Tragic Things You Never Knew About The Saturday Night Live Cast Members

The following article contains details about domestic violence, child abuse, and self-harm. 

There's something to be said for the healing powers of humor. According to Verywell Mind, laughter really is the best medicine — in fact, studies have shown that a good giggle fit can reduce stress hormones and benefit the immune system. But comedy isn't just physiologically beneficial; it can also give us valuable insights about ourselves and the world around us. That said, it's easy to see why comedy is one of the most popular genres on American TV. 

When "Saturday Night Live" premiered in 1975, it became the gold standard of TV comedy. The series featured a groundbreaking mixture of improvisation and razor-sharp satire. Thanks to that formula, "SNL" became a timeless staple in pop culture. Of course, the heart of "SNL" is the show's cast: a rotating ensemble of comedians who keep our endorphins flowing with their lovable antics.

The "SNL" cast sparks endless amounts of joy — but unfortunately, many "SNL" stars have also experienced the darker side of human existence. From devastating losses to harrowing abuse, these tragedies give us newfound perspective on some of our favorite "SNL" personalities. 

Maya Rudolph has appeared on 20 seasons of "SNL," gracing us with hilarious impressions of Donatella Versace, Beyoncé, and more. Rudolph may have gotten her big break on "SNL," but she was already familiar with the limelight. Born into a show business family, Rudolph is the daughter of music producer Richard Rudolph and legendary soul singer Minnie Riperton. Riperton gained notoriety in 1975 with the hit single "Lovin' You" and wowed the public with her legendary whistle register. Riperton's success propelled her and her family to stardom. Recalling her early brush with fame, Rudolph later told The New York Times: "When I was a kid, and people would come up to me or stare at me because of my mom, I didn't like it. I really didn't like it."

Sadly, Riperton died of breast cancer in 1979, when Rudolph was just 7 years old. The singer's death attracted even more attention to her family. At one point, Jet magazine published an article about Rudolph's birthday party, making Riperton's absence the story's focal point. "I don't remember if I ever did proper grieving," Rudolph confessed to The New York Times. "I know I did, but it came out in ways — like when I was a kid, I went to a new school and I kicked people. I was like the kicker for a year." She added: "Up until very recently, it was still, like, a sting to talk about her."

Dana Carvey is the stuff of "SNL" legend. He starred in the series from 1986 to 1992, bringing us characters like Church Lady and George H.W. Bush. Most notably, his portrayal of the mullet-headed Garth Algar helped spawn the "Wayne's World" films. Since leaving "SNL," Carvey has made numerous appearances in animated and live-action media. He also mentored his sons, Dex and Thomas, in their own show business careers. Sadly, in November 2023, Carvey's son Dex died under tragic circumstances. 

Carvey broke the news of Dex's death on his Instagram account. "Last night we suffered a terrible tragedy," the actor wrote. "Our beloved son, Dex, died of an accidental drug overdose. He was 32 years old. Dex packed a lot into those 32 years. He was extremely talented at so many things — music, art, filmmaking, comedy — and pursued all of them passionately." The grieving father added: "We will miss him forever." 

A few days later, the "SNL" cast paid a special tribute to Carvey and his wife. At the end of the show, cast member Colin Jost displayed a sign that read: "We love you Dana and Paula." The sweet gesture must have reached Carvey because the "SNL" alum made another post expressing his gratitude. "My wife and I have been overwhelmed by your love, your personal stories, your compassion," Carvey wrote on Instagram, adding, "These touched us more than we could ever express in words."

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

For many "SNL" fans, it's impossible to imagine the show without Kenan Thompson. He's spent over two decades on the series, giving him the longest run in "SNL" history. Thompson was already famous when he joined the cast in 2003. His earliest claim to fame was on "All That," a kid-friendly comedy show on Nickelodeon. In 1996, the actor scored a lead role on the sitcom "Kenan & Kel." By his early 20s, Thompson was a bona fide celebrity — and his bank account proved it. Unfortunately, the TV star lost everything to a nefarious accountant.

Early in his career, Thompson hired an accountant to manage his finances. But instead of helping him, the accountant stole a million dollars from him. "The promise of looking out turned into taking advantage of," the comedian explained on NPR's "Fresh Air." "We were, unfortunately, ignorant enough to give a person power of attorney when they should never have had it." Thompson added: "He basically just disappeared with everything." Thompson soon found out that the accountant hadn't been paying his taxes. When the IRS got involved, the actor had no choice but to file for bankruptcy. "It was really tough," Thompson confessed. "It's humbling when people in the McDonald's drive-thru line recognize you, and then they also recognize that you're paying for a meal with change."

Tina Fey started writing for "SNL" in 1997 and became a cast member in 2000. Her quirky, down-to-earth persona was a hit with viewers. In 2008, Fey became a national treasure for her impression of politician Sarah Palin. After launching her career at Studio 8H, Fey went on to write and perform in masterpieces like "Mean Girls" and "30 Rock." Suffice it to say, she's one of the biggest stars in comedy. But long before her rise to fame, Fey suffered a terrifying tragedy — and she still carries a scar from the experience.

At 5 years old, Fey was in her front yard when a stranger suddenly approached her. The attacker brandished something sharp and slashed her across the face, leaving a scar on her left cheek. Fey eventually recovered from the ordeal — but she prefers not to rehash it. As the comedian told Vanity Fair: "It's impossible to talk about it without somehow seemingly exploiting it and glorifying it." Fortunately, the scar hasn't affected her self-esteem. "I was a very confident little kid," said the comedy queen. "It's really almost like I'm kind of able to forget about it, until I was on-camera, and it became a thing of, 'Oh, I guess we should use this side' or whatever. Everybody's got a better side."

John Belushi made his "SNL" debut in 1975 when he appeared in the very first cold open of the series. His brash, unfettered style helped define and popularize the sketch comedy format. Belushi's fame quickly transcended "SNL," and the comedian went on to star in films like "National Lampoon's Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers." Tragically, the comedic legend died on March 5, 1982 from an accidental drug overdose. In the wake of his death, media outlets sensationalized Belushi's drug use and depicted him as a tragic Hollywood figure. 

In 1984, journalist Bob Woodward released a controversial biography called "Wired: The Short Life and Fast Times of John Belushi." According to Belushi's friends and family, the book focused on his drug use, thereby downplaying his life and legacy. Belushi's inner circle railed against the book, and comedian Dan Akroyd called it "Exploitation, pulp trash" (via Rolling Stone). Belushi's widow, Judy Jacklin, was also furious with Woodward. "I was very depressed," Jacklin told Rolling Stone. "I had expected the sadness in the book, but I thought it should be balanced by joy, the joy John had and the joy he brought others. I learned that Bob is a very joyless man, and I don't think that he could ever see what made John happy."

Darrell Hammond was a standout during his run on "SNL." He starred on the show from 1995 to 2009 and was known for masquerading as Dick Cheney, Al Gore, Regis Philbin, and many more. As a cast member, Hammond was sharp and hilarious — but off-camera, his life was no laughing matter. 

In his memoir, "God, If You're Not Up There, I'm F***ed," Hammond revealed that his mother physically abused him as a child. Sadly, he internalized the abuse, believing that he deserved it. "I remember, I thought it was my fault," Hammond said on NPR's "Fresh Air." "I remember my hands slammed in the door — again, my fault. And also, electric socket — my fault. All my fault, isn't it? I mean, can you imagine the desperation of a child who chooses to believe that he did this to himself just so he doesn't have to consider the idea that his mother did it or his parents did it?"

Hammond was diagnosed with several mental illnesses resulting from his childhood trauma. The comedian found solace on "SNL," burying his sorrows under kooky characters and side-splitting skits. But when the cameras stopped rolling, he plunged into despair. Hammond tried to escape his anguish with drinking, drug use, and self-harm. At one point, he had to be escorted out of the "SNL" studio in a straitjacket. In 2019, Hammond underwent treatment for his repressed trauma and shared his experience in the documentary "Cracked Up."

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

Chris Farley was an unforgettable face on "SNL." The charismatic comedian spent five seasons as a main cast member. Farley made us roar with iconic characters like Chippendale dancer, Matt Foley, and B-Fats. Sadly, the 33-year-old actor died of an accidental overdose on December 18, 1997. Prior to his tragic end, Farley spent years trying to get sober. 

According to the book "The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts," Farley's "SNL" co-stars supported his sobriety efforts. In 1992, Farley entered a rehabilitation center in Alabama, where he was treated by a drug addiction counselor named Mary Lee Zawadski. As Zawadski recalled in the book, Farley responded well to the no-nonsense environment at the facility. "He changed in two weeks," the councilor said (via CBS). "He stopped being a clown. He stopped trying to be funny with people. He stopped the Hollywood part and he got serious. He followed directions, he did all his assignments, and he was very serious."

Farley embraced sobriety for the next few years, and his career soared. In 1997, the actor relapsed and returned to Zawadski's rehab facility. Tragically, he died later that year. Today, he remains one of the most beloved comedians of all time. "Chris was a great friend and the funniest man I ever met," comedian Adam Sandler told CNN in 1997. "We who knew him are going to miss him every day."

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).