Live, from Pennsylvania! ‘SNL’ cast members from the Keystone State

Only a handful of Pennsylvanians have been a part of the “Saturday Night Live” cast during the show’s 50-year run. Do you know who they are?

Of the approximately 170 cast members who have appeared on “Saturday Night Live” over the course of the show’s remarkable 50-year run, only a handful of Pennsylvanians have graced the stage of Studio 8H at Rockefeller Plaza, where the iconic sketch comedy show is filmed.

Delaware County native Tina Fey is undoubtedly the headliner of that group, establishing herself as a major voice on the show as both a Weekend Update anchor and the show’s first female head writer. Fey mined that experience for the Emmy Award-winning sitcom, “30 Rock,” which she created and starred in.

Ahead of the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, which airs Sunday at 8 p.m. on NBC, let’s take a look at Fey and the other Pennsylvanians who have been “SNL” cast members over the years.

Tina Fey, Upper Darby

Fey joined “SNL” as a writer in 1997, and was elevated to head writer in 1999. She began appearing in sketches in 2000, a few years after Ana Gasteyer, fellow Upper Darby native Cheri Oteri (more on her in a bit), and Molly Shannon established themselves as standout performers in a show that for too long had felt like a boys’ club. Along with Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph, Fey helped to carve out more room for female voices during her tenure on the show, paving the way for future cast members like Kisten Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Heidi Gardner. She left in 2006 to start “30 Rock” and has returned to host the show six times, second only among former cast members to Chevy Chase. 

Tim Kazurinsky, Johnstown

Kazurinsky, who once worked as a reporter for the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat, joined “SNL” in 1981, at the tail end of the show’s disastrous 1980-81 season. During his time with the show, he played numerous characters alongside future comedy legends Eddie Murphy and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Most notably, he portrayed Dr. Jack Badofsky, who shared information on pun-based fake diseases during Weekend Update segments. He would go on to appear in dozens of television shows and movies after leaving “SNL” in 1984, including a recurring role as Officer Carl Sweetchuck in the “Police Academy” franchise.

Laura Kightlinger, Erie

Kightlinger’s “SNL” tenure was brief: a spot as a featured player during the 1994-95 season. Despite not making much of a mark with the show, she’s enjoyed a successful career as a stand-up comedian, author, and actor with roles in comedy shows like “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Tenacious D,” “Will & Grace,” and “2 Broke Girls.”

Dennis Miller, Pittsburgh

Miller, along with Jon Lovitz, survived a rocky 1985-86 season and became known for his snarky style as host of Weekend Update. He left “SNL” in 1991 to host his own late-night talk show, and would go on to release numerous stand-up specials and host another talk show on HBO. In a highly criticized move, Miller became a color commentator on ABC’s “Monday Night Football” broadcasts in 2000, where his observational humor and arcane reference never quite landed. Over time, his comedy became rooted more in political humor, and his conservative leanings made him one of the few voices in comedy to openly embrace Republican candidates.

Cheri Oteri, Upper Darby

Upper Darby has the distinction of producing two “SNL” performers: Oteri and Fey. Oteri embraced her Delco roots through her recurring character as a surly woman who is mean to neighborhood children that was based on her grandmother. Oteri’s time on “SNL” is probably best remembered for her recurring Spartan Cheerleaders sketch with Will Ferrell. Since leaving “SNL,” Oteri has enjoyed guest spots on series like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Ally McBeal,” along with voicing characters for animated features.