The SNL Curse: 7 Tragic Deaths Of Saturday Night Live Cast Members And Alums, Including The Most Recent Loss

The legacy of Saturday Night Live is a double-edged sword, filled with some of the most brilliant comedic minds of the last five decades, but also shadowed by a profound sense of tragedy. The show, which launched on NBC in 1975, has been a breeding ground for generational talent, yet a disproportionate number of its stars and key figures have met with untimely or shocking ends, leading many to speak of an "SNL curse."

This recurring pattern of brilliant careers cut short has left an indelible mark on comedy history. From drug overdoses and murder-suicides to battles with hidden diseases, the stories of those we’ve lost from the Studio 8H family serve as a sobering reminder of the pressures and complexities that often accompany immense fame. As of December 11, 2025, the SNL family mourns yet another loss, underscoring the ongoing reality of this tragic list.

Recent SNL Losses and The Tragic Founding Cast

The history of SNL is marked by the loss of its earliest and most influential members, a pattern that continues to this day. The most recent passing to shake the extended SNL family is a reminder that the show's history of loss spans cast, writers, and producers.

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The Most Recent SNL Family Loss: Craig Kellem

The most recent passing in the Saturday Night Live family is that of Craig Kellem, a key figure from the show's foundational years. Kellem, who was an SNL producer and alum, passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 82. His work behind the scenes was instrumental in the show's early success, though his name may not be as immediately recognizable as the on-screen talent.

John Belushi (1949–1982)

John Belushi was the original breakout star of the "Not Ready For Prime-Time Players" and a comedic force of nature known for characters like the Samurai and his performance as a member of The Blues Brothers. His death set a tragic precedent for the show’s future.

• Role: Original Cast Member (1975–1979)
• Date of Death: March 5, 1982
• Age at Death: 33
• Cause of Death: Accidental overdose from a "speedball" (a mixture of cocaine and heroin) injected at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles.
• Legacy: Belushi's raw, anarchic energy defined the early years of the show and his films, Animal House and The Blues Brothers, cemented his status as a cultural icon. His death became a cautionary tale about the dark side of fame and substance abuse in Hollywood.

Gilda Radner (1946–1989)

Gilda Radner was the heart and soul of the original cast, known for her endearing and eccentric characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella. Her battle with cancer was a struggle she openly shared, bringing awareness to a devastating disease.

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• Role: Original Cast Member (1975–1980)
• Date of Death: May 20, 1989
• Age at Death: 42
• Cause of Death: Ovarian cancer. She experienced nearly a year of misdiagnoses before finally receiving the correct diagnosis in 1986.
• Legacy: Radner's autobiography, It's Always Something, detailed her cancer journey and became a source of comfort for many. Her legacy is honored by the Gilda's Club Worldwide network, which provides support for people living with cancer.

The Shocking Deaths of the 1990s: Overdose and Murder-Suicide

The 1990s saw two of the most shocking and high-profile deaths in SNL history, both involving cast members who were at the peak of their comedic powers. These events solidified the show’s reputation for producing incredible talent that was often grappling with profound personal demons.

Chris Farley (1964–1997)

Chris Farley was a comedic whirlwind, a physical comedian whose energy and commitment to his characters—such as motivational speaker Matt Foley and the Chicago Superfans—were legendary. His death, mirroring that of his idol, John Belushi, was a devastating loss for the comedy world.

• Role: Cast Member (1990–1995)
• Date of Death: December 18, 1997
• Age at Death: 33
• Cause of Death: Accidental drug overdose from a "speedball" (cocaine and morphine) in his Chicago apartment.
• Legacy: Farley’s raw, vulnerable comedy made him one of the most beloved figures of his generation. His death at the same age and from the same cause as John Belushi led to widespread discussion about the pressures faced by comedic stars.

Phil Hartman (1948–1998)

Known as "The Glue" for his ability to hold sketches together and his mastery of impressions, Phil Hartman was one of the most versatile and respected performers on the show. His death was perhaps the most brutal and unexpected tragedy in the SNL canon.

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• Role: Cast Member (1986–1994)
• Date of Death: May 28, 1998
• Age at Death: 49
• Cause of Death: Murdered by his wife, Brynn Hartman, in a shocking murder-suicide at their Los Angeles home. Brynn, who struggled with substance abuse, shot Phil while he was asleep before killing herself hours later.
• Legacy: Hartman’s incredible range, from his dead-on Bill Clinton impression to his recurring character, the Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, made him a fan favorite. His death remains one of Hollywood's most tragic and senseless losses.

The Quiet Battles: Recent Losses and Hidden Struggles

In more recent years, the SNL community has continued to mourn beloved figures whose deaths, while less sensationalized, were no less heartbreaking, often revealing private struggles with illness.

Norm Macdonald (1959–2021)

Norm Macdonald, a Canadian comedian, was the dry, deadpan anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment from 1994 to 1998. His unique, philosophical style of humor earned him a devoted following, and his death came as a surprise to most fans.

• Role: Cast Member and Weekend Update Anchor (1993–1998)
• Date of Death: September 14, 2021
• Age at Death: 61
• Cause of Death: Leukemia, which he had been privately battling for nine years.
• Legacy: Macdonald’s decision to keep his illness private allowed him to continue his career without the shadow of his disease, culminating in his final Netflix special, Nothing Special, which was filmed shortly before his death.

Jan Hooks (1957–2014)

Jan Hooks was a brilliant impressionist and character actress who anchored the show during a transitional period in the late 1980s. She was known for her incredible versatility and her pitch-perfect impressions of figures like Hillary Clinton and Sinead O'Connor.

• Role: Cast Member (1986–1991)
• Date of Death: October 9, 2014
• Age at Death: 57
• Cause of Death: Cancer.
• Legacy: Hooks was a beloved member of the cast, and her work alongside Phil Hartman and Nora Dunn is considered a highlight of the late 80s era. After SNL, she had a memorable run on the sitcom Designing Women.

Gilbert Gottfried (1955–2022)

While his tenure as a cast member was brief, Gilbert Gottfried’s distinct voice and controversial humor made him a legendary figure in comedy. He was a cast member during the show’s rocky 1980–1981 season.

• Role: Cast Member (1980–1981)
• Date of Death: April 12, 2022
• Age at Death: 67
• Cause of Death: Recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type 2, a rare muscular disease.
• Legacy: Gottfried's career spanned decades, and he was known for his iconic voice work, including the parrot Iago in Disney's Aladdin and the Aflac duck.

A Comprehensive List of Deceased SNL Contributors

The list of those who worked in Studio 8H and have since passed away is extensive, highlighting the show's long history and the many talented individuals who contributed to its success. This list includes not just cast members, but also influential writers and producers:

• Peter Aykroyd (1955–2021): Writer and brief cast member, brother of Dan Aykroyd.
• George Coe (1929–2015): Original "Not Ready for Prime-Time Player" who only appeared in the first episode.
• Tom Davis (1952–2012): Original writer and comedy partner of Al Franken. Died of throat and neck cancer.
• Danitra Vance (1954–1994): The first Black female cast member. Died of breast cancer.
• Michael O'Donoghue (1940–1994): Original head writer, known for his dark and surreal humor.
• Charles Rocket (1949–2005): Cast member during the 1980–1981 season. Died by suicide.
• Brian McConnachie (1942–2024): Writer for SNL and SCTV. Died from complications of Parkinson's disease.
• John Bowman (1957–2019): Writer and producer. Died suddenly at age 64.
• Dan McGrath (1964–2025): Writer in the early nineties. Died at age 61.

The Enduring Legacy of the SNL Alumni

The tragedy surrounding Saturday Night Live's alumni is a poignant part of its history. While the show is a launchpad for superstardom, the pressures of the entertainment industry, coupled with personal struggles, have repeatedly led to heartbreaking outcomes. For fans, the loss of these comedic giants means a permanent gap in the potential of what they could have created.

Lorne Michaels, the show's creator, has often spoken about the difficulty of losing members of the SNL family. The show itself acts as a kind of comedy boot camp, forging intense bonds between cast and crew. When a member is lost, the entire community feels the weight of that absence. The laughter they created lives on, but their stories serve as a powerful narrative about the high cost of comedic genius and the enduring human frailties that even the brightest stars cannot escape.