Saturday Night Live is the home to some of Hollywood's most beloved comedians, introducing the world to household names like Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, Molly Shannon and many more. Today (Aug. 22), we celebrate the 42nd birthday of one of the show's former leading ladies: Kristen Wiig. A day without laughter is pointless, but with Wiig around, that shouldn't be a problem. Enjoy some of her funniest characters with us.
The Oscar-nominated actress is just as funny as she is personable. Wiig's talent is easily seen throughout the variety of characters she's portrayed on both the small and big screen. She's played over 30 unique personalities on both SNL and in films, but the following list of quirky characters managed to stand out from the bunch. The list includes a really helpful sales clerk, a sometimes unbelievable overachiever, an eccentric housewife and more.
As Wiig currently prepares for her upcoming role in the reboot of Ghostbusters, we're taking a look back at some of her funniest and most memorable moments.
Target Lady
Wiig's rendition of a Target sales associate hit the nail on the head. Whether it was recommending products the customers weren't interested in or taking 30 minutes to ring up one item, this was one character you loved to hate. Target Lady instantly became a fan favorite for the late night sketch show and an iconic role for the actress.
Penelope
Have you ever met someone who tried really hard to prove they were better than you? Someone who always had to have the spotlight? Well, that person has nothing on Penelope.
Drunk Bridesmaid
Hands down one of the most memorable and hilarious scenes from the box office smash hit, Bridesmaids. In this scene, Wiig is under the influence on an airplane and desperately trying to make her way to first class with the rest of the bridal party, but unfortunately the flight attendants won't let her. This scene alone was filled with several quotable lines.
Shanna
Don't judge a book by its cover. Shanna might entice you with her looks and seductive voice, but that's about as far as it goes. Wiig's charachter Shanna manages to turn sexual innuendos into really awkward and laughable situations.
Surprised Sue
There's something you need to know about Sue: she really loves surprises! Some of her many catch phrases include, "Oh my God" and "I'm so freaking excited!" Although she may love surprises, Sue is horrible about keeping secrets. Watch as Wiig attempts to control her enthusiasm for surprises while planning with the rest of her co-workers.
Disney Housewife
In this sketch, SNL imagines how the Disney princesses would act as housewives, featuring Rapunzel, Belle, Snow White, Jasmine, and Wiig as Cinderella. It seems even princesses deal with arguments and catty best friends.
Chani Lastnamé
In the original Anchorman, we followed the love story of Ron Burgundy and Veronica Corningstone, but in Anchorman 2, true love blossomed between Brick Tamland and Chani Lastnamé. The two most absent minded characters of the movie had a slow start but fans couldn't help but root for them in the end.
