John Belushi, Chris Farley and Phil Hartman, SNL Deaths

SNL is one of the longest running and beloved TV shows of all time, with many of the top comedy stars in Hollywood history coming from its roster. But the show has also had more than its share of tragedy over the years, with far too many of its top stars going on to die young.

Three of the best known SNL stars who died too soon were John Belushi, ,Chris Farley and Phil Hartman. Belushi, one of the original cast members from the 70s, was long known for serious drug problems, which finally did him in. Chris Farley who grew up idolizing Belushi, wound dup going down his same tragic path as he died under similar circumstances of a drug overdose, after many failed attempmpts at drug rehab and for treatment to overcome his depression.

Phil Hartman died within six months of fhis friend Farley, in an equally stunning tragedy where his mentally troubled wife killed him, beore taking her own loife. Another tragic death that should be noted was original cast member Gilda Radner, who passed of concer after a long and impressive career, and a longtime marriage to Gene Wilder.

John Belushi, Chris Farley and Phil Hartman, SNL Deaths
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Eleven years ago, Saturday Night Live alum Phil Hartman was murdered by his wife. Due to the tragic nature of his death, as well as other high-profile deaths of former SNL cast members, the media was abuzz with talk of an SNL curse. In 31 seasons, 118 cast members have appeared on the show and seven of them have died. That's only a five-percent fatality rate. While there probably isn't a curse, here is a chronological look at the deaths of seven former cast members...

John Belushi, Chris Farley and Phil Hartman, SNL Deaths