Impressionist Jay Pharoah has been with “SNL” since 2010. He kicked off the casting controversy by speaking out about the lack of African-American women in the cast.
Chris Rock never really found his spot as a cast member from 1991-1993, but he would go on to be one of the biggest stand-up comedians of all time.
Ellen Cleghorne appeared in 80 “Saturday Night Live” episodes, beginning in 1991 and ending in 1995.
Maya Rudolph graced the “SNL” stage from 2000-2007 with memorable turns as black and white characters including Donatella Versace and Beyonce.
Jerry Minor was just on the show for one year, during the 2000-2001 season.
Tim Meadows had a long run in Studio 8H, from 1991-2000. His most popular character was the Ladies Man, which yielded a movie spin-off in 2000.
Eddie Murphy was on the sketch comedy show from 1980-1984 before becoming a major movie star with “Beverly Hills Cop.”
Tracy Morgan was on “Saturday Night Live” for a decade, beginning in 1996. He went on to co-star on “30 Rock” for seven seasons until 2013.
Kenan Thompson is currently the veteran of the “SNL” cast. He’s been on the show since 2003.
Garrett Morris was in the original 1975 “Not Ready for Primetime Players.” He appeared on “SNL” until 1980 and later complained about being typecast on the series.
Horatio Sanz was with the show from 1998-2007.
Remember Finesse Mitchell? He was on “SNL” from 2003-2006, but did not make his way into many sketches.
Damon Wayans was with the show briefly for the 1985-1986 season.
Fred Armisen, who is of Japanese and German descent, was a major component on “Saturday Night Live” during the 2002-2013 seasons.