For nearly five decades,
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a cornerstone of American comedy, launching the careers of countless comedians and creating some of the most memorable characters in television history. From its debut in 1975, this late-night sketch comedy show, conceived by Lorne Michaels, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Known for its sharp satire, musical performances, and iconic sketches, SNL has shaped the landscape of comedy, influencing generations of performers and audiences alike.
The show's ability to capture the zeitgeist, through both topical humor and timeless characters, has solidified its place as an enduring part of the
entertainment world. Over the years, SNL has given us a parade of characters that range from the hilariously absurd to the profoundly insightful. Whether it's the awkward charm of Mary Katherine Gallagher or the bombastic motivational speeches of Matt Foley, these characters have transcended their sketches to become beloved fixtures in pop culture.
Now, Funko has paid tribute to some of these legendary SNL characters with a special line of Funko Pop! figures. Each figure captures the essence of these iconic personalities, bringing a piece of SNL's rich history into your collection. Whether you're a long-time fan of the show or just discovering its brilliance, these Funko Pops! offer a nostalgic celebration of the characters that have kept us laughing for decades.
Pop! Mary Katherine Gallagher (#10)
Mary Katherine Gallagher, played by the incomparable Molly Shannon, is the epitome of awkward adolescence. Introduced in the mid-1990s, this Catholic schoolgirl was known for her bizarre and uncomfortable habits, like smelling her armpits and reciting dramatic monologues. Mary Katherine’s over-the-top antics, combined with her underlying vulnerability, made her a fan favorite almost instantly.
The Pop! Mary Katherine Gallagher figure perfectly captures the essence of this quirky character. Dressed in her classic school uniform—complete with a plaid skirt and cardigan—the figure embodies Mary Katherine’s awkward yet endearing personality. Her signature pose, with arms crossed and fingers pointing towards her armpits, is instantly recognizable to anyone who has seen the character in action. For fans of SNL, especially those who grew up in the 90s, this figure is a nostalgic reminder of Molly Shannon’s comedic genius and the character’s unforgettable sketches.
Pop! Herb Welch (#07)
Bill Hader’s Herb Welch is another character that has become synonymous with SNL’s legacy. Herb Welch is the epitome of the old-school, out-of-touch reporter. Constantly forgetting names, misinterpreting situations, and often physically attacking the people he interviews with his microphone, Herb Welch is both a hilarious and somewhat tragic figure—representing a bygone era of journalism.
The Pop! Herb Welch figure captures the character’s signature look with impeccable detail. From the thick-rimmed glasses to the grey hair and checkered blazer, this figure is a perfect representation of Herb Welch’s outdated style. He’s even holding his microphone, ready to bop someone on the head with it. For fans of Bill Hader’s work on SNL, this figure is a delightful tribute to one of his many unforgettable characters.
Pop! Ms. Rafferty (#11)
Another gem from the more recent era of SNL, Ms. Rafferty, played by Kate McKinnon, is the queen of bizarre alien abduction stories. Every time she’s featured in the "Close Encounter" sketches, she steals the show with her crude and hilariously inappropriate recounting of her experiences with extraterrestrials. While her fellow abductees often describe mystical and awe-inspiring encounters, Ms. Rafferty’s tales are far from glamorous—full of uncomfortable situations and unexpected humor.
The Pop! Ms. Rafferty figure is a perfect homage to this character’s distinct style and persona. Wearing her signature ill-fitting, patterned pants and a casual jacket, the figure is instantly recognizable. The unkempt hair and slightly dazed expression capture Ms. Rafferty’s rough-around-the-edges charm. For fans of Kate McKinnon’s brilliant comedic timing, this figure is a must-have addition to their collection.
Pop! Nick the Lounge Singer (#08)
No list of iconic SNL characters would be complete without a nod to the legendary Bill Murray. Nick the Lounge Singer, one of Murray’s most beloved characters, is a quintessential SNL creation—a parody of the cheesy, over-the-top lounge singers of the 70s. With his tacky outfits, questionable song choices, and exaggerated stage presence, Nick made every sketch a memorable one.
The Pop! Nick the Lounge Singer figure is a perfect representation of Murray’s character. Dressed in one of Nick’s classic, gaudy suits—complete with a colorful bow tie and ruffled shirt—this figure exudes the tacky charm that made Nick a fan favorite. Holding a microphone and ready to belt out a hilariously bad rendition of a pop hit, this Pop! figure is a nostalgic tribute to one of SNL’s greatest eras and one of its most beloved performers.
Pop! Matt Foley (#09)
Last, but certainly not least, is the unforgettable Matt Foley, played by the legendary Chris Farley. Matt Foley is the overzealous, disastrously unhelpful motivational speaker who famously "lives in a van down by the river." First appearing in 1993, Matt Foley quickly became one of Farley’s signature characters. His exaggerated mannerisms, booming voice, and physical comedy made every sketch featuring him an instant classic.
The Pop! Matt Foley figure is a spot-on recreation of this iconic character. With his oversized glasses, plaid jacket, and green tie, the figure perfectly captures Matt Foley’s disheveled, yet enthusiastic appearance. The figure’s pose, with arms akimbo and a determined expression, brings to mind Foley’s impassioned speeches that often ended with him crashing through a piece of furniture. For any SNL fan, especially those who grew up watching Farley’s unforgettable performances, this figure is a must-have piece of comedy history.
Bringing Saturday Night Live to Life: How to Create the Ultimate SNL-Themed Display with Your Funko Pops
So, you’ve just added the five iconic SNL Funko Pop! figures—Mary Katherine Gallagher, Herb Welch, Ms. Rafferty, Nick the Lounge Singer, and Matt Foley—to your collection. Congratulations! You’re now the proud owner of some of the most memorable characters in comedy history. But why stop at just collecting them? With a little creativity, you can turn these Funko Pops into a centerpiece that brings the magic of
Saturday Night Live right into your home.
Here’s how to create an SNL-themed display that not only showcases these beloved characters but also captures the spirit of the legendary show.
1. Set the Stage: Create a Miniature SNL Studio
To start, think about the iconic SNL set—the stage where so many unforgettable moments have happened. You can recreate this in miniature form as the backdrop for your Funko Pops. Here’s how:
- Backdrop: Print or paint a backdrop that mimics the famous SNL stage, complete with the logo. You can even add a small curtain or use fabric to give it that authentic look.
- Studio Lighting: Use small LED lights or fairy lights to simulate the bright stage lighting that SNL is known for. Place them around your display to make your figures pop and add that television studio feel.
- Stage Floor: Create a "stage" floor using a piece of wood, cardboard, or foam core painted black. You could even add a few small props, like a tiny microphone stand for Nick the Lounge Singer or a desk for Herb Welch.
2. Add Sketch-Specific Details
Each of your Funko Pops represents a character from a specific sketch, so why not include props or set pieces that are unique to each one? Here are some ideas:
- Mary Katherine Gallagher: Create a small classroom setup with a desk and chair, or replicate a school hallway with lockers in the background. You could also include a tiny bottle of cologne or other quirky props that Mary might use.
- Herb Welch: Set Herb up in front of a miniature news van or a backdrop that mimics a live news scene. You can even create small signs or news boards with funny headlines related to his sketches.
- Ms. Rafferty: Place her in a makeshift "government interrogation room" setup with simple chairs and a table, reflecting the "Close Encounter" sketches. You could also include tiny alien figures to enhance the scene.
- Nick the Lounge Singer: Craft a small lounge area with a piano or a bar counter in the background. You could also hang some disco balls or twinkling lights to give it that classic lounge vibe.
- Matt Foley: Recreate his infamous "basement" setting by adding a small couch or a piece of furniture that he might destroy during one of his motivational speeches. A tiny "Van Down by the River" sign would be a humorous touch!
3. Showcase the Characters’ Personalities
The beauty of these Funko Pops lies in the fact that they perfectly capture each character’s distinct personality. To make your display even more engaging, arrange the figures in a way that highlights their traits:
- Dynamic Poses: Arrange the figures in action poses that represent their famous moments. For example, have Matt Foley leaning forward as if he’s about to launch into a rant, or position Mary Katherine Gallagher in her classic armpit-sniffing pose.
- Character Interaction: Consider placing the figures in a way that suggests they’re interacting with each other. For instance, Nick the Lounge Singer could be serenading Ms. Rafferty, while Herb Welch is trying to interview Matt Foley about his latest motivational gig.
4. Add a Touch of Comedy
SNL is all about humor, so don’t forget to infuse your display with some comedic elements:
- Speech Bubbles: Create mini speech bubbles with famous quotes from each character. Use craft wire or clear plastic to make them look like they’re floating above the figures. Imagine Herb Welch exclaiming, "Back to you, Frank!" or Matt Foley shouting, "I live in a van down by the river!"
- Miniature TV Screens: You can craft tiny TV screens or tablets displaying scenes from SNL sketches. Place these screens behind or beside your figures to give the impression that they’re live on air.
5. Turn It into a Party Theme
If you’re planning to host a gathering or just want to take your display to the next level, consider using your SNL Funko Pop setup as the centerpiece of an SNL-themed party:
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth area with your Funko Pop display as the backdrop. Provide guests with props inspired by the characters, like oversized glasses, a plaid jacket, or a nun's habit for some hilarious snapshots.
- SNL Skit Marathon: Arrange your display near a TV or projector and have a marathon of classic SNL episodes or sketches featuring the characters. Your Funko Pops will serve as the perfect decor while everyone enjoys the comedy.
- Costume Contest: Encourage guests to come dressed as their favorite SNL characters. The winner could take home a Funko Pop or a custom mini-trophy shaped like the iconic SNL logo.
6. Share Your Creation
Once you’ve set up your SNL-themed display, don’t forget to share it with the world! Post photos on social media, tag fellow SNL fans and #hotstuff4geeks, and even challenge them to create their own setups. This not only spreads the fun but also connects you with a community of SNL enthusiasts who will appreciate your creative tribute to the show.
The Perfect Gift for Comedy Fans
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves comedy, these SNL Funko Pops! are a perfect choice. They’re not just figures; they’re pieces of television history that capture the spirit of some of SNL’s most memorable moments. Whether it’s the nostalgia of watching Nick the Lounge Singer croon another hit, the absurdity of Mary Katherine Gallagher’s antics, or the motivational disasters of Matt Foley, these figures are sure to bring a smile to any fan’s face.
Final Thoughts: A Celebration of SNL’s Legacy
As SNL celebrates 50 years of comedy, these Funko Pop! figures serve as a reminder of the show’s incredible impact on pop culture. Each figure is a tribute to the characters that have made us laugh, think, and sometimes even cringe over the years. Whether you’re a long-time fan or someone who has just discovered the magic of SNL, these figures are a fantastic way to celebrate the show’s rich history.
So, what are you waiting for? Add these iconic SNL Funko Pops! to your collection and relive the comedy moments that have stood the test of time.
