10 Surprising Writers You Never Knew Were Part of SNL

While the cast of Saturday Night Live often garners the spotlight with their performances, achieving fame and moving on to successful careers in movies and TV, the show's writers typically remain unseen. Yet, these writers are the backbone of the program, crafting its iconic sketches and ensuring its lasting success. From the Coneheads and Church Lady to the Jeopardy spoofs and The Californians, every memorable character and skit originated in the SNL writers' room. Many are unaware of the notable figures who have contributed as writers over the show's 40+ year history. Here are 10 individuals you might not have known were part of SNL's writing team.

10. Harry Shearer

Harry Shearer, renowned for voicing iconic characters like Principal Skinner and Mr. Burns on The Simpsons, began his career as a writer for SNL in 1979. During his tenure, he crafted sketches for original cast members such as Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, and created humorous fake commercials, including one for an outrageously priced utility wrench. Shearer's writing stint was brief, lasting only one season, after which he shifted to acting, starring in films like This Is Spinal Tap and The Right Stuff. He later returned to SNL in 1984, this time as a performer alongside Christopher Guest, Billy Crystal, and Martin Short.

9. Stephen Colbert

Before becoming a household name for his political satire on The Colbert Report and hosting The Late Show, Stephen Colbert spent a year as a writer for SNL in 1996. His arrival coincided with one of the show's least successful seasons, following the departure of stars like Adam Sandler and Chris Farley and before the rise of legends like Will Ferrell and Tina Fey. Despite the challenges, Colbert contributed to animated TV Funhouse sketches, including the Ambiguously Gay Duo, and created a parody commercial featuring a used mattress salesman.

8. Steve Higgins

Steve Higgins, best known as the announcer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, has been a prolific writer for SNL since 1995. Serving as head writer in the late 1990s, Higgins has penned numerous iconic sketches, including Black Jeopardy and political parodies featuring Will Ferrell as George W. Bush and Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. Remarkably, he continues to write for SNL while working on Jimmy Fallon's show, a feat made possible by both programs being produced by Lorne Michaels.

7. Dave Attell

Dave Attell, a well-regarded stand-up comedian, had a brief and unfulfilling tenure as a writer on SNL during the 1993-94 season. Despite working alongside a talented cast including Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, and Chris Farley, Attell contributed few sketches. His primary role was crafting opening monologues for guest hosts like Olympic figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, comedian Rosie O’Donnell, and actor Jeff Goldblum. Among his limited contributions were sketches like the bench warmer guy and a spoof of the movie Goodfellas. After one season, Attell left to focus on his thriving stand-up comedy career.

6. J.B. Smoove

Known for his stand-up comedy and roles on shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Real Husbands of Hollywood, J.B. Smoove also spent three seasons as a writer for SNL from 2003 to 2006. During his time there, he created parodies of shows like Good Times, fake ads for products such as Tylenol Extreme, and humorous takes on celebrities like Star Jones. One of his standout sketches was “Snoop Dog Needs Friends.” Smoove also wrote monologues for guest hosts including Kelly Ripa, Topher Grace, and David Spade. Ultimately, he transitioned from writing to performing, where he found greater success.

5. Louis C.K.

Similar to Stephen Colbert, Louis C.K. contributed to SNL by assisting writer Robert Smigel with the animated TV Funhouse segments during the late 1990s. In 1997, Louis C.K. co-wrote several TV Funhouse clips, such as the X-Presidents and The Harlem Globetrotters, as well as parts of the Ambiguously Gay Duo series. This collaboration stemmed from his friendship with Smigel, which began when they worked together on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Louis C.K. has downplayed his time at SNL, stating he primarily focused on the animated shorts and had little interaction with the rest of the team.

4. Max Brooks

Max Brooks, celebrated for his zombie-themed books like The Zombie Survival Guide and World War Z, is the son of comedy icon Mel Brooks, creator of classics like Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles. Early in his career, Max Brooks spent two seasons as a writer for SNL from 2001 to 2003, crafting sketches for stars like Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Chris Parnell. During this time, he secretly worked on his first zombie book. His debut sketch, featuring Superman and his father Jor-El in a humorous exchange at the Fortress of Solitude, aired on the show. Despite his success, Brooks found the collaborative environment challenging and left in 2003 to focus on his writing career, which soon took off with the publication of The Zombie Survival Guide.

3. Conan O'Brien

Before becoming a legendary late-night host and writing for The Simpsons, Conan O’Brien spent four seasons as a writer for SNL from 1987 to 1991. During his tenure, he created memorable characters like Mr. Short-Term Memory and Lank Thompson: Handsome Actor, famously portrayed by Mike Myers. He also wrote the iconic Girl Watchers sketch, performed by Tom Hanks and Jon Lovitz, and crafted humorous commercials, including one for Irish Drinking Songs. Additionally, O’Brien wrote monologues for guest hosts like John Goodman and Alec Baldwin and contributed to Weekend Update segments with Dennis Miller. His success at SNL paved the way for his later work on The Simpsons and his eventual rise as a late-night television icon.

2. Brian Doyle-Murray

Brian Doyle-Murray, the older brother of comedian and SNL alum Bill Murray, is a familiar face in character acting, notably playing Chevy Chase’s boss in Christmas Vacation. While Bill Murray was performing on SNL in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Brian worked behind the scenes as a writer, earning three Emmy nominations for his work in 1978, 1979, and 1980. From 1977 to 1982, he penned iconic sketches, including the prom nuggie sketch featuring Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, Weekend Update segments for Eddie Murphy, and controversial bits with Andy Kaufman. He also wrote a heartfelt tribute to John Belushi following the comedian’s tragic death in 1982.

1. Bob Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk, now famous for his role as Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, began his career as a writer for SNL from 1987 to 1995. Sharing an office with Conan O’Brien and Ben Stiller, Odenkirk later wrote for their respective shows. His most notable contributions at SNL were sketches for Chris Farley, including the iconic Chippendales audition with Patrick Swayze and the motivational speaker Matt Foley, who famously warned, “You’ll be living in a van down by the river!” Odenkirk’s writing career eventually led him to his breakout acting role as the cunning lawyer Saul Goodman.