ThroughoutSaturday Night Live’s 50 seasons, thousands of cast and crew members have wandered in and out of Studio 8H, and a handful of them notably belong to the same family. The NBC late-night live sketch comedy variety series, created by Lorne Michaels, premiered in 1975.Saturday Night Livehas since produced a countless number of stars,from Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey, and many others in between.
Saturday Night Liveseason 51 is expected to premiere in the fall of 2025.
As mentioned, a few ofSNL’s noteworthy starsoriginate from the same family. Of course, nepotism is very real and potent in Hollywood (or in this case, New York City), meaning the popular show has featured some cast and crew members who are related to each other. However, one family stands out amongst the rest, thanks to how many of them are connected toSNL.
Abby Elliott Was On Saturday Night Live From 2008-2012
Elliott Originally Replaced Amy Poehler
Abby Elliott belongs to what could be described asSaturday Night Live’s first family, and she first appeared in the NBC TV series in November 2008, replacinglongtime cast member Amy Poehler. She was considered a featured player for her first two seasons on the show. Elliott was then promoted to repertory player, starting in 2010. However,Elliott leftSNLfollowing her fourth season in 2012.
Following herexit fromSaturday Night Live, Elliott scored recurring and guest roles on TV shows such asHow I Met Your Mother,Inside Amy Schumer, and more. She wascast as Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto inThe Bearin 2022,a character she continues to play into season 4. As for the rest of Elliott’s family, a couple of them are still working onSaturday Night Live.
3 Of Elliott’s Family Members Also Have Ties To SNL
Her Father Was An SNL Cast Member
Abby Elliott’s father, Chris Elliott, was a cast member onSaturday Night Livefor one season in the mid-1990s. He was a repertory player, appearing in 20 episodes total. However, Elliott left the NBC TV show after only one season. Almost 15 years later, Elliott’s daughter followed in his footsteps when she was hired to star inSaturday Night Live.
Elliott and his daughter aren’t the only members of their family connected toSNL.His brother-in-law (making him Abby Elliott’s uncle) is Steve Higgins,who served as the co-head writer on the late-night live sketch comedy variety series from 1995 to 1997. Higgins, also known asJimmy Fallon’s sidekick and announcer onThe Tonight Show, remains a writer and producer onSNLto this day.
Bob Elliott, Chris Elliott’s father, also appeared in one episode ofSaturday Night Livein 1978.
The last member of the Elliott-Higgins family with ties toSaturday Night Liveis John Higgins (Steve Higgins' son, Chris Elliott’s nephew, and Abby Elliott’s cousin).Higgins is a part of the comedy group, Please Don’t Destroy,alongside Ben Marshall and Martin Herlihy.SNLhired the trio in 2021. Together, they write, produce, and star in digital shorts for the NBC series.
While appearing onThe Julia Cunningham Show, Abby Elliott reflected on her family’s history withSaturday Night Live. She claimed it was “wild,” referring to how many members of the Elliott-Higgins family have been a part of theSNLcast and crew. The actress explained that Steve Higgins is her “mom’s sister’s husband. I mean, something in the Niedert women. I mean, they must just like funny men.”
No One Comes Close To The Elliott-Higgins Family’s Ties To SNL
Abby Elliott, Chris Elliott, Steve Higgins, and John Higgins aren’tSNL’s first set of family members. In fact, numerous siblings have been a part of Lorne Michaels' late-night live sketch comedy variety series. Pairs such asBill and Brian-Doyle Murray, John and Jim Belushi, John and Claire Mulaney (both writers), and Dan and Peter Aykroydare all connected toSNL.
Meanwhile, Jason Sudeikis and George Wendt (nephew and uncle) are another notable pair. However, given that the Elliott-Higgins family has had four (five if you count Bob Elliott) people onSaturday Night Live, it’d be difficult for anyone else to beat them.
Saturday Night Live
Cast
Saturday Night Live is a live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels, premiering in 1975. It features comedy sketches parodying contemporary culture and politics, performed by a rotating cast. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest and includes musical performances.
