October 11, 1975, marked a seismic shift in television history. That night, an unassuming sketch show called Saturday Night Live made its debut on NBC. Initially met with skepticism—especially when compared to ABC's more polished offering featuring Howard Cosell—the show was cobbled together by a group of relatively unknown actors and writers. Yet, this ragtag ensemble would go on to create one of the most beloved and influential comedy series ever.
The early days of SNL are now captured in Jason Reitman’s film Saturday Night, which chronicles that historic first episode. With such iconic figures as John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Chevy Chase at its helm during those formative years, it’s no wonder audiences are curious about how these legendary characters are portrayed today.
Let’s take a closer look at some key cast members from both the movie and their real-life counterparts:
Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels Lorne Michaels is synonymous with SNL; he created it and has been its guiding force since inception (with a brief hiatus). Gabriel LaBelle steps into his shoes for Saturday Night, bringing an earnestness reminiscent of young Spielberg from The Fabelmans.
Cooper Hoffman as Dick Ebersol As NBC's executive who played a pivotal role in shaping SNL during its early years—and later became executive producer—Dick Ebersol is portrayed by Cooper Hoffman. Known for his work in Licorice Pizza, Hoffman's performance promises depth reflecting Ebersol's influence behind-the-scenes.
Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase Chevy Chase burst onto the scene through SNL’s Weekend Update segment before transitioning to Hollywood stardom. Cory Michael Smith captures not just Chase's appearance but also his charm—a tall order given Chase's breakout status among fans.
Matt Wood as John Belushi Belushi was electric on stage; he opened the very first sketch of SNL and quickly became known for his outrageous performances. Matt Wood embodies this energy well while paying homage to Belushi’s legacy that still resonates today despite his tragic passing in 1982.
Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner Gilda Radner brought unforgettable characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna to life during her five seasons on SNL. Ella Hunt channels Radner’s spirit beautifully—a testament to her comedic talent that continues inspiring generations.
Each actor portraying these legends brings something unique yet familiar to their roles—whether it's physical resemblance or capturing their essence through mannerisms or delivery styles. “It’s fascinating how they manage not only looks but also personality traits,” noted one observer after watching footage from both eras side-by-side. And indeed! Watching them come alive again offers us glimpses into what made each character special—not merely caricatures but reflections steeped deeply within American pop culture history itself! With humor rooted firmly alongside poignant moments throughout our shared experiences over decades past, these portrayals remind us why we fell head-over-heels for Saturday nights filled with laughter all those years ago.