SNL Cast Members You May Not Know Died

May 2024 · 2 minute read

Tony Rosato has always had a thing for comedy — even before he joined the "Saturday Night Live" cast in 1981. After immigrating from Naples, Italy to Canada, Rosato began appearing on the Toronto-based comedy sketch show "SCTV" in the late 1970s. When he joined "SNL," he became one of only three performers to serve as a cast member on "SCTV" and "SNL," per Entertainment Weekly. Additionally, Rosato was known for his impression of John Belushi during an episode of "SCTV" (via Fandom). Rosato left "SNL" in 1982 to pursue other acting opportunities. His other screen credits include "Night Heat," "Due South," "Lonesome Dove," "L.A. Law," and two animated Super Mario Bros. shows (via IMDb).

Rosato died in his Toronto home on Jan. 10, 2017, at the age of 62. His agent Ryan Goldhar told Variety at the time that he died of a heart attack. Responding to the news of Rosato's death, the "SCTV" staff described him as a "warm, wonderful and extremely funny man" and added (via Entertainment Weekly), "In the last few years, Tony returned to Second City as a student and performer, sharing his wealth of experience, humour and charm with our students. He was truly loved by the students and faculty with whom he shared a stage. Our condolences go out to his family, peers and so many friends."

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