For more than five decades, Saturday Night Live has been one of television’s biggest comedy launching pads, and some of its funniest, most memorable performers have been Black comedians. From Garrett Morris breaking barriers in the very first season of the hit comedy-sketch series to Kenan Thompson becoming the longest-serving cast member in the show’s history, Black comedians have brought unforgettable characters, spot-on impressions and plenty of chaos to Studio 8H, where SNL has been filmed for decades.
As we gear up for the beloved show to head into its 52nd season on Sept. 26, let’s take a trip through SNL history and revisit the Black comedians who helped make the iconic sketch show what it is today.
Garrett Morris Broke the Ice.
When Saturday Night Live premiered in 1975, Garrett Morris made history as the show’s first Black cast member.
Morris spent five seasons on the series and became known for characters and sketches that showcased his versatility as a singer, actor and comedian. His casting opened the door for generations of Black performers who would follow.
Yvonne Hudson and Danitra Vance Changed the Game.
In 1980, Yvonne Hudson became the first Black female performer on SNL. Initially appearing as an uncredited extra, Hudson’s presence marked an important moment for the show’s representation.
A few years later, Danitra Vance took another historic step. During the 1985–86 season, Vance became the first Black woman to serve as a repertory, or main, cast member.
Her run was brief, but her place in SNL history was significant. Hit the flip to see a few more Black people who have left a mark on Saturday Night Live.
Then Came Eddie Murphy.
If there is one name that changed the trajectory of SNL in the 1980s, it is Eddie Murphy.
Joining the cast in 1980 at just 19 years old, Murphy quickly became a breakout sensation. His memorable characters like Mister Robinson and celebrity impressions helped turn him into one of the show’s biggest stars—and eventually one of Hollywood’s biggest comedians.
Murphy’s run lasted from 1980 to 1984, but his impact on the series lasted much longer.
The ’90s Brought More Heavy Hitters.
The next decade brought another wave of Black comedy talent.
Chris Rock joined the cast in 1990, followed by Ellen Cleghorne in 1991. Cleghorne became the first Black female cast member to remain with the show for multiple seasons.
Tim Meadows also joined in 1991 and went on to become one of the longest-running cast members in SNL history, remaining until 2000.
Then came Tracy Morgan.
From 1996 to 2003, Morgan brought his eccentric energy and larger-than-life personality to the show, creating characters and delivering desk pieces that were unmistakably his own. Remember his iconic character, Brian Fellows?
The 2000s Were Packed With Black Comedians On SNL.
The new millennium ushered in another impressive group of Black performers.
Maya Rudolph joined in 2000 and quickly became one of the show’s most versatile performers, particularly when it came to musical performances and celebrity impressions.
Finesse Mitchell joined in 2003, the same year Kenan Thompson arrived.
And Thompson? He wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
After joining the cast in 2003, Thompson became a fixture of SNL, eventually becoming the longest-tenured cast member in the show’s history.
Jerry Minor and Dean Edwards also brought their talents to the series, with Edwards becoming particularly known for his celebrity impressions.
The 2010s Delivered Another Comedy Wave.
Jay Pharoah joined in 2010 and became known for his remarkable collection of celebrity impressions and vocal impersonations.
Sasheer Zamata arrived in 2014, joining the show amid increased attention surrounding the lack of Black women in the cast.
That same year, Leslie Jones joined the cast after first working as a writer. Her loud, fearless comedic style quickly made her one of the show’s most recognizable personalities.
Michael Che also joined in 2014 and became one of the show’s most prominent faces as co-anchor of Weekend Update. To this day, he continues to deliver hilarious segments in the funny skit.
Chris Redd later joined in 2017, becoming known for his musical performances, impressions and sketch work, followed by Ego Nwodim in 2018. Notably, Nwodim made her on-screen debut as a featured player at the start of Season 44 in September 2018. She was later promoted to a main (repertory) cast member in 2020 ahead of Season 46, before ultimately departing the show in 2025 after a celebrated seven-season run.
And the New Generation Keeps Coming.
Punkie Johnson joined in 2020, bringing her stand-up background and distinctive comedic voice to the show.
Devon Walker joined in 2022, continuing the tradition of stand-up comedians making the jump to Studio 8H.
Then came Kam Patterson, who joined the ensemble ahead of the show’s 51st season in 2025.
From Garrett Morris to Eddie Murphy, Maya Rudolph to Kenan Thompson, and Leslie Jones to Ego Nwodim, the history of Black performers on Saturday Night Live is filled with barrier-breakers, scene-stealers and future stars.
Some stayed for years. Some had shorter runs. Some went on to become Hollywood legends.
But together, they helped make SNL bigger, funnier and more representative of the audiences watching at home.
And considering the show’s history, one thing is clear: When the lights come on at Saturday Night Live, Black comedy has been, and continues to be, a major part of the show.
