Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Louis-Dreyfus was barely in her twenties when she was cast on Saturday Night Live in 1982, and she only lasted three seasons (literally every single Ebersole hire was out after the 1984-85 season when Michaels returned). She has said she felt a little in over her head during her time on SNL, but she did have a couple notable characters, such as April May June the televangelist and teen correspondent Patti Lynn Hunnsucker.

Was JLD a work in progress on SNL? Sure, but we’re still talking about Julia Louis-Dreyfus. She is one of the most-talented comedic performers of her generation. She would go on to win Emmys galore thanks to Seinfeld and Veep, among others.

The skill, unrefined as it was, was there. Also, while working on SNL Louis-Dreyfus met Larry David, which proved crucial to her career. Brad Hall, who JLD married in 1987, was also a cast member on SNL at the same time, but they actually met at Northwestern before either was hired on the show.