Remembering SNL Cast Members We've Lost

Harry Braun 29 May 2025

Has Saturday Night Live, the legendary late-night sketch comedy show, paid a price for its comedic genius? The laughter, the applause, the iconic charactersthey mask a disquieting pattern of untimely deaths among its cast members. From drug overdoses to tragic accidents and battles with cancer, the show's history is punctuated by loss, prompting questions about the pressures of fame and the potential "curse" that seems to haunt its alumni.

The recent 50th-anniversary special, which aired on NBC and Peacock on February 16th, served as a poignant reminder of these departed talents. Adam Sandler's musical tribute honored the SNL family members who are no longer with us, their absences a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere. The sheer number of performers lost in their prime raises uncomfortable questions. Is it merely a tragic coincidence, or does the high-pressure environment of live television, combined with the temptations of fame, contribute to this heartbreaking trend?

Name	Birth Date	Death Date	Cause of Death	Notable SNL Characters/Contributions
John Belushi	January 24, 1949	March 5, 1982	Drug Overdose	Samurai, Jake Blues
Gilda Radner	June 28, 1946	May 20, 1989	Ovarian Cancer	Roseanne Roseannadanna, Emily Litella
Phil Hartman	September 24, 1948	May 28, 1998	Homicide	Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, Bill Clinton
Chris Farley	February 15, 1964	December 18, 1997	Drug Overdose	Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker, Chippendales Dancer
Norm Macdonald	October 17, 1959	September 14, 2021	Acute Leukemia	Weekend Update Anchor, Burt Reynolds
Peter Aykroyd	November 19, 1955	November 20, 2021	Unspecified	Writer

Saturday Night Live Official Website

The passing of Peter Aykroyd, brother of Dan Aykroyd, in November 2021, added another name to the somber list. His death, announced during an SNL episode, highlighted the show's ongoing connection to loss. Peter, a writer and comedian in his own right, contributed to the show's early years, adding another layer of complexity to the Aykroyd family's intertwined legacy with SNL.

The stories behind these deaths are often as complex and varied as the comedic personas they created. John Belushi's 1982 overdose at the Chateau Marmont remains a cautionary tale about the destructive power of addiction. Gilda Radner's courageous battle with ovarian cancer brought awareness to the disease and inspired countless others. Phil Hartman's tragic death in 1998 shocked the world, a grim reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface. Chris Farley, whose physical comedy and outsized personality made him a fan favorite, succumbed to a drug overdose in 1997, mirroring Belushi's tragic fate. And Norm Macdonald, the sardonic Weekend Update anchor known for his dry wit and unpredictable delivery, privately battled cancer before his passing in 2021.

These losses are more than just individual tragedies; they represent a collective grief for the SNL community and its fans. They force us to confront the fragility of life, even amidst the laughter and entertainment. The show, by its very nature, celebrates the present moment, but these deaths serve as a constant reminder of the past and the ephemeral nature of fame.

Beyond the individual stories, the "SNL curse" whispers in the background. While statistically unlikely, the number of deaths, particularly among those who achieved stardom after leaving the show, fuels speculation. Some attribute it to the pressures of maintaining a high-profile career, the constant demand for new material, and the ever-present temptations that come with success. Others dismiss it as mere coincidence, a statistical anomaly in a high-stress industry. Whatever the explanation, the notion of a curse adds another layer of intrigue to the show's mythology.

The legacy of SNL is undeniable. It has launched countless careers, shaped comedic sensibilities for generations, and provided a platform for some of the most brilliant comedic minds of our time. But interwoven with this success is a thread of sorrow, a reminder that even in the world of laughter, darkness can find its way in. The show must continue to evolve, to nurture its talent, and to honor the memories of those who have passed, ensuring that the laughter they brought into the world continues to resonate.

From Chevy Chase and Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and the many who followed in their footsteps, SNL has been a springboard to superstardom. But the path to fame is not always smooth, and the pressures can be immense. The shows history serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting artists, recognizing the challenges they face, and celebrating their contributions, both on and off the stage.