SNL50: TMU alumni stars of Saturday Night Live

Lorne Michaels

Honorary Doctor of Laws ’99
Creator and Producer

Lorne Michaels, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’99, is the creator and executive producer of SNL, the longest-running and highest-rated late-night TV show in history. Born in Toronto, Michaels began his career in Canadian broadcasting and comedy. 

In 1975, he pitched SNL to NBC, launching the groundbreaking show that has since showcased top talents in comedy, music and entertainment. Michaels has produced numerous films, including Wayne’s World and Mean Girls, and television series such as The Kids in the Hall and 30 Rock. In addition to his success with SNL, he has produced specials with major artists, including Paul Simon and The Rolling Stones. Michaels has earned multiple Emmy Awards, a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and several prestigious honours, including induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame and the Order of Canada. 

A mentor to many, he’s also known for supporting Canadian talent and charitable causes.

Photo credit: Heather Pollock

Margo Timmins

Social Work ’86
Season 14, Episode 13
Musical Guest

When Margo Timmins graduated from TMU’s social work program in 1986, she probably had no idea where her career was headed. Just one year earlier, she had formed the Cowboy Junkies (external link, opens in new window)  with her brothers Michael and Peter, along with friend Alan Anton. Their first album, Whites Off Earth Now!!, was produced in their garage. A year after Timmins graduated, Cowboy Junkies recorded their breakthrough album, The Trinity Session, in Toronto’s Church of the Holy Trinity, gaining critical acclaim and turning them into indie-rock sensations. Many publications, including The Los Angeles Times, named the record one of the 10 best albums of 1988.

On Feb. 18, 1989, Timmins and Cowboy Junkies made a memorable appearance as musical guests on SNL (Season 14, Episode 13). The band performed their iconic hit, Sweet Jane, which has since become one of their most enduring tracks, amassing more than 42 million streams on Spotify.

Cowboy Junkies’ international fan base has remained strong, thanks to regular tours and continued acclaim for its albums. They released their most recent album, Such Ferocious Beauty, in 2023. 

Timmins is a TMU Alumni Achievement Award recipient and a member of the Order of Ontario. Cowboy Junkies have been inducted into both the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Tyler Stewart

Radio and Television Arts ’90
Season 24, Episode 12
Musical Guest

Tyler Stewart joined Barenaked Ladies (external link)  in the summer of 1990, shortly after graduating from the TMU’s Radio and Television Arts program. Fulfilling the trio’s desire for a real kit drummer, Stewart’s infectious energy and musical talent has helped to shape the band’s unique sound for 35 years.

On Feb. 6, 1999, Stewart and Barenaked Ladies graced the stage as musical guests on SNL (Season 24, Episode 12). They performed their hit song It’s All Been Done, from their fourth studio album, Stunt (1998), which became a defining track for the band.

Since appearing on SNL, Stewart and his bandmates have released 15 albums, sold more than 15 million albums, earned multiple Grammy nominations, won multiple Juno Awards and were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

Eric McCormack

Theatre Performance ’85, Honorary Doctor of Laws ’19 
Season 28, Episode 4
Host

Eric McCormack graduated from the School of Performance’s theatre program in 1985 and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2019. Since then, he has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages and gained international fame for his iconic role as Will Truman on the long-running television show Will & Grace.

On Nov. 2, 2002, McCormack hosted SNL (Season 28, Episode 4), while Will & Grace was the highest-rated sitcom among adults aged 18–49.  At the height of his popularity, McCormack used the opportunity to joke about fan assumptions and took a fun approach to answering audience questions, even breaking into song.

Throughout his career, McCormack has earned numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his role on Will & Grace. He has also been inducted into both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame, received the Stratford Festival Legacy Award, and was honoured with a TMU Alumni Award of Distinction.

Photo credit: Nia Vardalos/Jana Cruder/ABP Speakers/NBC

Nia Vardalos

Former student in Theatre Performance
Season 28, Episode 5
Host

Nia Vardalos studied Theatre Performance at TMU and later became part of the Second City cast in both Toronto and Chicago. She then skyrocketed to international fame with her film My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The movie was a critical and commercial hit, earning Vardalos nominations for acting and writing at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards, along with an Independent Spirit Award and a People’s Choice Award.

On November 9, 2002, Vardalos hosted SNL (Season 28, Episode 5), just a week after Eric McCormack. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “Hosting was the most terrifying and exhilarating process I have ever been through and I loved it! I went to NYC a week early to watch Eric host and it looked so fun! Fun fact: I was in Second City Chicago with Rachel Dratch, who was also in the SNL cast. Our Chicago producers, Joyce and Cheryl Sloane, were so thrilled that we were both in the show, they sent a crate of Eli’s Cheesecakes!”

Vardalos’ career has continued to flourish in Hollywood, with notable acting, writing and directing credits for two My Big Fat Greek Wedding sequels, as well as voice work in various animated films. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of her memoir Instant Mom, donating all proceeds to adoption charities and a New York Times Critic’s Pick playwright. Vardalos holds the distinction of being the only woman to have ever solo-written a film franchise, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding remains one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time, as well as the top romantic comedy in history.

Photo credit: Lesley Morphy

Lesley Morphy

Interior Design ’01
Season 38, Episode 11
Set Designer

At the age of 24, School of Interior Design alumna Lesley Morphy arrived in New York City with little more than a hockey bag of clothes, a pocketful of cash and a dream that anything was possible. Five years later, she founded This Is Lester (external link, opens in new window) , an event production and experiential marketing company with locations in New York and Los Angeles. Specializing in artfully designed experiences and bold, multi-day programs, her company has partnered with top brands like Stanley, Armani Beauty and FX Networks.

On Jan. 19, 2013, Morphy designed the set for The Lumineers’ musical guest performance on SNL (Season 38, Episode 11 ). Reflecting on her SNL gig, Morphy shared:

“Working on SNL was such a unique experience because I’d watched the show my whole life,  and of all the superstars I’d been on set with, it was something that just felt surreal. It was a total career highlight. It really felt like a big career moment, especially at that time.” 

In addition to collaborating with major artists and brands, Morphy has lent her talents to mission-driven projects like the One Earth Global Concert and the United Nations’ global sustainability campaign. She has also been a guest speaker with youth at universities, the YMCA and inner-city arts programs, inspiring them to explore the possibilities of a future in the creative arts.