Anthony Michael Hall still retains the record of the youngest SNL cast member in history. He was hired to be part of the quintessential sketch comedy show in 1985, at the age of only 17 years old. This followed hot on the heels of his breakout career in Hollywood, with memorable roles in John Hughes classics such as “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club.”
Hall’s early debut on SNL opened the door for him, allowing to him establish a career in comedy and feature films. His time on the show gave him the platform to share his incredible talent and be heard across the nation. By comparison, Pete Davidson became an SNL cast member in 2014 at the age of 20. It made him the first cast member born in the 1990s. Davidson delighted audiences during his eight seasons on SNL. During that period, he developed a one-of-a-kind comedic touch that really spoke to people.
Both Davidson and Eddie Murphy left huge marks on SNL while they were on the show. History has not been kind to either of their claims to his upcoming record as the youngest cast member. That distinction remains firmly with Hall.
Davidson’s entry into SNL came at a time when the show had evolved significantly since Hall’s initial appearance. His youthful naiveté and humor was a welcome addition to the cast that pumped precious new life into their hearts. His unapologetic, dark style of comedy that heavily drew on his personal life and current events attracted a younger audience.
Eddie Murphy is a legend in the comedy game, known for his classic SNL routines and star-making movies. He created a similar storm on SNL, but was cast in the show after Hall. Murphy has since launched into new ventures, as he puts it, “I’m moving on to a new career.” This reflects the natural progression many SNL alumni take after their time on the show, transitioning into various entertainment avenues.
