In 1995, Steve Carell auditioned for the show, along with his wife, Nancy Carell. She was cast, he was not. The following season, he was cast as the voice of Gary in the recurring animated segment "The Ambiguously Gay Duo." When he hosted the show in 2005, Carell stated that Will Ferrell beat him for the spot.
When Kenan Thompson, born in 1978, was hired for the 29th season (2003-2004), he became the first cast member born after the show premiered in 1975.
Contrary to popular belief, Chevy Chase is not banned from ever hosting the show again. In the official SNL book Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live, numerous cast members recalled Chase insulting the cast and crew. According to Terry Sweeney, Chase made homophobic remarks to Sweeney, who is openly gay. According to Will Ferrell, Chase was the worst host during his time on the show. Chase has continued to make cameo appearances on the show, but hasn't hosted since 1997. Because of this, a persistent rumor started that Chase was banned from ever hosting the show. Lorne Michaels denied the ban in a 2018 Washington Post article on Chase, stating his non-hosting since 1997 was just generational.
Don Pardo announced his retirement twice, in 2004 and in 2009. Both times, he was convinced to return. He would fly to New York City every week from his house in Arizona. In 2010, Pardo was allowed to record his intros from his home, and have them sent to New York City. Pardo remained with the show until shortly before his death, on August 18, 2014, at the age of 96.