Former SNL Cast Members Who Need a Comeback

Many SNL cast members have led successful careers after they’ve left the show. Some even become more popular once they "go Hollywood". But like many other professions, there are peaks and valleys – hurdles to overcome. Some handle and maintain the transition better than others. The following list represents those people who have stumbled along the way. It’s not meant to insult, as I want nothing more than to see these people succeed once again.


Mike Myers
This guy has created some great characters and produced hilarious films from them. People will continue to reference and quote from Austin Powers and Wayne’s World for years to come. However, times are pretty tough for him these days. After flops like The Cat in the Hat and The Love Guru, as well as the diminishing returns of the Shrek series, Myers could use a shot in the arm. Wishful thinking would lead me to say that his cameo appearance in Inglourious Basterds this past year could be a start in the right direction. Still, there’s a long way to go before he could regain his former success.

Norm MacDonald
I’ve always been a big fan of Norm MacDonald. I’d go so far as saying his days at the Weekend Update desk represent some of the funniest material from the mid-90s. His career didn’t take off the way it could have after SNL, despite some good opportunities. Norm had at least a couple of TV shows that ultimately failed to find an audience and starring vehicle films like Dirty Work and Screwed which suffered the same fate. Still, whenever he pops up on a talk show, I have to tune in. Hopefully he can piggyback off some of his old SNL buddies like Sandler and return closer to the limelight.

Eddie Murphy
For this one, I’d like to address Mr. Murphy directly:
What happened, Eddie? You starred in some of the best comedies of the 80’s and then proceeded to make complete crap. Holy Man? The Adventures of Pluto Nash? I Spy? Daddy Day Camp? I just don’t know if there’s any hope left, honestly. Even after your Academy Award nomination for Dreamgirls, you went strait back to your stale bag of tricks. Seriously, what happened? Yours is the most frustrating career to follow. There was so much early promise that has ultimately led us all down a dark road from which we almost certainly cannot return. (Sigh)


Are there any other former cast members who deserve a comeback?