The 25 most successful 'Saturday Night Live' alumni

Years on SNL: 2005-2013

Hader gained fame for his portfolio of impressions, including Al Pacino, Keith Morrison, and James Carville. But his most popular and beloved recurring role was Stefon, Weekend Update's flamboyant New York City correspondent. He also starred in the hit sketch, The Californians.

During his tenure at SNL, Hader had supporting roles in several hit comedies like "Superbad," "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," and "Tropic Thunder." Since leaving SNL for Hollywood, he's starred alongside Amy Schumer in the box office hit "Trainwreck," lent his voice to Pixar's "Inside Out," and acted in "The To Do List," an indie comedy his wife wrote and directed.

Years on SNL: 2005-2013

Jason Sudeikis started as a writer on SNL in 2003, and within two years he became a featured cast member. He excelled at impressions of politicians Mitt Romney and Joe Biden as well as a handful of personalities that appeared in a popular sketch with Kristen Wiig called Two A-Holes.

During his tenure on SNL, Sudeikis starred in hit comedies "The Campaign," "Hall Pass," "The Bounty Hunter," "We're the Millers," and both "Horrible Bosses" films. From 2009-2013, he voiced a lead character in "Family Guy" spinoff "The Cleveland Show," and he also had a dozen-episode guest role on Tina Fey's "30 Rock."

Sudeikis has several movies in the works, including a comedy called "Masterminds" co-starring Wiig.

Years on SNL: 2002-2013

Fred Armisen has appeared in the second-most SNL sketches in the show's history, only trailing current cast member Keenan Thompson. Armisen appeared numerous times as original character Garth — one half of the musical duo "Garth and Kat," which made up songs on the spot for Weekend Update — and as President Obama beginning in 2008. He also starred in recurring hit sketch The Californians during his final season.

After leaving SNL, Armisen continued working on the IFC sketch comedy series "Portlandia." The show, which he co-created and co-starred in with Carrie Browstein, earned him Emmy nominations as writer in 2012, 2013, and 2014 and as a supporting actor in 2014. Armisen has made appearances on other shows like FX's "Archer," and he's also the bandleader of "Late Night with Seth Meyers" house band, The 8G Band.

Years on SNL: 2005-2012

Samberg started as a writer on the show before earning a full cast position, but he's best known for his musical act The Lonely Island and his SNL digital shorts, counting "Mother Lover," "Lazy Sunday," and Grammy-nominated "I'm On A Boat" among his greatest hits.

During his time on SNL, Samberg also starred or appeared in films like "Hot Rod," "I Love You, Man," "Friends With Benefits," and "That's My Boy," which also featured fellow SNL alum Adam Sandler. The two worked together again when Samberg voiced a lead character in both of Sandler's "Hotel Transylvania" movies.

Since 2013, Samberg has played the lead role in Fox's award-winning comedy crime series "Brooklyn Nine-Nine," for which he won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in 2014.

Years on SNL: 2005-2012

Wiig was the master of creating characters that were so deeply silly, you didn't think she could top it. But each was better than the last, and for her seven years as a cast member she made famous a host of personalities, including Gilly, Dooneese, and Penelope, not to mention strong impressions of Kathy Lee Gifford and Nancy Pelosi.

Since SNL, Wiig has made Hollywood home, starring in comedic hits like "Bridesmaids" and "Anchorman 2" and indie dramas "Adventureland," "The Skeleton Twins," and "Girl Most Likely." Wiig will be starring in the 2016 "Ghostbusters" remake.

Years on SNL: 2002-2010

Will Forte's best-known role on SNL was MacGruber, a parody character of late-80s TV secret agent MacGyver. The skit became a fan favorite, leading Forte to star in a Pepsi Super Bowl ad as MacGruber and in 2010 the Lorne Michaels-produced feature film of the same name. The movie has since become a cult classic.

After appearing in a few Hollywood comedies like "Rock of Ages," "That's My Boy," and "The Watch" and acting in a guest role on "30 Rock," Forte transitioned to drama, with leading roles in critically acclaimed films "Run & Jump" and "Nebraska." In early 2015, he created and has since been starring in the post-apocolyptic Fox comedy series "The Last Man On Earth," which was nominated for four Emmy Awards, including two for Forte for writing and acting.

Forte is set to appear in Adam Sandler's Netflix film "Ridiculous 6," this December.

Years on SNL: 2001-2008

Poehler conquered Weekend Update as co-anchor for four years while also making national headlines for her impersonations of Hillary Clinton, Katie Couric, and a host of other celebrities. She had undeniable chemistry with her fellow cast members, especially Tina Fey, who she acted with in the blockbuster favorite "Mean Girls" while the two were still on SNL. This year, the pair is starring together in the 2015 comedy, "Sisters."

Post SNL, Poehler quickly settled into the character of Leslie Knope in NBC's Emmy-nominated hit "Parks and Recreation." She won a Golden Globe for the role in 2014. She also found time to lend her voice to several animated roles, including Nickelodeon's "The Mighty B!" and the lead in Pixar's "Inside Out." She recently returned to her role as the eccentric theater camp counselor in Netflix's reprisal of 2001 cult classic "Wet Hot American Summer," and she serves as executive producer of Comedy Central's "Broad City."

Years on SNL: 2000-2007

Rudolph's repertoire of impersonations ranged from Destiny's Child-era Beyoncè to Donatella Versace to Oprah. She often teamed up with fellow cast member Kristen Wiig to deliver outrageous original characters, like the models for the Super Showcase Jeopardy sketches. The two later starred in the hit comedy "Bridesmaids" together.

Rudolph has acted in a slew of television shows and films since leaving SNL, including indie dramedy "The Way, Way Back," "Inherent Vice," "Grownups" (as the wife of fellow SNL alum Chris Rock's character), and Academy Award-winning animated feature "Big Hero 6." Next up, Rudolph will appear alongside Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and current SNL cast member Kate McKinnon in "Sisters."

Years on SNL: 2000-2006

In 1997, Fey joined SNL as a writer and within two years became the show's first female head writer. She debuted on screen in 2000, and with Fey at the desk, Weekend Update became the highlight of Saturday nights. During her tenure at SNL, Fey wrote and co-starred in the hit movie "Mean Girls." She left the show in 2006 to focus on the acclaimed "30 Rock," a comedy loosely based on her time as a writer for SNL.

Fey returned to SNL in 2008 to impersonate Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, which earned her an Emmy. After acting in a slew of films — "Baby Mama," "Date Night," and "Megamind," to name a few — she moved on to write and produce her Netflix hit "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt." To date, Fey has won eight Emmy awards, two Golden Globes, and authored a New York Times bestselling autobiography.

Years on SNL: 1998-2006

Parnell lasted eight seasons (and two firings) on SNL, making his mark with hilarious raps about celebrities, impressions, and his role in the digital short "Lazy Sunday" with Andy Samberg. Parnell was said to be an expert at keeping it together, even when the rest of his castmates were laughing during sketches.

During his tenure, he had a supporting role in "Anchorman" alongside his SNL castmates. After the second time Parnell got fired from the show in 2006 due to budget cuts, he appeared in films like "Hot Rod," "Labor Pains," "21 Jump Street," and "Five-Year Engagement." He's found success in television, where he had a guest role on "30 Rock" and acted in ABC sitcom "Suburgatory," and he's also landed voice-acting roles in both "Hotel Transylvania" films, PBS' "WordGirl," and as a lead character in FX's action-comedy "Archer."

Years on SNL: 1998-2004

Jimmy Fallon was our favorite rookie, whether he was breaking character or receiving fan mail for his boy-ish charm. He eventually transitioned from doing Adam Sandler impressions to co-hosting Weekend Update with Tina Fey, where he earned some of his biggest laughs. In the mid-2000s, Fallon teamed up with Justin Timberlake in a skit called The Barry Gibb Show, igniting a friendship between the two that led to future collaborations as SNL guests.

In 2013, his second comedy album "Blow Your Pants Off" earned him a Grammy for Best Comedy Album. That same year, he signed on as host of "The Tonight Show," where he's maintained record viewership numbers and built a social media following of millions. The comedian, actor, and host recently renewed his contract to stay on at the Emmy-winning late-night talk show for another six years.

Years on SNL: 1996-2003

Tracy Morgan was a cast member on SNL for seven years, where he established recurring character Brian Fellow, host of talk show Safari Planet, which he reprised on his recent comeback to TV after a car accident in 2014 left him recovering from significant brain injuries.

In 2006, Morgan joined the cast of Tina Fey's NBC sitcom "30 Rock," where he played Tracy Jordan, a parody of himself, and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor. He also lent his voice to Academy Award-nominated films "Rio" and "The Boxtrolls."

Years on SNL: 1995-2002

SNL creator Lorne Michaels once called Ferrell "the glue that holds the show together." During his tenure, Ferrell nailed impressions of "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek, President George W. Bush, and Neil Diamond. He made favorites out of recurring SNL original characters, like Spartan cheerleader Craig Buchanan and music teacher Marty Culp.

Since leaving SNL, Ferrell has become a fixture in Hollywood comedy. His greatest hits include "Old School," the "Anchorman" movies , "Talladega Nights," "Step Brothers," and "Elf," and he's gearing up to reprise his role in "Zoolander" in 2016. The comedian also received a star on the Walk of Fame this year.

Years on SNL: 1995-2001

Molly Shannon found her place at SNL as Mary Katherine Gallagher, the awkward Catholic school student who wanted to be a superstar. The sketch turned into a 1999 feature film, directed by SNL showrunner Lorne Michaels and starring Shannon alongside Will Ferrell. During her tenure, she also starred with Ferrell in the SNL-produced favorite "Night at the Roxbury."

When she left the show in 2001, Shannon had a role in the comedy "Wet Hot American Summer," which she reprised for Netflix's 2015 reboot. Shannon has had steady work in Hollywood, with a starring role in acclaimed film "Year of the Dog" and a number of memorable supporting roles in films including "Never Been Kissed," "My Boss's Daughter," "Good Boy!" "Marie Antoinette," and "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl." She also starred in the short-lived TV series "Kath and Kim" from 2008-2009, and most recently she lent her voice to Adam Sandler's hit "Hotel Transylvania" animated film franchise.

Years on SNL: 1990-1995

Sandler was arguably the messiah of the "Bad Boys of SNL" — a troupe of comedically brash, trouble-making cast members of the early '90s that included Sandler, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, David Spade, and the late Chris Farley. Sandler was first hired on SNL as a writer but started appearing in sketches as a featured player the following year and made his true mark performing hilarious original tunes "The Thanksgiving Song" and "The Chanukah Song."

Post SNL, Sandler created Happy Madison Productions — in honor of two of his greatest hits, "Happy Gilmore" and "Billy Madison" — which is responsible for numerous blockbusters starring Sandler, including "Anger Management," "Click," "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," "Just Go With It," and "Grown Ups." Sandler also wrote, executive produced, and starred in both installments of the animated hit film "Hotel Transylvania."

This December, Netflix will release "Ridiculous 6," the first of four original films Sandler is producing — and likely starring in — exclusively for the streaming service.

Years on SNL: 1990-1996

Spade was responsible for creating the legendary, often imitated joke template "Hey, Jackson Browne — 1973 called, they want their hair back" and introducing a new brand of sarcasm to SNL in his "Hollywood Minute" segments (in one, he infamously mocked Eddie Murphy's declining acting career).

Spade starred alongside his good friend and fellow SNL alum Chris Farley in "Tommy Boy" and "Black Sheep" before Farley's untimely death in 1997. That same year, Spade joined the cast of the NBC sitcom "Just Shoot Me!" where he stayed on for seven seasons and received an Emmy nomination. He's gone on to star in a handful of comedies, including "Joe Dirt" (and the forthcoming "Joe Dirt 2"), "Dickie Roberts," "The Benchwarmers," and "Grown Ups." He also appeared in the Adam Sandler-produced film "Hotel Transylvania" and TV show "Rules of Engagement."

Spade also just released his first book, a memoir entitled "Almost Interesting."

Years on SNL: 1990-1993

Although Rock was given minimal airtime in the early days — he was called on to impersonate Michael Jackson and Malcolm-X and created a few of his own characters – SNL launched him onto the national comedy scene. During his tenure on the show, he released his first comedy album and starred in the critically acclaimed crime thriller "New Jack City."

By the late '90s, Rock was a fixture in the stand-up scene. His second HBO comedy special "Bring The Pain" earned him two Emmy awards and three of his comedy albums have earned Grammy awards. He also executive produced the Emmy-nominated CW series "Everybody Hates Chris" for five years and continues to work in production, most recently directing Amy Schumer's first HBO comedy special.

Rock has starred in numerous films as well, including "Grownups" with his fellow SNL cast members Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, and David Spade.

Years on SNL: 1990-1994

Before he became part of the "Bad Boys of SNL" crew in the early '90s, Schneider was a writer on the show for two years. His greatest hits include recurring character Richard Laymer, aka "The Richmeister," an annoying office worker who gave his colleagues unwarranted nicknames. He quickly teamed up with Adam Sandler, and the two have gone on to act in a number of Hollywood comedies together, including "Big Daddy," "The Water Boy," "Little Nicky," "50 First Dates," "The Longest Yard," and both "Grown Ups" films.

Schneider also starred in a slew of cult favorites: "The Hot Chick," "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo," and "The Benchwarmers." This December, he's set to star in Sandler's Netflix original "Ridiculous 6."

Years on SNL: 1989-1995

Myers created the most famous SNL character of the early 90's: Wayne Campbell, the rock and roll enthusiast who hosted a TV show called "Wayne's World" with his friend Garth, played by Dana Carvey. The sketch spawned a movie (and later a sequel) that would become the highest-grossing of the 11 films that originated as SNL sketches.

The comedian is no stranger to franchises. He wrote, produced, and starred as the title role and as Dr. Evil in three "Austin Powers" films (a fourth is in development). He also voiced the title character in hit franchise "Shrek," which wrapped a four-film box office run in 2009.

Years on SNL: 1986-1995

Kevin Nealon notably manned the Weekend Update desk with ease, conviction, and plenty of hilarious stumbles, popularizing the catchphrase "That's news to me!" Nealon's tenure on SNL included characters Mr. Subliminal, Franz (of Hans and Franz), and Mr. No Depth Perception.

After spending nine seasons on the sketch comedy show, Nealon has appeared in a number of Adam Sandler productions, including "Anger Management," "Little Nicky," "Just Go With It," and "Blended." From 2005-2012, Nealon played the role of Doug Wilson on Showtime's award-winning comedy "Weeds."

Years on SNL: 1982-1985

When Julia Louis-Dreyfus started on SNL at age 21 she was the youngest female cast member in the history of the show. She later admitted to having a hard time on set since she didn't have her own writer or any comedic direction. Still, her time on the sketch comedy wasn't wasted — she met writer Larry David, who later created the hit sitcom "Seinfeld."

After leaving SNL, Louis-Dreyfus acted in a few movies including "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and Woody Allen's "Hannah and Her Sisters" before landing her breakout role as Elaine on "Seinfeld," which she played for eight years.

In 2006, she began producing and acting as the title role in "The New Adventures of Old Christine," which garnered five Emmy nominations for Outstanding Actress and one win. Since 2012, Louis-Dreyfus has starred in the HBO series "Veep," earning critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series every year since the show's debut.

Years on SNL: 1980-1984

Murphy was working as a stand-up comedian and an extra on SNL when producers poached him to fill a gap in the show one night. He was soon cast and credited with the revival of the show, which was suffering amid the five-year absence of creator Lorne Michaels. Murphy earned laughs on the show for his recurring role as Buckwheat (from the "Little Rascals") as well as his constant mocking of SNL's lack of diversity. He was also a writer on the show for two years.

Post-SNL, Murphy dove into the Hollywood spotlight with starring roles in "Trading Places," the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise, "The Nutty Professor," "Doctor Dolittle," "Daddy Day Care," and the voice of Donkey in the "Shrek" series. Murphy played his most dramatic role to date in the 2006 critically acclaimed film "Dreamgirls," earning him a Golden Globe award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Years on SNL: 1977-1980

Murray appeared on the premiere episode of SNL but didn't become a cast member until the show's second season. His brilliance came in the form of original characters like Nick the Lounge Singer and as Weekend Update co-host. Murray also wrote for the show and won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing. He hasn't been a stranger since he left. Murray is a member of the five-timers club — a select group who've hosted SNL at least five times.

But he also made a name for himself in Hollywood, cementing his comedic chops with roles in cult favorites "Caddyshack," "Ghostbusters," and "Groundhog Day." He's a favorite of director Wes Anderson, appearing in films like "Rushmore," "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "Moonrise Kingdom."

The critically acclaimed actor earned an Emmy award in 2015 for his supporting role in HBO's mini-series "Olive Kitteridge," an Academy Award nomination for "Lost In Translation," and a Golden Globe nomination for his 2014 film "St. Vincent."

Years on SNL: 1975-1979

Aykroyd was a writer for the first season of SNL — for which he later earned an Emmy award — and soon became the youngest member of the inaugural cast at age 23. His impersonations of Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon were second to none, though he truly struck gold as Beldar, the patriarch of the Coneheads — an eccentric, monotone alien family. The sketch later spawned a film with Aykroyd as writer and lead.

Another sketch that translated to the big screen: The Blues Brothers, which starred Aykroyd and the late John Belushi as a comedic musical duo. In addition to two movies, it also led to three albums and The House of Blues, a chain of more than a dozen live concert venues around the country.

Aykroyd also wrote and starred in "Ghostbusters" (and will reprise his role for the 2016 remake) and won an Academy Award for his supporting role in the 1989 film "Driving Miss Daisy."