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Live from your screen, it's the characters we can't get enough of! Join us as we count down our picks for the funniest and most memorable recurring characters from Saturday Night Live! From motivational speakers living in vans to alien abductees with wild stories, these beloved personalities had us coming back for more each week.
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00:00Your pretty little throat will get slit.
00:04Slit.
00:05Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the funniest and most enjoyable
00:10characters that appeared more than once on Saturday Night Live.
00:14I guess it was all a dream.
00:18Or was it?
00:20Whoa!
00:21Whoa!
00:21Whoa!
00:22Whoa!
00:23Whoa!
00:24Number 20, Lisa from Temecula.
00:27Okay, you know what?
00:28I'mma just sit here and eat my steak in peace.
00:32Well, anyway.
00:35Egon Wodum's contributions to this comedy show deserve even more love.
00:40To many fans, she'll always be Lisa from Temecula.
00:44This character can't hold back in any situation.
00:47Most famously, she likes a well-done steak and doesn't mind having to cut it.
00:52The role also forces guest stars and cast members to deal with a shaking table.
00:57Well, anyways, I have to tell you guys about this embarrassing date I went on.
01:02It must be me and a salad.
01:05So...
01:05Through different dinner parties and weddings, she creates chaos by knocking around the place
01:10settings.
01:11It's rare that this recurring sketch went off without at least one chuckle from someone.
01:15From Pedro Pascal to Josh Brolin, several brave souls entered this skit, only to end up laughing.
01:23You know, when I look, when I see, when I look at Lisa, I see a very layered woman.
01:29Number 19, Gilly.
01:31Because lots of ruggies like a barnyard kid.
01:34She's always bringing trouble.
01:36Her hair is like a bubble.
01:37Knock, knock.
01:38Who's there is Gilly?
01:39Sorry.
01:41Kristen Wiig does it yet again, creating a mischievous character named Gilly.
01:46She's always up to something in a classroom setting.
01:49These scenes end up becoming darkly funny, with Wiig always ready with a catchphrase.
01:54The character feels like the perfect mix between SNL and Saturday Morning Cartoons.
02:00She's made even better when you factor in co-stars like Will Forte, with the latter becoming
02:05the best kind of comedy springboard.
02:08Gilly?
02:11Gilly?
02:13What?
02:15Gilly?
02:17Uh-huh.
02:17There's also a few killer dance moves for the lead performer to try out in a goofy role
02:22for the ages.
02:23You won't be saying, sorry, after you watch, with the actress in peak form here.
02:29Did you launch a generous scoop of premium ice cream at me?
02:34Sorry.
02:36Number 18, Dita.
02:38And the winner is Dan Rather Big.
02:44The host of this German talk show is Dita.
02:48Mike Myers plays the presenter, embracing the avant-garde nature of this premise.
02:52He's more than suited to lead the audience down many unexpected paths.
02:57When you watch Sprockets, you sometimes feel like you're watching something much different
03:01than SNL.
03:02Myers' mad vision of alternative comedy in European culture blends into one comedic gift.
03:08Some French critics called it disgusting, repellent, a cultural Chernobyl.
03:14But when I was there, I was as happy as a little girl.
03:18There's a monkey, guest appearances, and a few exciting detours to be found along the way.
03:23When the Austin Powers actor returned to host, he brought back the cult role for even more
03:28twisted fun.
03:29And we're going to add,
03:30Your story has become tiresome.
03:32Now's the time on Sprockets for me, die!
03:38Number 17, Opera Man.
03:50Adam Sandler often transformed characters known by one distinct name.
03:55Opera Man might be one of the greatest examples, with the performer turning news stories into
04:00arias.
04:01His hair, accent, and singing abilities elevate what could have been a basic premise.
04:07On Weekend Update, Sandler plays with language in ways you'd never quite expect.
04:11It's all tremendously silly, and speaks to the man's joyful performance style.
04:29Few other comedians can think of something so inventive with even fewer that could pull
04:34it off as an actor.
04:35Update wouldn't be the same without his dramatic musical numbers.
04:39Silly face, but still he's four, where have I seen this before?
04:45Come on!
04:46Number 16, Miss Rafferty.
04:49So I had to just chill up there with my damn coot-coot and prune shoe hammer till the place
04:55opened up.
05:00Not every close encounter with an alien ends the same way.
05:03Kate McKinnon's Miss Rafferty is one example, with her statements trailing off into absurd
05:09territory.
05:11Her compatriots seem to have a much more ordinary time with the extraterrestrials.
05:16Rafferty always experiences something much stranger, eccentric, and downright weird.
05:21I don't think they've ever seen a crack before.
05:24So my theory is, right, they thought I had, like, broken into two pieces and they were
05:30trying to put Humpty Dumpty back together again.
05:32McKinnon's performance holds focus and steals every moment of these scenes.
05:37The comedian is exceptional at making co-stars like Ryan Gosling laugh.
05:41Unafraid to use Gosling as a prop, she runs mad with comedic power.
05:46It quickly seemed to be one of the performer's greatest triumphs.
05:49So they're, they're taking turns checking under the hood.
05:55They're like, they're like mechanics, right?
05:59They're reaching up, they're coming.
06:01Number 15, Debbie Downer.
06:04It can live in your body for years before it ravages your brain.
06:10In her very first skit, Debbie Downer became something of a legendary piece of the SNL puzzle.
06:17Rachel Dratch plays the woman that loves to spoil the party with her random facts.
06:22On a trip to Disney, a family endures her wrath and eventually breaks character.
06:27It's a winning formula that creates one of the most famous fails in history.
06:41This all went so well that it spawned sequels, later receiving a nod at the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special.
06:49The recurring sketches are fun whether or not she's giggling, with Dratch's fellow cast members providing awesome reactions.
06:56My kids taught me to think the best of people.
06:59Speaking of kids, it's official, I can't have children.
07:06Number 14, Mary Catherine Gallagher.
07:09Molly Shannon was able to do all kinds of comedy during her tenure on SNL.
07:23This includes one of her signature works known as Mary Catherine Gallagher.
07:27While she might be awkward, the character allows for Shannon to do what she does best.
07:32The Catholic schoolgirl can enter a scene and wreak havoc at a moment's notice.
07:44This includes diving into chairs and somehow avoiding serious injury.
07:49Throwing herself around, the actress gives a completely dedicated performance every time.
07:54The sketch even led to a spin-off movie that delved even further into this role's superstar qualities.
08:00But I just felt really bad for you, because I guess you didn't know that you were competing against a...
08:06Superstar!
08:11Number 13, The Californians.
08:15What are you doing here?
08:19Stuart, why are you him so early?
08:22There's something special about this particular soap opera.
08:25On The Californians, everyone seems to be hilariously obsessed with directions.
08:31There's still all of the twists, turns, and backstabbing of a typical melodrama, too.
08:36The accents and overacting only make it that much better.
08:40Cast members like Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Fred Armisen are able to conjure some incredible work here as California residents.
08:47Ask him about his second family and Marina del Rai.
08:54Just, just go home, Keitha.
08:57Not only are they preoccupied by geography, they also welcome a few surprise appearances.
09:03Everybody that comes on this recurring skit embraces the exaggerated and offbeat tone.
09:08If you're paying attention to the story at all, you'll be rewarded with a plethora of juicy details.
09:13Uh, who are you looking at?
09:22Number 12, Doonise.
09:24Hey, where are you off to?
09:26Off to the parlor.
09:28Hey, where are you going?
09:30In time, Doonise.
09:33You don't need to know about The Lawrence Welk Show to appreciate this sketch.
09:37It always features a group of singing sisters, but one of them seems to be out of step with the others.
09:44This allows for someone like Kristen Wiig to step out and do amazing work.
09:48Her role as Doonise seems to defy description with her forehead and baby doll hands.
09:53I'm only allowed upstairs.
09:59She is certainly somebody that you can't miss, often interrupting the performance with her own lyrics.
10:05It's certainly a concept that makes for hilarious results, especially when you include a group of guest hosts who all try to play along.
10:14Wiig is sensational as a character that's full of surprises that make you laugh every time.
10:19Can I do your that?
10:22Come on, what?
10:22No, wait, wait.
10:23Oh, hey, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, get out of there.
10:25Come on now.
10:26Number 11, MacGruber.
10:28Hey, does anybody see any Tabasco sauce?
10:30Uh, MacGruber, are you making a drink?
10:34What's up?
10:36MacGyver!
10:37Any fans of the 1980s series MacGyver might enjoy this parody.
10:42Will Forte plays a specialist not unlike the hero from the classic TV show.
10:47In this case, he's not as crafty or skilled at defusing bombs.
10:51Forte's performance is always unhinged in the best way, as his frequent directions serve up big laughs.
10:58Two seconds, MacGruber.
11:00Okay, that's more than enough time for me to tie this bandana back on and then defuse.
11:04Even when you know what's coming, the sudden explosion ends up being funny.
11:09The story also takes several wild turns as the MacGruber becomes more insane.
11:14As a running gag through many seasons, his character felt like the greatest kind of joke that never overstayed its welcome.
11:21It's Daryl.
11:22Okay, Vicky, hand me that stir stick.
11:24On the way, MacGruber.
11:25Daryl.
11:25It's Daryl.
11:26Jazz me over at that fly shoelace, you dig?
11:29Boop, I don't know if this is working out.
11:31Number 10.
11:32Spartan Cheerleaders.
11:35Time to come!
11:38Will Ferrell and Sherry O'Terry started on SNL in the mid-1990s, but it didn't take long for them to break out as stars.
11:46The duo crafted cheerleaders and helped reshape the show for a new generation.
11:50Ferrell and O'Terry are on fire here through some entertaining routines.
11:54In between their dances, the two have some funny banter that's second to none.
12:00Yeah, and my parents will never know I'm gone.
12:02I put my brother's blow-up doll underneath my sheath.
12:04Oh.
12:05Oh, the one that looks like a really surprised Sheena Easton?
12:09Yeah.
12:09Yeah.
12:09Their lyrical choices and constant bickering only fuels some of their finest moments.
12:17With the occasional guest star, the partners have even squared off against some formidable opponents.
12:22It's only fair that they've become two of the most lovable characters in Saturday Night Live history.
12:28Listen, you buttholes!
12:31You're not a Spartan spirit!
12:34Give back the uniforms!
12:35You didn't make the squad!
12:38Number 9.
12:39Coneheads
12:40The name is Conehead.
12:41Conehead.
12:42We come from France.
12:44Oh!
12:46They might come from a faraway planet, but that's just the half of it.
12:50The Coneheads are an unlikely family with conical-shaped heads.
12:54The premise might seem strange until you watch the funny sketches for yourself.
12:59Whether they're going to a dinner party or playing Family Feud,
13:02these aliens provide some wonderfully bizarre comedy for the show.
13:06What else do you think our survey showed people like to bite?
13:10Organically inactive meat or vegetable matter between two starched planes.
13:16It's a long walk back to France if you don't get this one right, Primat.
13:19Dan Aykroyd, James Curtin, and Lorraine Newman play the trio that strangely fit into society.
13:26They have a funny name for everything,
13:28but their unique vocabulary and eating styles are two highlights of Saturday Night Live lore.
13:33What have you done to your cone?
13:37Nothing.
13:38No, turn around.
13:41It's not a real tattoo.
13:43Mebs, mebs, unacceptable.
13:45Number 8.
13:46The Blues Brothers
13:47Among the many musical guests in SNL history,
13:57you can't forget to mention the Blues Brothers.
14:00They are the brainchild of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.
14:03Both comedians had a knack for music,
14:06wanting to share their versatile talents with the world.
14:09After tossing out some bee outfits,
14:11the comedic buddies decided to put on a much slicker wardrobe.
14:15Almost I got everything I need, almost.
14:18But I don't got you.
14:21And you're the thing I need, I'm for.
14:24Top sky!
14:25Their multiple appearances were the stuff of legend
14:28and carried them towards a popular film adaptation.
14:32You could consider Aykroyd and Belushi to be driving forces of the early show,
14:36with these characters enduring long after the actors left.
14:39My baby, my streets man.
14:42I never, never, never want to play with a holiday.
14:44You, you, you, you, you, you, you, you.
14:48Number 7.
14:50Roseanne Rosanna Dana
14:51No SNL list is complete without the contributions of Gilda Radner.
15:04Her recurring roles like Roseanne Rosanna Dana
15:07make for some fantastic segments.
15:09On Weekend Update,
15:11the funny part gave Radner the chance to do some awesome opinion pieces.
15:15Her big hair and notable accent are just two essential elements.
15:19Throughout her run on the show,
15:21the actress deployed Rosanna Dana to talk about anything and everything.
15:26You know the ones where it's real expensive to join,
15:28but it's worth it because you get to see a lot of people that you don't know naked.
15:34Her blunt rants seem to defy easy classification
15:37with subjects like cigarettes and even King Tut.
15:40Along with other roles like Emily Lutella,
15:43this cast member and her characters influenced performers for generations.
15:47My gums are bleeding,
15:48my sinuses are clogged,
15:50I got Harper and I'm cranky and I'm gas.
15:52What should I do?
15:54Mr. Fader,
15:55you sound like a real attractive guy.
15:58Number 6.
15:59The Fast Drunk Brothers
16:00Yorg, my brother,
16:02there will certainly be a lot of swinging in our bachelor pod tonight.
16:07Hold it,
16:08let's catch some rays.
16:10They might be the kookiest duo of the 1970s.
16:16The Fast Drunk Brothers aren't exactly shy,
16:18flaunting their status as Eastern European bachelors.
16:22Dan Aykroyd and Steve Martin star as two of the wildest and craziest guys ever.
16:27Their performances involve lots of exaggerated movements,
16:31and their voices can't be overstated either.
16:33Swing so successfully in tight slacks.
16:38We are two wild and crazy guys!
16:44Bursting with energy,
16:45these two actors walk into a room and immediately own it.
16:49They make this recurring skit legendary with or without the iconic catchphrase.
16:54Many years later,
16:55the duo showed up once again in the surprise cameo to win over new audiences.
17:00Dan,
17:00hold your horses, buddy,
17:03because it's time for a personal ride in our own stretch limousine.
17:07Which we own
17:08for work.
17:13Number 5.
17:14Wayne and Garth
17:15Yeah, and you bought me the Nintendo Power Glove.
17:18Thanks, Wayne.
17:19Hey, it's my pleasure.
17:20You're a bud.
17:21Swing!
17:22Swing!
17:23Ah!
17:25Considering that the skit spawned two hit films,
17:28we can safely say that Wayne and Garth are beloved.
17:32Wayne's World is certainly an enduring sketch from the show's history.
17:36Extreme close-up!
17:37Wah!
17:39Wah!
17:42Wah!
17:42Wah!
17:44The public access hosts love all things pop culture and live music,
17:49but they also came to accumulate some amazing guests along the way.
17:53This includes an iconic episode with Aerosmith performing,
17:56with a little help from Tom Hanks.
17:58Mike Myers and Dana Carvey are endlessly lovable to rock fans that love to party.
18:03Both actors are able to channel a nostalgic vibe,
18:06reminding you of hanging out with your friends in high school.
18:09Hey man, come on,
18:10there's a ton of chicks who would rather go out with roadies than with a band.
18:13Yeah, all right!
18:15And later on, monkeys might fly out of my butt.
18:18Yeah!
18:19Number 4, Mr. Robinson.
18:22It feels real good to walk streets again
18:24after being in jail doing 7 to 10.
18:27Would you be mine?
18:28Won't you be mine?
18:29I wish you was my neighbor.
18:31Eddie Murphy helped re-energize SNL in the early 1980s.
18:35With this parody of Mr. Rogers,
18:37he was able to do a virtual one-man show.
18:40Fans of the original program will appreciate some of the references,
18:44but with a few notable tweaks.
18:46The lessons on these sketches are far more hilarious and twisted than anything on PBS.
18:52Murphy is perfectly suited to the role,
18:54throwing a wrench in the typical childhood education of the old source material.
18:59Oh, look!
19:00An eviction notice!
19:03Brought by Mr. Landlord.
19:06Can you say scumbucket?
19:09He also has some frequent snaps that force him to yell and make the character more surprising.
19:14Even when the comedian returned to host,
19:17he was able to become Robinson again without missing a beat.
19:20Don't worry, boys and girls.
19:22Mr. Robinson knows just what to say in situations like this.
19:26Oh, you think I stole your TV because I'm black?
19:28No.
19:29Oh, my gosh.
19:29No, of course not.
19:30Number 3, Stefan.
19:32What are Teddy Graham people?
19:35It's that thing of, like, when a guy has the stumpy arms but with the belly.
19:41For everything that Bill Hader did on SNL, this might be his defining achievement.
19:47It's among many classic characters and impressive works that he helped create.
19:51Stefan is amazing to watch in segments highlighting the odds and ends of the New York nightlife.
19:56With every new club name, you can see haters start to squirm and cover his mouth.
20:01What is a human bath mat?
20:03It's that thing of when, like, midgets have dreadlocks and they lay face down on the floor.
20:13His co-writer, John Mulaney, would often rewrite the sketch and make this one of the most unpredictable segments ever.
20:20While it could have been a disaster, the skit and its rogue elements morphed into a legendary Saturday Night Live piece.
20:27Why does it have to be none?
20:30So you can pretend it's Bruce Springsteen's hand.
20:36Number 2, The Church Lady.
20:41Thank you, church lady. May I have another?
20:44During the 1980s and 1990s, Dana Carvey became a mainstay on Saturday Night Live.
20:53One of his best-remembered characters might very well be the church lady.
20:57This woman hosts church chat and loves critiquing people about their alleged connections to Satan.
21:03She also interviewed a whole host of real guests, characters, and impressions in entertaining segments.
21:10Carvey developed a natural rhythm with the role,
21:12making everyone from Rob Lowe to Joe Montana a good fit for the skit.
21:17I defeated Satan that day.
21:19I like to do a little superior dance.
21:20Join me, boys!
21:25It's safe to say that this lady's frequent appearances and later guest work made her an SNL icon.
21:31Don't forget the dancing, either.
21:33Well, when trouble erupts, power corrupts.
21:36I'm sure you'll all agree I'm just a little bit superior to all of thee.
21:41Okay? Hit it, Pearl!
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22:00When many people think of Chris Farley, they probably consider this character to be his best.
22:22Matt Foley is a motivational speaker that doesn't mind a more unconventional venue.
22:26His first sketch was an immediate success filled with raw and physical comedy at its finest.
22:33The performer even made his co-stars laugh in the moment.
22:36When you watch these sketches back, you see a comedian that's completely in his element.
22:41Hey, man, look at me go! I'm throwing eggs!
22:44I'm the Eggman! Goo! Goo! Gajoo!
22:51Naturally, the show brought Foley back on several occasions to inspire people.
22:55This includes Halloween-themed speeches and even a trip to a jail.
23:00In almost every instance, the actor puts his body on the line to entertain everyone.
23:05It's a timeless character that's a burst of happiness every time you see him.
23:10Look out for Daddy Warkin!
23:18Who's your favorite recurring castmate?
23:21Let us know in the comments below!
23:25We'll see you next time!
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