Washington'S Snl Stars Shining Bright On The Hollywood Stage

Washington’s Homegrown SNL Talent Takes Over Tinseltown

Yo, LA fam, let’s talk about some serious comedy cred straight outta Washington state! As Saturday Night Live kicked off its 51st season last weekend with Bad Bunny hosting and Doja Cat bringing the beats, the premiere still pulled in 4.4 million viewers - not quite last year’s numbers, but still a solid SoCal-style crowd. And with Amy Poehler set to host this Saturday, October 11th, alongside musical guest Role Model, we’re hyped to dive into the PNW peeps who’ve repped Washington on the legendary SNL stage.

From the rainy streets of Spokane to the chill vibes of Bainbridge Island, these stars swapped Evergreen State scenery for the bright lights of Hollywood and NYC. Let’s break down the Washington natives who’ve made us laugh on late-night TV, proving that talent from the 206 can slay on any red carpet.

Julia Sweeney: Spokane’s Queen of Quirky

First up, we’ve got Julia Sweeney, a Spokane OG who grew up as the eldest of five siblings. She hit up Marycliff High and Gonzaga Prep before snagging a degree from the University of Washington, showing that Seattle hustle early on. By the time she landed on SNL from 1990 to 1994, she was ready to bring some serious Northwest flavor to the sketch game.

Julia’s most iconic character, Pat, was straight-up inspired by a classmate from her Spokane days - talk about keeping it real! Fun fact: the actual Pat later became a Gray Line tour bus driver in Seattle, and yours truly even met her at the Seattle Convention Center back in the mid-90s. That’s some true Washington full-circle energy right there.

Chris Kattan: Bainbridge Island’s Comedy King

Next, let’s roll over to Bainbridge Island, just a ferry ride from Seattle, where Chris Kattan graduated from Bainbridge High in 1989. This dude cut his comedy teeth at The Groundlings in LA - basically the Hollywood farm team for SNL - before joining the cast from 1996 to 2003. If you’ve ever laughed at Mr. Peepers, Mango, or Azrael Abyss, you’ve got Chris to thank for those wild vibes.

Oh, and who could forget his epic team-up with Will Ferrell in the 1998 flick A Night at the Roxbury? That head-bobbing duo was pure 90s gold, straight outta a Venice Beach rave. Chris brought that Bainbridge underdog spirit to every sketch, proving small-town Washington can make big waves in Tinseltown.

“Growing up on Bainbridge, I never imagined I’d be busting moves on SNL, but that Washington grit kept me grinding till I made it,” Chris Kattan once reflected on his journey from the PNW to prime time.

Devon Walker: A New Gen Washington Star

Fast-forward to the new school with Devon Walker, born in Washington on February 13, 1991, though he grew up in Austin, Texas. This stand-up comic, actor, and writer joined SNL as a featured player in the 48th season back in 2022. He’s got that laid-back Washington-to-Texas hybrid vibe, and after studying at Texas State University, he’s ready to bring some fresh PNW energy to the stage.

Devon’s still early in his SNL run, but we’re already stoked to see what sketches he’ll cook up. Will he sneak in a nod to Washington’s rainy days or coffee obsession? Keep your eyes peeled, fam - this kid’s got potential to be the next big thing outta the Evergreen State.

Conan O’Brien: Seattle Ties Through Family

Okay, so Conan O’Brien might not be Washington-born - he’s a New England boy - but he’s got major ties to the 206 through his wife, Liza Powell, who was born and raised in Seattle. Before he became the late-night king we all know and love, Conan was grinding as an SNL writer from 1985 to 1991, crafting sketches that shaped comedy history. That Seattle connection keeps him coming back to the PNW, and we’re claiming him as an honorary local.

Recently, Conan was spotted with John C. Reilly at a live taping of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend at the Orpheum Theatre for SiriusXM. That’s some serious star power, and knowing he’s got family roots in Seattle just makes us love him more. Washington might not be his birthplace, but it’s definitely in his heart.

Nostalgia Alert: Were You Watching These 80s and 90s Shows?

While we’re on the topic of TV legends, let’s throw it back to the 80s and 90s - a time when Washington folks (and everyone else) had the tube on in the background while multitasking. Remember shows like Baywatch, Highway to Heaven, or Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman? They weren’t exactly ‘must-see TV,’ but more like ‘might-see TV’ - just humming along while you did your thing.

How about Murder, She Wrote, Walker, Texas Ranger, or even The Lawrence Welk Show? Then there’s classics like Hee-Haw, The Waltons, and Touched by an Angel. Were you actually glued to the screen for Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous or just catching snippets? Hit us up with your nostalgia vibes - we’re curious who in Washington was tuning in!