The following article contains references to substance abuse, domestic violence, disordered eating, and suicide.
“Saturday Night Live” is an institution.
The sketch comedy series celebrated its 50th year on air in 2025 with all sorts of celebrations.
“I mean, there’s no control in life, is there?”
Farley said in an interview withRolling Stonein 1997.
“There’s only one who’s in control, and He’ll take me when He wants me.
I don’t want to know about it.
It’s none of my business.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
After undergoing surgery and subsequent treatment, Radner was told she was in remission.
However, Radner later learned that she was not in remission.
She died three days later.
Making matters more tragic, some medical professionals have speculated that Radner’s death could have been avoided.
Radner had an eating disorder that experts believe negatively contributed to her overall health.
“Her early battle with weight led her down a dangerous path.
“Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa can have catastrophic effects on the body,” he said.
If you need help with an eating disorder, or know someone who does, help is available.
Norm Macdonald
Norm Macdonald proved early on that he had all the makings of a comedy legend.
Simpson well after he had been found not guilty of the crimes of which he was accused.
He even made one final appearance on “SNL” in 2009 on an episode hosted by Will Ferrell.
In 2021, however, the world learned ofNorm Macdonald’s heartbreaking death.
“He was most proud of his comedy,” Macdonald’s friend Lori Jo Hoekstra toldDeadlineupon his death.
Norm was a pure comic.”
John Belushi
John Belushi was a bona fide legend at “Saturday Night Live.”
But Belushi’s time on the show was not as storied as it seemed from the outside.
The comedian was addicted to cocaine.
That addition caused him to get kicked off the set of “SNL” multiple times.
A few days later, he died of a drug overdose.
Belushi’s death had already been ruled an accident, but the headline prompted an investigation.
Smith was later found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and subsequently served 15 months for her crime.
Tragically, Rosato died in 2017 of a heart attack.
He called me his miracle girl a gift from God.”
Perhaps what was more tragic than Rosato’s death was what he endured while he was living.
In the mid-2000s, Rosato was arrested for harassment and spent two years in jail.
Danitra Vance
Tragically, Danitra Vance’s career didn’t last long.
And that’s what speaks to me.
Phil Hartman
Phil Hartman was a major asset to “Saturday Night Live.”
Unfortunately, Phil met a truly horrific end in 1998 when he was just 49 years old.
After Phil and his wife Brynn Hartman returned home from dinner, they got into an argument.
Some time after Phil went to bed, Brynn shot and killed him.
Douglas thought Brynn was lying and went with her to the Hartman household where he realized it was true.
Rocket’s time on “SNL” was defined by his departure.
Shortly after using a curse word on live television, Rocket was fired from the internet.
Tragically, though, despite still having a fruitful career in entertainment, Rocket died by suicide in 2005.
“I know that Charlie had some pretty big disappointments in his life.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 or chat988lifeline.org.
Tragically, Hooks died in 2014.
Hooks was the third former female “SNL” cast member to die from cancer.
Hooks' death was taken especially hard by other “SNL” actors.
“I was 15 years old when I first saw Jan Hooks on ‘SNL.’
“She was one of the greats.
When I was at ‘SNL,’ we would frequently talk about her genius.”
