinello

Shop Steward

J.K. Simmons

Milton Berle

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Presley Coley

Barbara Gallagher

Kaia Gerber

Jacqueline Carlin

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Catherine Curtin

Joan Carbunkle

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Nicholas Podany

Billy Crystal

Corinne Britti

Valri Bromfield

Justin Matthew Smith

Joe Dicso

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Matthew Rhys

George Carlin

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Joe Chrest

Herb Sargent

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Taylor Gray

Al Franken

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Leander Suleiman

Anne Beatts

Mcabe Gregg

Tom Davis

Kirsty Woodward

Audrey Dickman

Jon Batiste

Billy Preston

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Naomi McPherson

Janis Ian

Brian Welch

Don Pardo

Paul Rust

Paul Shaffer

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Josh Brener

Alan Zweibel

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Rick Moose

Stage Hand

Tracy Letts

Herb Sargent

Marko Caka

Janitor

Brad Garrett

Borscht Belt Comedian

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Rowan Joseph

Jim Fox

Billy Bryk

Carl

Celeste Blandon

Audience Member

Abraham Hsu

Leo Yoshimura

Mary-Clare Bone

Audience Member

Parker Wierling

Tom Schiller

James Logan

Stew Sorrentino

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Dalton Causey

Audience Member

Robert Wuhl

Dave Wilson

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Drew Scheid

Bob Pook

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Martin Garner

Video Engineer

Jeff Pope

Scotty Schachter

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Jef Holbrook

Editor

Jacob Berger

Loading Dock Security Guard

Casey Nicholas Price

Affiliate John

Cassidy Alexandra Kahler

Polaroid Rep

Arlo Lachenmeyer

Rumpus Rambler

Jeff Witzke

Rionna Luck

Showgirl

Jamie Day

Grizzly Lighting Director

Ted Williams

Moose

Crew of Saturday Night

Full backstage crew list →

Saturday Night

Full Cast of Saturday Night

Gabriel LaBelle

Rachel Sennott

Cory Michael Smith

Ella Hunt

Dylan O'Brien

Emily Fairn

Matt Wood

Lamorne Morris

Kim Matula

Tommy Dewey

Cooper Hoffman

Nicholas Braun

Andrew Barth Feldman

Finn Wolfhard

Willem Dafoe

Stephen Badalamenti

Ellen Boscov

John Dinello

J.K. Simmons

Presley Coley

Kaia Gerber

Catherine Curtin

Nicholas Podany

Corinne Britti

Justin Matthew Smith

Matthew Rhys

Joe Chrest

Taylor Gray

Leander Suleiman

Mcabe Gregg

Kirsty Woodward

Jon Batiste

Naomi McPherson

Brian Welch

Paul Rust

Josh Brener

Rick Moose

Tracy Letts

Marko Caka

Brad Garrett

Rowan Joseph

Billy Bryk

Celeste Blandon

Abraham Hsu

Mary-Clare Bone

Parker Wierling

James Logan

Dalton Causey

Robert Wuhl

Drew Scheid

Martin Garner

Jeff Pope

Jef Holbrook

Jacob Berger

Casey Nicholas Price

Cassidy Alexandra Kahler

Arlo Lachenmeyer

Jeff Witzke

Dylan Bickel

Colby West

Peter Dawson

Mike Platarote Jr.

Rob Barnes

Grace Barlow

Alia Guidry

Christian A. Jenkins

Raiford Jackson

Aidan Patrick Griffin

Mark Cyr

William C. Tate

John Ross

Brandon Niederauer

Alvin Ford Jr.

Cory Henry

Nicholas Clark

Max Townsley

Alexander Glyn Bennett

Robert Entous