Saturday Night Live

Characters debuted in January 1977.

Macdonald passed away after a long, private battle with cancer.

Nudity, profanity and inciting a riot are apparently frowned upon at 'SNL.'

The 19-year-old's sharp improv skills landed him a regular gig on the show.

Cast member muttered expletive during slow-closing 'Dallas' parody — and was fired after one more episode.

The future star had only one speaking part in his first episode as a cast member. It went so poorly that the sketch was cut in reruns.

As if!

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd delivered their first 'Saturday Night Live' blues performance on Jan. 17, 1976.

As a background extra with zero lines, the comedian's first screen time gave no hint of his future stardom.

Sean Connery strikes again.

The satirical news segment has seen 24 men and women serve as anchors, many of whom have gone on to lengthy, acclaimed careers.

Show's first episode offered little hint that it would become one of the most successful programs in TV history.