32 SNL Stars Who Shocked Us with Their Dramatic Performances!

Remarkable performers from “Saturday Night Live” left a lasting impression on the iconic sketch comedy series not only due to their humor but primarily because of their acting prowess. These comedic legends demonstrated their versatility by taking on more serious roles in both movies and television, earning critical acclaim for their talents. Here, we honor these dramatic performances from exceptionally funny individuals, some of whom even received Oscar nominations as a result of their work on “SNL.

Kristen Wiig (The Skeleton Twins)

In the 2014 film titled “The Skeleton Twins”, the lead roles are portrayed by Saturday Night Live veterans Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader. Notably, Wiig’s performance in this movie stands out as particularly compelling, as she takes on the role of Maggie Dean, a character who must prioritize her own mental health issues to care for her gay, suicidal brother Milo. The film presents an honest portrayal of mental illness.

Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer)

Robert Downey Jr.’s fame primarily comes from his captivating dramatic roles and portrayal of Iron Man in Marvel films, rather than his short-lived tenure on Saturday Night Live. Yet, numerous critics acclaim that his most outstanding work to date is his portrayal of Lewis Strauss, which earned him an Oscar in the 2023 film “Oppenheimer,” marking his third Academy Award nomination and the first time he received the statue.

Laurie Metcalf (Lady Bird)

As a fan myself, I must acknowledge that while Laurie Metcalf had a relatively brief run on Saturday Night Live during Season 6, her contributions to the show are often overlooked. However, she has made a lasting impact in other areas of her career. She is widely recognized for her portrayal of Jackie Harris on Roseanne and The Conners, and her heart-wrenching performance in Greta Gerwig’s critically acclaimed 2017 film, Lady Bird, where she played the mother of the title character, earned her an Oscar nomination.

Will Ferrell (Stranger Than Fiction)

2006 film directed by Marc Forster, titled “Stranger Than Fiction“, remains fundamentally a comedy, albeit with a significantly somber undertone. The narrative revolves around Harold Crick, a seemingly ordinary IRS agent, who inexplicably starts to hear the author of his life script prophesizing his imminent demise. This role marked one of Will Ferrell’s early ventures into dramatic acting, showcasing his capability for more serious roles. His heartfelt portrayal, among the most compelling of his career, garnered him a nomination for a Golden Globe award.

Will Forte (Nebraska)

Apart from the “MacGruber” movie and his prematurely ended TV series “The Last Man on Earth,” Will Forte might have excelled outside of SNL in Alexander Payne’s film, “Nebraska.” In this Oscar-nominated 2013 production, Forte displays an uncommon facet of himself as David Grant, who embarks on a cross-country journey with his estranged father, Woody (played by Bruce Dern), to collect a questionable $1 million prize.

Eddie Murphy (Dreamgirls)

1985 saw Eddie Murphy’s radio success with “Party All the Time,” but it was his performance in Dreamgirls that truly solidified his status as a musically gifted star from Saturday Night Live. In the highly praised 2006 musical, he earned an Academy Award nomination for portraying the troubled R&B singer, James “Thunder” Early.

Abby Elliott (The Bear)

The critically acclaimed FX series, The Bear, by creator Christopher Storer, is frequently categorized as a comedy, particularly during awards season. Yet, dedicated food-themed show enthusiasts recognize it as one of the most profound emotional resonators in recent television history. Actress Abby Elliott (daughter of Saturday Night Live veteran Chris Elliott) has been instrumental in some of its most powerful scenes, portraying Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto.

Adam Sandler (Uncut Gems)

Despite being adored for films such as “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison”, it’s widely acknowledged by both critics and viewers that one of Adam Sandler’s finest performances can be found in the 2019 thriller “Uncut Gems”. Numerous people felt he was deserving of an Oscar nomination for his role as the self-destructive Manhattan jeweler Howard Rattner in the critically acclaimed A24 film directed by Josh and Benny Safdie.

Sarah Silverman (I Smile Back)

It wasn’t until years following her brief tenure on Saturday Night Live that Sarah Silverman rose to become a major figure in comedy, known for her witty stand-up and roles in well-loved comedic films. However, she didn’t receive significant critical praise until she took on an unconventional role in the 2015 drama I Smile Back, playing a troubled woman trying to conceal her depression and self-destructive behaviors from her husband and children.

Bill Murray (Lost In Translation)

In 2004, Bill Murray, a former member of SNL‘s Not Ready for Primetime Players, was surprisingly not awarded the Best Actor accolade at the Academy Awards for his exceptional role in Sofia Coppola’s movie “Lost in Translation” – an omission that some consider one of the most significant Oscar oversights in history. His portrayal of a lonely veteran actor forming an unusual connection with a young woman (Scarlett Johansson) in Tokyo was a testament to his raw, honest acting skills and undeniable charm.

Chris Rock (Fargo)

It came as a surprise, even to Chris Rock himself, that creator Noah Hawley cast him in one of the main roles for the fourth season of his popular anthology series, “Fargo.” Known for his roles in movies like “Spiral” from the “Saw” franchise and the biopic, “Rustin,” which earned an Academy Award nomination, Rock delivered a powerful performance as Loy Cannon, a ruthless leader of a 1950s crime family based in Kansas City.

Bill Hader (Barry)

When Alec Berg and Bill Hader co-created “Barry”, it was clear to Hader that people would find amusing the concept of him, a former Saturday Night Live favorite, portraying a contract killer who develops an affection for acting. However, this notion likely also served as a challenge for him to demonstrate his ability to delve into some grim and unsettling realms with his critically acclaimed, two-time Emmy-winning performance in the lead role of the successful HBO series.

Kate McKinnon (Bombshell)

One of the primary reasons why “Bombshell” stands out as one of Kate McKinnon’s finest films is undeniably her remarkable performance, particularly as the Fox News employee, Jess Carr. Although this character was initially perceived as comic relief, McKinnon demonstrates significant depth in the film’s more serious scenes, proving that she brings real weight to her portrayal.

Dan Aykroyd (Driving Miss Daisy)

Dan Aykroyd is well-known for several films that were adapted from his characters on Saturday Night Live, such as The Blues Brothers and Coneheads. Yet, it was his heartfelt portrayal of Boolie Werthan in the 1989 period drama Driving Miss Daisy that garnered him recognition and even an Academy Award nomination.

Andy Samberg (Lee)

On the set of Late Night with Seth Meyers, Andy Samberg admitted that the upcoming biopic, Lee (2024), starring Kate Winslet as World War II photographer Lee Miller, is a departure from his usual work. Yet, not only does Samberg bear an uncanny resemblance to Miller’s associate, David Scherman, but he delivers a compelling and emotionally powerful performance in the role.

Maya Rudolph (Away We Go)

The movie titled “Away We Go,” directed by Sam Mendes, is a heartwarming, sensitive dramedy featuring John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph as the couple embarking on a nationwide journey to find an ideal home for their upcoming child. A significant portion of the film’s emotional depth rests upon Rudolph’s powerful performance, demonstrating her exceptional talent in creating a relatable, earthy character, contrasting with her humorous persona from Saturday Night Live.

Molly Shannon (A Good Person)

The movie “A Good Person,” directed by Zach Braff, stars Florence Pugh as a young woman on a journey to recovery after an accident, with assistance from her potential father-in-law, played by Morgan Freeman. This moving drama of 2023 is propelled forward by powerhouse performances that have been recognized by the Oscars. However, some critics argue that it’s Molly Shannon’s portrayal as the mother of Pugh’s character that truly captures the essence and emotional depth of the film, offering her most lauded dramatic performance to date.

Jay Pharoah (Unsane)

Jay Pharoah left Saturday Night Live just a few years ago, and since then, he’s delved into dramatic acting, working with renowned director Steven Soderbergh in the thought-provoking psychological thriller “Unsane.” As a captivating mental hospital patient who develops an alliance with Sawyer, portrayed by Claire Foy, who alleges she’s been admitted unwillingly, Pharoah showcases his remarkable acting skills.

Jenny Slate (Obvious Child)

Without a doubt, one of Jenny Slate’s most notable moments during her brief run on Saturday Night Live was when she accidentally uttered a strong profanity during her debut episode (it’s important to note that this incident didn’t contribute to her departure from Studio 8H). Fast forward to years later, the comedian left audiences spellbound with her poignant and emotional portrayal in the 2014 romantic comedy-drama, Obvious Child. In this film, she starred as a stand-up comic grappling with an unexpected pregnancy.

Casey Wilson (Gone Girl)

In some opinions, a remarkable actor has the skill to effectively communicate everything an audience requires without uttering a single word, as demonstrated by Casey Wilson’s portrayal of Amy Dunne’s friend Noelle Hawthorne in David Fincher’s “Gone Girl”. Rarely, if ever, does she speak in this role, yet her movements and gestures hold viewers spellbound.

Anthony Michael Hall (The Dead Zone)

In 1984, Anthony Michael Hall shot to fame as a teen heartthrob with his roles in the comedy films “The Breakfast Club” and “Weird Science.” Remarkably, at only 17 years old, he also joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, making him the youngest member ever. Later on in his career, he underwent a dramatic transformation, proving his versatility as an actor by starring as the lead in USA’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Dead Zone,” where he portrayed a man who emerges from a coma with the power to see the future.

Christopher Guest (The Long Riders)

In 1984, Christopher Guest became part of the Saturday Night Live cast, marking a period when his career as a renowned mockumentarian started to take off. This was evident through his work as both writer and actor in “This is Spinal Tap.” Prior to this, he had already displayed a more serious side by starring in “The Long Riders,” a fact-based Western film that gained recognition for casting actual siblings as their historical outlaw counterparts, like Guest and his brother, Nicholas, portraying Charley and Robert Ford.

Jane Curtin (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)

Following my stint on Saturday Night Live, I took on numerous comical roles that earned me accolades, like my two-time Emmy-winning turn on Kate & Allie and a commendable run on 3rd Rock from the Sun. However, these roles didn’t quite offer the chance to explore my more serious side. That all changed in 2018 when I stepped into the role of Marjorie, an agent for author Lee Israel, in the biopic Can You Ever Forgive Me? alongside Melissa McCarthy, providing me with an opportunity to delve deeper and showcase a different facet of my acting abilities.

Michael McKean (Better Call Saul)

It’s worth noting that Michael McKean was already a well-known comedy actor, having hosted Saturday Night Live and other roles, before he joined the cast in the early 1990s. However, his talents as a dramatic actor didn’t receive full recognition until his Emmy-nominated performance on Vince Gilligan’s prequel series Better Call Saul, where he played Chuck, the eccentric older brother of Jimmy McGill (former SNL writer Bob Odenkirk).

Joan Cusack (Arlington Road)

Joan Cusack made history by being the first Saturday Night Live actor to receive two Academy Award nominations. These nominations came from her performances in “Working Girl” in 1988 and “In & Out” in 1997, both of which were comedic roles. However, some might argue that she deserved similar acclaim for her dramatic portrayal as Cheryl Lang in “Arlington Road” from 1999. In this film, her character, alongside her husband (played by Tim Robbins), was suspected of domestic terrorism by their neighbor, a professor played by Jeff Bridges.

Billy Crystal (Before)

Apart from the emotional finale of “When Harry Met Sally…”, it’s challenging to envision Billy Crystal in any role other than his usual comedic character. Surprisingly, however, the comedic mastermind took on a more serious role as both the lead actor and showrunner for Apple TV+’s suspenseful thriller titled “Before“, where he portrays a widowed child psychiatrist who suspects his latest patient may be a psychopath.

Janeane Garofalo (Cop Land)

Janeane Garofalo’s tenure at Saturday Night Live may not be remembered much today, yet it didn’t tarnish her standing as one of the sharpest and most vibrant comedic performers from the 90s. In 1997, she demonstrated her acting range by portraying Deputy Sheriff Cindy Betts in James Mangold’s critically-acclaimed crime thriller, Cop Land.

Chevy Chase (Law & Order)

Chevy Chase was well-known for portraying smarmy characters during his time on and off Saturday Night Live. However, he took things to a new level in 2006 when he appeared as an anti-Semitic murder suspect on Law & Order.

Tina Fey (A Haunting In Venice)

In Kenneth Branagh’s third adaptation of Agatha Christie’s work, I found Tina Fey’s character Ariadne Oliver to serve as a delightful comedic element in the film “A Haunting in Venice.” Yet, it’s essential to highlight that Fey, a renowned comedian from Saturday Night Live and former head writer, portrayed this role with genuine sincerity that seamlessly fit the narrative and atmosphere of the 2023 mystery thriller.

Jim Belushi (The Principal)

Jim Belushi’s time on Saturday Night Live was often compared to his brother John Belushi due to the family resemblance. However, he later found success in more dramatic roles, one example being the character he played in the 1987 movie “The Principal,” where he took on a job at an unruly high school.

Rob Riggle (12 Strong)

In my opinion, Rob Riggle’s short tenure on Saturday Night Live paved the way for his appearances on The Daily Show and memorable roles in comedies like Stepbrothers and 21 Jump Street. However, I believe his most outstanding performance was in the 2018 film, 12 Strong. During an interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, Rob shared that he was exceptionally suited for the part in this fact-based military drama. This is not only due to his past as a U.S. Marine but because the character he portrayed, Lt. Colonel Bowers, was none other than his former superior officer.

Randy Quaid (The Last Detail)

Among a small number of individuals, Randy Quaid is one who received an Academy Award nomination prior to joining the cast of Saturday Night Live. He was nominated for his role in the 1973 film “The Last Detail,” where he portrayed a naval officer facing dishonorable discharge. In a final act of kindness before serving jail time, his superiors (played by Jack Nicholson and Otis Young) took him out for one last good time.

2025-01-17 20:38