7 Saturday Night Live Characters We Miss ...

By Shannon

As a fan of sketch comedy, I have great appreciation for the many Saturday Night Live characters that have come and gone throughout the years. After all, it's the characters that can make or break a show. Some I liked better than others, but they were apparently popular enough to keep going week after week. Since the show just isn't the same without them, here are some of the Saturday Night Live characters I think we'll miss the most. I mentioned some of them in my “recurring sketches” article, but most either weren't mentioned there or started off as “sub-characters” on other sketches.

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1

Opera Man/Cajun Man

I mentioned these Saturday Night Live characters together because they're both done by Adam Sandler and often found in the same sketch. I know the video is taken off of some guy's TV, but it's the best one I found of both characters. I especially love “Opera Man's” impression of Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam. Half the time I don't understand what he's saying either.

2

The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers became a lot more popular outside of Saturday Night Live than within it. In fact, I didn't know they were even *from* Saturday Night Live until I started on this article! I think they were more a “warm-up” with the band than a sketch, but it doesn't matter; they were still a huge hit. As you can tell by this video (scroll to about 4:30), John Belushi was a damned good singer.

3

Stefon, Weekend Update

This character is so funny that even the *actor* can't get through it without laughing! He's supposed to be a city correspondent giving suggestions on things visitors to NYC can do, but the things he suggests are what Seth Myers calls a “coked-up gay Candyland”. I can't possibly do this character justice, so you'll have to watch the video for yourself. Just don't do it at work because people might look at you funny.

4

Craig and Arianna, Spartan Spirit

Scroll to 2-30 and you'll see why I never made any cheering squad I tried out for. At least they're funny. We've seen a lot of Will Ferrell since he left the show, but not much of Cheri O'Teri. I wonder what she's been up to?

5

Drunk Uncle-Weekend Update

This character will “reminisce” and say all kinds of politically-incorrect stuff in a slurred voice just like, well, your drunk uncle. My favorite was when he brought on “Peter Drunklage” with Tiryan from Game of Thrones. Sorry, but I couldn't find a video for that.

Famous Quotes

To give oneself earnestly to the duties due to men, and, while respecting spiritual beings, to keep aloof from them, may be called wisdom.

Confucius
6

Mr. Robinson

Scroll to about 5-03 and you'll see the SNL version of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. This character was created in 1981 so it would probably make a completely different impression today, but Eddie Murphy does a good job of making fun of racial stereotypes in the context of a kids' show a lot of people in my generation grew up on. I especially like the way he answers the door; I've wanted to do that quite a few times myself.

7

Lesser/previously Mentioned Characters

As I mentioned before, I've also written an article about my favorite recurring sketches on Saturday Night Live.

(movies.allwomenstalk.com) I didn't mention most here because I was trying to avoid overlap, but there are other characters I couldn't find a decent video for.
-Mr. Subliminal, Weekend Update
-Hans and Franz, air-headed Arnold Schwarzenegger wanna-bees
-Wayne and Garth
-The Church Lady
-Pat
-Matt Foley

I know I've missed several characters here, but there is only so much time in a day and only so many workable YouTube videos. Which are your favorite characters? Have I missed any? Are there any characters you don't like? Discuss!

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