John Was The First To Go

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Discussions about the finest seasons and missed comedy stars on Saturday Night Live have been ongoing for a while, fueled by its vast array of sketches and performers. During the SNL50 anniversary special and The Homecoming Concert companion show, fans were reminded of legendary past performers as both old and new cast members participated. Bill Murray, an actor and comedian, was part of it all, and later expressed how emotional the event was for him. Similarly, these poignant moments resonated deeply with me as well.

Murray appeared on “Sway In The Morning” for a chat about his current film, the dark comedy “Riff Raff,” but as expected, host Sway Calloway brought up the significant Saturday Night Live anniversary event. It might be surprising to hear that the star of “Groundhog Day” found the day incredibly emotional and admitted to shedding tears on multiple occasions. However, it’s not shocking to discover that a clip featuring Gilda Radner played a part in those emotional moments, as he put it: “…a clip involving Gilda Radner was what caused some of those tears.

I had been observing the performance, as they presented numerous videos and historical clips. Suddenly, it took me by surprise when I spotted Gilda Radner dancing with Steve Martin on stage. I recall witnessing their dance rehearsals for what felt like endless days. I was infatuated with Gilda, and the sight of her left me quite emotional. I found myself in the dressing room surrounded by others, struggling to contain my emotions.

It’s only fitting that one of the initial “Not Prime Time Material Players” would bring down one of the most illustrious stars SNL has ever birthed. This is no coincidence since Murray and Radner collaborated during Seasons 2-4 for his three years on the cast, and she tragically passed away at 42 due to ovarian cancer, a decade after his departure in 1989.

Murray’s career has significantly flourished since his time at Studio 8H, leading him on global adventures and collaborations with many in Hollywood. Despite all the achievements and eccentric instances he’s given us, there is a captivating enchantment that follows most former Saturday Night Live stars, particularly those who departed from the show or life itself entirely. This enchantment holds an even stronger allure for those associated with SNL during its early years.

Moving on, the actor known for “Lost in Translation” later brought up another humor legend who faced a similar fate, John Belushi. This was evident through various old clips. However, it was a peculiar, presage-like short film set in a cemetery that stirred emotions within Murray. He spoke about his deceased friend, and the mere mention of him nearly brought tears to Murray’s eyes once more. In his own words:

Later, there’s a movie Tom Schiller directed featuring John Belushi wandering through the Saturday Night Live cemetery, encountering his former colleagues who had passed away. . . . Sadly, it was John who was the first to depart. Just contemplating this scene brings tears to my eyes. To witness such a premonition in that movie, made by Schiller, and to mourn Belushi’s absence.

On multiple occasions, Murray has spoken about Belushi’s charisma, and even today, the beloved Blues Brothers actor is deeply missed by countless individuals. His impact continues to resonate among new Saturday Night Live cast members as well as comedians in general, testifying to his enduring legend. Furthermore, the dark humor that Schiller and the Animal House alum showcased was merely a hint of Belushi’s lasting greatness.

Reflecting on it, it’s not surprising at all that a wave of nostalgia hit me revisiting that short. It only deepens my longing for Belushi and Radner, knowing the significant role Murray played in their lives. It also makes me appreciate even more my beloved alums and current cast members.

READ MORE ABOUT SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’S EARLY DAYS

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It’s heartwarming to see Murray reminiscing about his friends following his emotional moments during the 50th Saturday Night Live anniversary special. This brings back memories and makes me long to revisit those old seasons again. However, I might need to gather some tissues before diving in.

Experience timeless classics and beloved cast members from Studio 8H by subscribing to Peacock. This season of SNL is delivering exceptional hosts and musicians, including Lady Gaga who will grace us twice this week. Tune in on the designated evening at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

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2025-03-06 21:17