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

Forty-nine years after the premiere of Saturday Night Live (originally titled NBC's Saturday Night) on October 11, 1975, the seven comedians who formed the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" remain the gold standard for sketch comedy. This groundbreaking ensemble—Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner—launched a cultural revolution that continues to influence comedy, film, and television to this day. While two legends are gone, the five surviving members are still actively working, celebrating major milestones, and cementing their places in entertainment history with fresh projects and high-profile honors well into late 2024 and 2025.

The original seven cast members didn't just perform; they defined an era, creating iconic characters and sketches that laid the foundation for every comedic star who followed. As SNL approaches its momentous 50th season, the legacy of this inaugural class is more relevant than ever, with new films, television shows, and posthumous tributes keeping their names firmly in the spotlight.

The Original Seven: A Complete Biography and Profile

The "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" were a diverse, volatile, and brilliant group assembled by creator Lorne Michaels. Their collective energy and unique talents catapulted them to instant fame, forever changing the landscape of live television.

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• Dan Aykroyd (Born July 1, 1952): Canadian comedian, actor, and writer. Known for his rapid-fire delivery, impersonations (like Jimmy Carter), and co-creating The Blues Brothers with John Belushi. He was the youngest member of the original cast.
• John Belushi (January 24, 1949 – March 5, 1982): American comedian, actor, and musician. The show's wild man, known for his intense physicality and characters like the Samurai, the Bee, and Jake Blues. His early death at age 33 shocked the world.
• Chevy Chase (Born October 8, 1943): American comedian, writer, and actor. The show's first breakout star and first anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment. He famously left the show early in Season 2.
• Jane Curtin (Born September 6, 1947): American actress and comedian. Known as the "First Lady of SNL" for her grounded, straight-woman persona, particularly opposite Dan Aykroyd and as co-anchor of "Weekend Update."
• Garrett Morris (Born February 1, 1937): American actor, comedian, and singer. The first Black cast member of SNL. Known for his opera singer character and the "New York School for the Hard of Hearing" sketches.
• Laraine Newman (Born March 2, 1952): American actress, comedian, and writer. A founding member of The Groundlings. Known for characters like Connie Conehead and her Valley Girl persona.
• Gilda Radner (June 28, 1946 – May 20, 1989): American actress and comedian. The show's heart, known for her endearing, eccentric characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella. She passed away from ovarian cancer.

The Living Legends: Current Projects and Recent Honors (2024-2025)

The surviving members of the original cast are far from retired. They continue to receive major accolades and contribute to new projects across film, television, and comedy, demonstrating the enduring power of their talent nearly five decades later.

Dan Aykroyd: Ghostbusters, Blues, and the Unbelievable

Dan Aykroyd continues to be one of the most prolific members of the original cast. In 2024, he reprised his iconic role as Dr. Raymond "Ray" Stantz in the blockbuster sequel Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. This appearance solidified his ongoing commitment to the franchise he co-created. Beyond the silver screen, Aykroyd returned to television in late 2024 to host the second season of his documentary series, The Unbelievable with Dan Aykroyd, which explores strange and mysterious phenomena. Furthermore, he and his long-time collaborator Jim Belushi (John's brother) continued the legacy of the Blues Brothers, headlining the annual Blues Brothers Con in August 2024. Aykroyd’s career is a masterclass in blending high-concept comedy with successful entrepreneurial ventures, including his Crystal Head Vodka brand.

Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman: The Queens of Comedy

Jane Curtin, celebrated for her dry wit and intelligence, is still active in Hollywood. She is slated to appear in the 2025 animated film Dog Man, demonstrating her versatility across genres. Curtin’s recent work often includes guest spots and supporting roles that utilize her reputation as a comedy icon. Laraine Newman, a master of voices and character work, has transitioned seamlessly into voice acting, a field where her SNL-honed skills shine. She is scheduled to star in the animated fantasy adaptation The Sisters Grimm, which is set to stream in the 2025 TV schedule. In October 2024, Newman hosted the Hollywood, Health & Society's Sentinel Awards, marking a 50-year milestone in her career, which began with her roots in The Groundlings comedy troupe.

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Garrett Morris: The Hollywood Walk of Fame Honor

Garrett Morris, who overcame numerous personal and professional challenges, received a well-deserved, major honor in 2024. In February, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a powerful tribute to his groundbreaking career as the first Black cast member of SNL. Later in the year, he was also honored with the Hollywood Legacy Award at the 2024 American Black Film Festival Honors. Morris also has a film, Maverick Entertainment, set for release in late 2024. His career, spanning from the original SNL to his later role on the sitcom 2 Broke Girls, is a testament to resilience and talent.

The Enduring Legacy of Belushi, Radner, and Chase

The impact of the original cast is also measured by the cultural footprint of those who departed early, both from the show and from life. Their characters and contributions continue to inspire new generations of comedians.

John Belushi and Gilda Radner: Posthumous Power and Tributes

The tragic loss of John Belushi in 1982 and Gilda Radner in 1989 left an irreplaceable void, but their legacies are meticulously maintained. Belushi's work, from the anarchic energy of the Blues Brothers to films like Animal House, remains essential viewing. A very recent and poignant event in 2024 was the passing of his widow, Judy Belushi-Pisano, in July. Judy was a fierce protector of John's work and legacy, ensuring his art and influence lived on for decades after his death.

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Gilda Radner's battle with ovarian cancer led to the founding of Gilda's Club, a non-profit organization established by her husband, Gene Wilder, to provide support for people living with cancer. Now known as the Red Door Community, this entity ensures that Radner's spirit of humor and compassion continues to serve those in need. Her iconic characters, like Roseanne Roseannadanna, are frequently celebrated in retrospectives and tributes to the show’s first golden age, highlighting her status as a pioneer for women in comedy.

Chevy Chase: The Weekend Update Anchor

Chevy Chase's departure from SNL early in Season 2 was a major event, but his role as the first "Weekend Update" anchor set the standard for satirical news that continues today. While his recent news often involves controversial remarks or retrospectives on his behavior, his foundational contribution to the show is undeniable. His post-SNL career included box office hits like the National Lampoon's Vacation series and the critically acclaimed sitcom Community. His presence in the original lineup, though brief, was the initial catalyst that drove SNL to national prominence, making him a perpetual subject of conversation as the show’s 50th anniversary approaches.

The Topical Authority of the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players"

The original cast’s enduring relevance is a major driver of topical authority for all discussions about comedy. They are not merely historical figures; they are the reference point for modern comedic success. Their collective work is a masterclass in ensemble comedy, drawing on influences from The Second City and The Groundlings, where many of them honed their craft. The phrase "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" itself has become a cultural entity, symbolizing rebellious, fresh talent.

The entities and concepts they created—from the Coneheads and the Blues Brothers to Emily Litella and the Samurai—are constantly referenced in pop culture. As SNL prepares to celebrate its 50th season, there is a renewed focus on this first cast, ensuring their stories, struggles, and triumphs are continually re-examined. Their careers, both on and off the show, illustrate the high-stakes, high-reward nature of live television comedy, solidifying their status as the most important ensemble in the history of American sketch comedy.