Saturday Night Live Archives

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Jan Hooks, the actress and comedian who rose to fame by starring on “Saturday Night Live” passed away on Thursday in New York City. She was made popular by portraying Ivana Trump, Tammy Faye Bakker, Sinead O’Connor and as part of the lounge-singing Sweeney Sisters during skits. She passed away at age 57.

The cause of death has not yet been revealed. But some sources told TMZ that she had been suffering from an illness, no word yet as to whether that’s true.

Hooks was on “SNL” from 1986 to 1991.

“She was totally amazing as a sketch player,” said one of her colleagues, Kevin Nealon, who also was in a previous relationship with her.

“She so immersed herself in her characters and her timing was amazing. She got it from some crazy stratosphere, and I was so attracted to that talent in her, and I don’t think she ever knew how well respected and admired she was for her talent,” said Nealon.

Hooks was also known from starring on “Designing Women” right after SNL. She played Carlene Dobber for two seasons on the show, which was set in Atlanta, right next to her hometown.

She also had a popular role in “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”

Read more at: cnn.com

The new cast for the 39th season of "Saturday Night Live" was revealed this week. The season premiere is Saturday, September 28. — The newest additions to the cast for the 39th season of “Saturday Night Live” was revealed this week. The season premiere is Saturday, September 28.

Saturday Night Live has been on the air since 1975, and they have recently announced exciting information about their newest upcoming season. The 39^th season of SNL will be airing on Saturday, September 28, and will be showcasing a group of 6 new castmembers. Beck Bennett, Kyle Mooney, John Milhiser, Noel Wells, Brooks Wheelan and Mike O’Brien will all be appearing on the new season next Saturday. These additions mark the most sweeping changes NBC has made to the show in its 39-season history. The Saturday Night Live premiere will have Tina Fey as the host and will feature Arcade Fire as the musical performance.

While most of these castmembers are all new to SNL, Mike O’Brien has a history with the late-night live television sketch comedy. Mike has been part of the writing department for the past 4 seasons, so he should be very comfortable as the new season starts. Another newcomer, Brook Wheelan was a late add-on, but the Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian is ready for the challenge. The show has a long history of casting stand-ups, such as Norm Macdonald, Colin Quinn and Chris Rock, all of whom had more than enough charisma and wit for the show.

Saturday Night Live also received big news earlier this summer when it was announced that their long-time castmember Seth Meyers was offered to host Late Night on NBC that will be starting in February. It has not been confirmed whether he will be leaving SNL altogether.

Jan Hooks dies at age 57

The New Faces of ‘SNL’