The 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL) highlights the contributions of University of California (UC) alumni to the long-running sketch comedy show. Since its debut on October 11, 1975, SNL has become a significant platform for comedic talent and American humor.
Several UC graduates have played notable roles as cast members and writers on SNL over the years. Mikey Day, who graduated from UCLA with a theater degree in 2002, joined SNL’s writing staff in 2013 and became a cast member in 2016. He is known for pitching the Halloween-themed “David S. Pumpkins” sketch featuring Tom Hanks.
Will Forte, another UCLA alumnus with a history degree earned in 1993, worked briefly at a brokerage firm before moving into comedy. His experiences outside entertainment influenced his performances on SNL, including his portrayal of an inept spelling bee contestant.
Taran Killam studied theater at UCLA before leaving to pursue acting full-time. During his six-year tenure at SNL, he performed in various sketches, including one where he and Tina Fey play airline gate agents.
Jon Lovitz received his bachelor’s degree in theater from UC Irvine in 1979 before joining the Groundlings troupe and later becoming an SNL cast member from 1985 to 1990. His recurring characters included Tommy Flanagan and Master Thespian.
Nasim Pedrad grew up in Irvine and graduated from UCLA before joining SNL’s cast from 2009 to 2014. She was encouraged by Tina Fey to audition after performing her one-woman show that explored her Iranian-American background.
Maya Rudolph earned her photography degree from UC Santa Cruz prior to her seven-year run on SNL. Her musical background contributed to several memorable skits during her time on the show.
Andy Samberg attended UC Santa Cruz for two years before graduating from NYU and joining SNL for seven seasons starting in 2005. He became known for musical sketches such as “Lazy Sunday.”
Harry Shearer began his comedy career while studying political science at UCLA during the 1960s and served as both writer and cast member on SNL in the late 1970s.
As Saturday Night Live approaches its new season, these alumni represent the ongoing connection between California’s public university system and one of television’s most enduring comedy programs.
