Top 10 2010s SNL Cast Members: Where Are They Now?

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 2010s SNL Cast Members: Where Are They Now?

For this list, we’ll be looking at SNL players who, even if they joined the decade prior, made an impact on the show in the 2010s and what they’ve been doing since they left Studio 8H.

Which SNL cast member defines the 2010s for you? Let us know in the comments.

#10: Jay Pharoah

Pharoah joined the show in 2010 and delighted us with numerous hilarious sketches until he left in 2016. However, his arsenal of impressions, which memorably included Barack Obama, Shaquille O’Neal, Ben Carson, and more, is where he truly shined. In fact, his talent for impersonations supposedly helped him score the gig on “SNL.” Anyway, since parting ways with the comedy sketch show, Pharoah starred in a short-lived series called “White Famous,” followed by the YouTube Premium series, “Champaign ILL,” which only lasted one season. He’s also worked in films like “Bad Hair,” “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” and “Spinning Gold.” Needless to say, he’s been keeping busy.

#9: Taran Killam

Those who grew up watching Nickelodeon in the early-mid 2000s already knew about Killam’s knack for comedy. However, thanks to characters like Jebidiah Atkinson, impressions of Brad Pitt, and numerous musical sketches, we truly became Killam stans during his “SNL” stint between 2010 and 2016. Who could ever forget “Mokiki?” Soon after leaving the show, Killam made his directorial debut in the 2017 mockumentary “Killing Gunther.” Then in 2018, he was cast in the principal role on ABC’s sitcom “Single Parents.” In 2017 he also made his Broadway debut as King George III in “Hamilton.” He’s definitely not been “throwing away his shot” since leaving “SNL”— yes, wrong character, we know, but just go with it.

#8: Vanessa Bayer

What do Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston, the Totino’s housewife, and Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy all have in common? They were all played by Vanessa Bayer during her seven-year stint on "SNL," which earned her an Emmy nomination in 2017. Bayer's comedic versatility has served her well since leaving the show with notable appearances as Killam's ex-wife on "Single Parents," and recurring roles on the "Will & Grace" revival and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." She also co-created, co-executive produced, and starred in the loosely autobiographical Showtime comedy "I Love That for You." In 2019 she published a children's book, which was also inspired by her childhood illness, called "How Do You Care for a Very Sick Bear?"

#7: Aidy Bryant

Since joining “SNL” in 2012, Bryant’s often had her hand in many pots, including guest appearances in shows like “Broad City,” “Girls,” and the leading role in the animated series “Danger & Eggs.” However, things got even busier when she was cast as the star of Hulu’s “Shrill,” where she later also became a co-writer and co-executive producer. Bryant shared that she was working 22-hour days to balance the Hulu comedy and working at “SNL.” Apparently, she planned on leaving after Season 45 but decided to stick around for “one last normal year” following the COVID-19 pandemic. Bryant’s recently signed on with Universal Television and also currently voices Emmy Fairfax on the “Big Mouth” spin-off “Human Resources.”

#6: Kristen Wiig

We know what you’re thinking; Kristen Wiig joined the show in 2005. But she made a lasting impression on each and every episode until her exit in 2012. Wiig has more memorable characters, impersonations, and skits than we can possibly count. But what hasn’t she done since leaving Studio 8H? Shortly before her departure, she starred in “Bridesmaids” and has voiced characters for the “Despicable Me” and “How to Train Your Dragon” franchises. She also starred in 2016’s “Ghostbusters” and showed off her evil side in “Wonder Woman 1984.” The list goes on and on. We also have to mention Bill Hader. Since “SNL,” his career has everything: Drama, comedy, big screens, small screens, and behind-the-scenes.

#5: Leslie Jones

There’s no denying that a gaping Leslie Jones-shaped hole was left behind when she opted not to return for the show’s 45th season, premiering in 2019. Although, she had quite the run, which earned her an Emmy nomination in 2018 and a place on Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World list in 2017. Since leaving the show, Jones has stayed busy, appearing in sequel “Coming 2 America” and acclaimed historical comedy series “Our Flag Means Death.” She’s also released a Netflix stand-up special called “Leslie Jones: Time Machine.” In 2020, Jones took on hosting duties on the “Supermarket Sweep” revival. Recently, she guest-hosted “The Daily Show.” Jones hasn’t looked back since leaving Studio 8H, and we can certainly see why.

#4: Bobby Moynihan

If you watched “SNL” between 2008 and 2017, you’re probably a fan of Drunk Uncle, Second Hand Reporter Anthony Crispino, David S. Pumpkin’s dancing skeleton, and the man who brought them all to life, Bobby Moynihan. After “SNL,” the comedian delved into both film and television, appearing in “The Secret Life of Pets 2”, “Killing Gunther,” “We Bare Bears: The Movie,” and “Me, Myself & I.” He’s also made a plethora of guest appearances on shows such as “Bob’s Burgers,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Most recently, he starred in Tina Fey and Robert Carlock’s sitcom “Mr. Mayor,” although it was canceled in 2022 after two seasons. Still, we can’t wait to see what he does next.

#3: Cecily Strong

After 11 seasons on the show, it’s hard to imagine “SNL” without “The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party,” Cathy Anne, Jeanine Pirro, and frankly anyone played by Cecily Strong. Yet, she surprised us by announcing that the 2022 Christmas episode would be her last. Strong was already pretty busy before her departure, appearing in the 2017 comedy flick “The Female Brain,” voicing a character on the 2020 adult animated series “Loafy” and starring in the all-singin’ all dancin’ “Schmigadoon!” And with the latter renewed for a second season and a role in the 2024 “Garfield” movie, we can’t wait to see Cecily back on our screens soon!

#2: Pete Davidson

2022 was a big year for cast exits on “SNL.” However, this one wasn’t surprising, given Davidson’s rapid rise to fame. The comedian joined the cast in 2014, entertaining us with self-deprecating humor, Eminem parodies, and of course, his recurring character, Chad. He soon became busy outside of the show, too, with projects like “The King of Staten Island,” which he also co-wrote, “Big Time Adolescence,” and “Meet Cute.” He’s also no stranger to TV guest spots and can be spotted in shows like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and “The Rookie.” The actor/comedian is slated to star in “Bupkis,” an action comedy series described as a “heightened fictionalized” semi-autobiographical retelling of Davidson’s life.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Beck Bennett
Bennett Moved to L.A. to Be with His Wife & Focus on New Opportunities

Kyle Mooney
From Comedies to Dramedies to YouTube Content: Mooney Stans, Watch This Space

Melissa Villaseñor
The Master Impressionist Is Taking a Showbiz Hiatus to Focus on Her Wellbeing

Alex Moffat
In 2022, the Actor & Comedian Signed With Mosaic Management

Chris Redd
“Spinning Gold,” “Bust Down,” & the HBO Max Special, “Why Am I Like This?”

#1: Kate McKinnon

“SNL” without Kate McKinnon?! Say it isn’t so! After a decade of cracking us up with countless weird and wonderful characters and hysterical impressions, McKinnon bid farewell to Studio 8H in 2022. Fans might’ve suspected this would be the case since she noticeably missed several episodes at the start of the 47th series. This was because she off filming Peacock’s mini-series “Joe vs. Carole,” in which she played Carole Baskin. McKinnon’s accumulated her fair share of movie credits over the years, including “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” “Yesterday,” and “Bombshell,” and will appear in the 2023 “Barbie” flick. Like everyone on this list, we’ll miss seeing her on “SNL,” but we can’t wait to follow her (and everyone else’s) career!