Hollywood Actors Who Got Banned From SNL

The long history of ‘Saturday Night Live’ features a prestigious list of legendary performers who have graced the stage of Studio 8H. While many hosts and cast members find enduring success on the show some find themselves permanently barred from returning due to backstage antics or live performance blunders. These bans often result from creative differences or behavior that the production team deems unacceptable for a live broadcast environment. Understanding the circumstances behind these exclusions provides a unique glimpse into the high stakes world of sketch comedy television.

Milton Berle

Milton Berle hosted the show during the fourth season and quickly became one of the most famous figures to be permanently excluded. The legendary comedian refused to follow the script and frequently interrupted other performers with his own jokes. He even arranged for a standing ovation at the end of the show which deeply frustrated the production team and the creator. This lack of professional decorum led to a permanent ban and the episode was long kept out of syndication. His legacy with the program remains a prominent example of how veteran variety stars struggled with the modern format.

Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa took on hosting duties in 1978 and his performance was characterized by a visible disdain for the entire production. He frequently broke the fourth wall by pointing out the teleprompters and making sarcastic remarks about the writing. This behavior was seen as an insult to the cast and crew who spent the week preparing the material. The musical genius was subsequently banned from the show for his unprofessional and detached attitude on stage. His appearance is often cited as one of the most awkward and uncomfortable episodes in the history of the late night series.

Charles Grodin

Charles Grodin hosted the show in 1977 and utilized a performance style that was intentionally awkward and unprepared. He pretended to have missed the rehearsals and acted as if he did not understand how a live television show functioned. While Grodin intended this as a bit of meta comedy the production staff felt it was disruptive and unprofessional. The confusion surrounding his performance resulted in him never being invited back to host again. His stint is remembered as an early instance of a host attempting an experimental approach that backfired with the writers.

Robert Blake

Robert Blake hosted the show in 1982 and his behavior behind the scenes was reported as exceptionally hostile. He was accused of mistreating the writing staff and even crumpling up scripts and throwing them at performers. His general lack of respect for the collaborative process made him an immediate persona non grata within the building. Blake was never asked to return and his time on the show is often described as one of the most difficult weeks for the crew. This incident solidified his reputation as a challenging personality in the television industry.

Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal is frequently cited by cast members and producers as the worst host in the history of the program. During his 1991 appearance he was reportedly difficult to work with and unable to understand the humor of the sketches. His insistence on playing characters that were always heroic and invincible clashed with the self deprecating nature of the show. Producer Lorne Michaels later referred to him as the biggest jerk to ever host the show during an episode hosted by Nicolas Cage. Seagal has not been seen on the set of the sketch series since that disastrous week.

Adrien Brody

Adrien Brody earned a lifetime ban in 2003 after he gave an unscripted and controversial introduction for the musical guest. While wearing faux dreadlocks and using a stereotypical accent he improvised a long speech before the performance. This move caught the producers completely off guard and violated the strict rules regarding live improvisation on the show. Lorne Michaels is known for having a zero tolerance policy for such stunts during the broadcast. Consequently Brody has never been invited back to the program in any capacity.

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence hosted the show in 1994 and delivered an opening monologue that caused a major controversy for the network. He ignored the approved script and went on an explicit rant regarding feminine hygiene and private anatomical details. The network received thousands of complaints and the monologue was heavily edited or removed in future reruns. This incident led to Lawrence being banned from the show for a significant period of time. It serves as a reminder of the risks associated with giving comedians complete freedom on a live stage.

Andy Kaufman

Andy Kaufman was a frequent and popular guest on the show before he eventually wore out his welcome. He became known for his bizarre and confrontational performance art which eventually polarized the audience. In a unique move the show allowed viewers to vote by phone to decide if Kaufman should ever appear again. The audience voted to keep him off the show and the program respected the results of the poll. While the ban was technically a democratic decision it effectively ended his relationship with the series.

Chevy Chase

Chevy Chase was the first breakout star of the series but his later return as a host led to a permanent ban. During his hosting duties in 1997 he reportedly behaved poorly toward the new cast members and crew. His insults and physical altercations with various staff members reached a breaking point during the production week. While he has made brief cameo appearances since then he was effectively barred from the prestigious role of hosting. His tenure as a host remains a complicated part of the history of the original cast members.

Shane Gillis

Shane Gillis was announced as a new cast member in 2019 but was removed from the lineup before his first episode. After his hiring old clips of his podcast surfaced which contained offensive language and controversial remarks. The backlash from the public and the network resulted in his immediate termination from the cast. This incident marked one of the fastest hires and fires in the history of the program. While he later returned to host in 2024 the initial ban was a significant moment in the modern era of the show.

Norm Macdonald

Norm Macdonald was a beloved cast member and host of ‘Weekend Update’ until he was fired mid season. The decision came from a high level executive at the network who reportedly did not find his humor effective. Macdonald was also barred from the building and the show for a period following his termination. He eventually returned to host the show and made light of the fact that he was fired for not being funny. His relationship with the series was famously rocky due to his refusal to compromise on his comedic style.

Damon Wayans

Damon Wayans was a featured player in the mid 1980s who was fired for improvising during a live sketch. He was frustrated with his lack of screen time and decided to play a character as flamboyantly gay without prior approval. This unauthorized change to the script led to his immediate dismissal following the broadcast. Wayans later achieved massive success with ‘In Living Color’ which featured a similar style of sketch comedy. His firing remains one of the most high profile examples of the strict adherence to scripts required by the producers.

Lawrence Tierney

Lawrence Tierney appeared as a guest on an episode and was reportedly so intimidating that he was never invited back. The veteran actor was known for his tough guy persona and his behavior backstage was said to be erratic and frightening. He allegedly made threats toward the writers and showed a general lack of understanding for the comedic format. The tension he created within the studio made it impossible for the cast to perform comfortably. Tierney is often mentioned in interviews as one of the most difficult guest stars to ever step foot in the studio.

Jim Belushi

Jim Belushi was a cast member in the 1980s who struggled with the pressures of the live environment. He was reportedly fired due to his temper and various outbursts during the production of the show. While he eventually returned to find success in film and television his time on the sketch series was short lived. His behavior behind the scenes was cited as the primary reason for his departure from the cast. He follows in the footsteps of his brother as a significant but troubled part of the show’s early years.

Gilbert Gottfried

Gilbert Gottfried was part of the cast during the infamous sixth season which was plagued by low ratings and critical backlash. He was fired along with most of the cast and writers at the end of the year. Gottfried was known for his unique voice and provocative style which did not always mesh with the scripts provided. Following his departure he was never invited back to host or participate in anniversary specials. His brief tenure is often associated with a period of the show that the producers preferred to move past.

Randy Quaid

Randy Quaid joined the cast for a single season in the mid 1980s as part of a revamp of the series. Despite his status as an established film actor he did not find his footing in the world of live sketch comedy. He was let go at the end of the season as the show once again overhauled its entire roster. Quaid has not been involved with the program since his departure and his time there is rarely highlighted. The shift in his public image in later years has likely contributed to the permanent distance between him and the show.

Anthony Michael Hall

Anthony Michael Hall was hired as the youngest cast member in history during the 1985 season. His casting was part of an experiment to bring in established young actors to boost the appeal of the show. The experiment was largely seen as a failure and Hall struggled to adapt to the rigors of live television. He was fired after just one season and has never returned to the program in any capacity. His time on the show remains a footnote in his career as a prominent star of teen films.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. was another member of the 1985 cast that was largely panned by critics and viewers. Like his colleagues he found the sketch comedy format difficult to master and his performances were often awkward. He was fired at the conclusion of his first season along with nearly the entire cast. While he went on to become one of the biggest stars in the world he has never hosted the show. His single year on the series is often cited as a low point for both his career and the program.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber appeared as both the host and musical guest in 2013 and left a negative impression on the staff. Various cast members have since spoken out about his behavior behind the scenes which they described as arrogant. He reportedly brought a large entourage that made it difficult for the crew to move around the studio. His lack of engagement with the comedic material was also noted as a major issue during the week. While not officially banned his name is often brought up as a host that the producers have no desire to bring back.

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong hosted the show in 2005 during the height of his fame as a professional cyclist. Following the massive doping scandal that stripped him of his titles his legacy became a liability for the network. The show has effectively distanced itself from him and his appearance is rarely mentioned in retrospectives. His transition from a celebrated hero to a controversial figure led to a quiet exclusion from the show’s history. He is unlikely to ever be invited back to the stage of Studio 8H.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan was a guest on the show during the first season of the 1980s but he never became a recurring presence. His career later became mired in various public controversies and legal battles that made him an undesirable guest. The show has a history of distancing itself from public figures who become involved in racially charged scandals. Hogan has not been welcomed back to the program in any capacity for many years. His absence from the show’s long list of legendary guests reflects the shifting standards of the network.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump hosted the show twice but his second appearance in 2015 sparked significant internal and external backlash. Many cast members and writers expressed discomfort with his presence on the show during his political campaign. Following his presidency and the subsequent controversies the show has taken a very critical stance toward him. It is widely understood within the industry that he will never be invited to host the program again. His hosting stints remain some of the most debated episodes in the history of the series.

David Bowie

David Bowie was a musical guest who famously defied the instructions of the production team during his performance. He performed songs that the network found challenging and utilized costumes that pushed the boundaries of live television at the time. While he was a legendary artist his refusal to conform to the expectations of the show created tension with the producers. He was not invited back for many years following his most provocative appearances. His relationship with the show was one of mutual respect but also significant creative friction.

Rob Riggle

Rob Riggle was a cast member for a single season but did not find his place within the established ensemble. He was let go at the end of the year as the show looked for new directions for its comedy. Riggle has since found great success in other comedy projects but has not returned to host the program. His firing was part of the standard turnover that occurs when a performer does not quite fit the show’s needs. He remains part of the long list of talented comedians who had a short lived experience at the series.

Jay Mohr

Jay Mohr was a cast member in the 1990s who eventually admitted to plagiarizing a sketch from another comedian. This admission caused a major scandal within the writing room and led to his departure from the show. Plagiarism is one of the most serious offenses a writer can commit in the world of professional comedy. Mohr has spoken openly about his struggles during his time on the show and the pressure that led to his mistake. He has not been invited back to the program since his exit under a cloud of controversy.

Chris Parnell

Chris Parnell holds the rare distinction of being fired from the show twice during his career. He was first let go due to budget cuts and cast changes but was eventually rehired a season later. He was later let go again when the show decided to refresh the cast once more. While he is highly respected for his technical skill and professionalism his double firing is a unique part of show lore. Parnell has since focused on voice acting and other television roles while maintaining a distance from the sketch series.

Brooks Wheelan

Brooks Wheelan was a featured player who was let go after just one season on the show. He announced his own firing on social media with a humorous post about being fired from New York. Like many other one season performers he struggled to get his own written material on the air. He has not returned to the show since his departure in 2014. His experience highlights the difficult competition faced by new comedians trying to make their mark in the legendary studio.

John Milhiser

John Milhiser was part of a large group of new cast members brought in to revitalize the show in its thirty ninth season. He was rarely seen on screen and struggled to find a recurring character or a signature style. He was fired along with several other new hires at the conclusion of the season. Milhiser has since continued his career in comedy and acting but has had no further involvement with the program. His brief time on the show is a common story for many talented performers who join during transition years.

Mike O’Brien

Mike O’Brien served as a writer for many years before being promoted to the cast for a single season. After his year as a performer he returned to the writing staff for one more season before leaving the show entirely. While he was a valued member of the creative team his time as a cast member was not extended. He is known for his unique and often surreal filmed segments that appeared on the show. Despite his long history with the series he has not returned in a performing capacity since leaving.

Tim Robinson

Tim Robinson was a featured player for one season before being moved to the writing staff the following year. He eventually left the show to pursue his own projects which led to the creation of his own hit sketch series. His comedic voice was often seen as too unique or weird for the mainstream appeal of the network broadcast. While he has become a cult favorite in the comedy world he has not returned to the show that initially hired him. His career trajectory shows how some performers are better suited for their own creative control.

Taran Killam

Taran Killam was a mainstay of the cast for several years before his contract was unexpectedly not renewed. The decision to let him go before his final year was a shock to both Killam and the fans of the show. He had become one of the most versatile and reliable performers in the ensemble during his tenure. The lack of a proper send off or explanation for his departure led to some public tension between him and the producers. He has not made any appearances on the show since his firing in 2016.

Jay Pharoah

Jay Pharoah was known for his incredible impressions and was a key member of the cast for six seasons. His departure occurred at the same time as Taran Killam and was equally surprising to the audience. Pharoah later expressed some frustration with the creative limitations he felt during his time on the show. The sudden end to his tenure meant he did not receive the traditional farewell often given to long term cast members. He has since moved on to various film and television roles while leaving his sketch comedy days behind.

Jon Rudnitsky

Jon Rudnitsky joined the cast as the only new hire for the forty first season of the show. He struggled to find his footing and was often relegated to background roles or minor characters. He was let go after just one year as the show looked to change its direction once again. Rudnitsky has since appeared in several films and television series but has not returned to the program. His single season remains a brief chapter in the long history of the iconic comedy series.

Aristotle Athari

Aristotle Athari was a featured player who quickly gained a following for his unique characters during his single season. Despite his popularity with some segments of the audience he was not brought back for a second year. His departure was part of a larger cast shakeup that saw several performers leaving the show at once. Athari has since continued his work in comedy and filmmaking away from the live television environment. Fans of his work often express disappointment that he was not given more time to develop his characters on the show.

Alex Moffat

Alex Moffat was a versatile cast member who spent six seasons on the show and was known for his many celebrity impressions. His departure was announced shortly before the start of the forty eighth season along with several other veterans. Unlike many long term cast members he did not receive a televised tribute or a final goodbye sketch. This sudden exit led to speculation about the nature of his departure and his current relationship with the show. He has not returned to the program since his time as a regular performer ended.

Chris Redd

Chris Redd was an Emmy winning cast member who was a prominent part of the show for five seasons. He announced his departure just days before the premiere of a new season which caught many fans by surprise. His exit was part of a significant period of turnover for the series as it sought to bring in fresh talent. While he was a successful and popular performer he has not made any subsequent appearances on the show. His departure marked the end of a successful run during a transformative era for the program.

Luke Null

Luke Null was a musical comedian who joined the cast for a single season in 2017. He struggled to get his musical sketches on the air and was rarely featured during the live broadcasts. He was let go at the end of the season as the show narrowed its focus for the following year. Null has been open about the difficulties of the environment and the challenges of being a new performer on such a large stage. He has not been involved with the program since his one year stint concluded.

Jim Breuer

Jim Breuer was a cast member in the mid 1990s who became famous for his character Goat Boy and his Joe Pesci impression. He was fired along with several other cast members as the show underwent another period of transition. Breuer has since spoken about the internal politics and the competitive nature of the show during his time there. He has not returned to host or make guest appearances in the years following his departure. His career has since focused on stand up comedy and his own independent projects.

Mark McKinney

Mark McKinney joined the cast after achieving fame with the legendary comedy troupe ‘The Kids in the Hall’. He spent three seasons on the show but found that his established comedic style did not always translate to the new environment. He left the show after his contract expired and moved on to other writing and acting opportunities. While he is a respected figure in the world of comedy he has not returned to the show in any capacity. His time on the series is often viewed as a brief bridge between his more famous sketch comedy work.

Chris Elliott

Chris Elliott was already an established comedy star when he joined the cast for a single season in the mid 1990s. He found the transition to the show’s format difficult and felt that his brand of humor was not a good fit for the ensemble. He left after only one year and has since described the experience as a challenging period in his career. Elliott has continued to have a successful career in film and television but has not returned to the program. His tenure is a notable example of how established performers can struggle with the unique demands of the show.

Harry Shearer

Harry Shearer was a cast member during two different periods of the show and left both times due to creative differences. He was famously critical of the writing and the production process which led to tension with the staff. Shearer felt that the show was not living up to its creative potential and chose to move on to other projects. He went on to achieve massive success as a voice actor and a member of ‘Spinal Tap’ but never returned to the sketch series. His dual departures highlight his uncompromising stance on comedic quality and professional standards.

Christopher Guest

Christopher Guest was a cast member for a single season in the mid 1980s as part of an effort to bring in veteran comedic talent. While he contributed several memorable characters and sketches he did not stay beyond his initial one year contract. He chose to focus on his film career and his unique style of mockumentary filmmaking which brought him great acclaim. Guest has not returned to the show since his departure and has remained focused on his own directorial work. His brief time on the show added a sophisticated level of comedy to a transitional period for the series.

Tim Kazurinsky

Tim Kazurinsky was a cast member during the early 1980s and was known for his writing as well as his performances. He left the show after three seasons as part of the constant turnover that defined that era of the program. While he was a reliable performer he has not been a part of the show’s legacy in the years following his exit. He went on to appear in several hit films but his relationship with the show ended when he left the cast. He remains one of the many talented performers from the post original cast era who moved on to other things.

Brad Hall

Brad Hall was a cast member and an anchor for ‘Weekend Update’ during the early 1980s. He was let go as part of a restructuring of the show’s news segment which was a common occurrence at the time. Hall has since focused on writing and directing for television but has not returned to the program. His time as an anchor is a part of the show’s evolving history of satirical news reporting. Like many others he moved on to a successful career outside of the sketch comedy world.

Charles Rocket

Charles Rocket was a lead cast member and ‘Weekend Update’ anchor who was famously fired for using a profanity on air. During a live broadcast he uttered a forbidden word during a parody of a popular television cliffhanger. The incident caused an immediate scandal and led to his dismissal from the show shortly thereafter. Rocket never returned to the program and his career was permanently marked by the high profile mistake. He remains a central figure in the history of live television blunders and the strict rules of broadcasting.

Matthew Laurance

Matthew Laurance was a cast member during the sixth season which is often cited as the most difficult in the show’s history. He was part of the group that was hired to replace the original cast and writers who had all departed. The season was poorly received and almost the entire cast was fired at the end of the year. Laurance went on to find success in other television series but his time at the show was short and troubled. He has not returned to the program and his season remains a controversial chapter in the show’s long run.

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