Black Comedians on SNL: Eddie Murphy to Sasheer Zamata

A history of the legendary comedy show.

Critics' Darling - Sasheer has been a standout force in media by capturing the attention of critics. Her Web series Pursuit of Sexiness was ranked among Variety’s Top Web Series of 2013. Also, citing that “her star is on the rise,” Cosmo listed Sasheer as a Funny Woman to Watch in 2014.   (Photo: Sasheer Zamata via Instagram)
Garrett Morris - The legendary comedian has appeared in everything from Saturday Night Live to The Jamie Foxx Show. He was the first Black cast member on SNL in 1975.(Photo by Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic)
Eddie Murphy: April 3 - The celebrated comedian and actor marks his 53rd birthday.  (Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images)NUP_147329_0004

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Sasheer Zamata - SNL made its cast and writer's room more diverse this week by hiring three women of color to join their ranks. We celebrate newcomers Sasheer Zamata, LaKendra Tookes and Leslie Jones by looking back at all the Black talent on the late night sketch show. After a national controversy of no black women on the show, Zamata, a New York-based comedienne and member of the Upright Citizen's Brigade, joins SNL on January 18.  She is the first Black woman in the cast since Maya Rudolph.  We're rooting for her!(Photo: Sasheer Zamata via Instagram)

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