Favorite SNL cast members

Andy Samberg

NBC Universal

No, it's not Adam Sandler, it’s Andy Samberg.

Samberg joined the cast of “SNL” in 2005 alongside an all-star cast of Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Wiig.

While Hader, Sudekis and Wiig found early success, Samberg struggled to get much time on air in the live sketches.

However, when Samberh got hired as a cast member his two friends from middle school, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, got hired as writers.

While the trio lived in Los Angeles, they named their group The Lonely Island a name that is now synonymous with “SNL Digital Shorts.”

In fact, Samberg and The Lonely Island’s impact isn’t just huge for “SNL” but their second pre-recorded sketch, “Lazy Sunday,” is attributed to helping a little video-sharing website get off the ground.

That website was YouTube.

The Lonely Island basically invented the viral video continuing their career with Samberg starring in hits like “I Just Had Sex,” “Jack Sparrow,” “I’m On a Boat,” “D*ck in a Box,” “Motherlover,” “Dear Sister,” “Laser Cats” and so many more.

Their songs received praise for being hysterical but also genuinely good and catchy music. “I’m On a Boat” was even nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the Grammys.

Samberg had more success in the live sketches as his career on “SNL” continued. His banter on “Weekend Update” with Seth Meyers was always great and he had great moments like his Nicolas Cage impressions.

His loveable, goofball nature made him a fan favorite, while the Digital Shorts cemented his eccentric and irregular humor as a “Saturday Night Live” legend. - Sophia D’Ovidio

Sophia D’Ovidio is a fourth-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.

Tina Fey

She is an actress, comedian, writer, producer and also gets recognized as one of the greatest cast members in Saturday Night Live history. Tina Fey became the first female head writer on SNL and was later known for her position as co-anchor on Weekend Update with Amy Poehler.

Her most famous sketches include “Meet Your Second Wife,” a brutally hilarious game show about uncomfortable age gaps and her spot-on impersonation of Sarah Palin in “Governor Sarah Palin's Press Conference.”

Fey has a brilliant mind and sharp wit that brought a breath of fresh air to the show. Her satirical brilliance and groundbreaking comedic style helped redefine SNL during her tenure from 1997 to 2006.

Additionally, she shifted the comedy landscape to highlight the diverse voices and perspectives of women in the field, bringing new material to the program.

With Fey’s unmatched dry humor and fearless delivery, her legacy on Saturday Night Live will continue to influence the show and the comedy world for generations to come. - Allison Curley

Allison Curley is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email amc9204@psu.edu.