John Belushi had a particularly tough time dealing with Chase’s sudden fame and began acting out in response. “Belushi devised ways of dodging Chase’s shadow,” Morrison writes. “…The network rented one limousine to ferry the host around each week.

I know what the ingredients are, but not the recipe,” Lorne Michaels told NBC executives, who were skeptical as he lined up actors he knew (see: Gilda Radner, star of a Canadian production of Godspell) and actors he didn’t (see: an Albanian American from Chicago named John Belushi).

The three-hour extravaganza comes after months of celebrations of “Saturday Night Live,” which premiered Oct. 11, 1975, with an original cast that included John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner.

A three-hour extravaganza celebrating the 50th anniversary of “SNL” comes after months of celebrations of “Saturday Night Live,” which premiered Oct. 11, 1975, with an original cast that included John Belushi,

Though the original cast of Saturday Night Live was stacked with future comedy legends including Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner holds a special place in the heart of comedy fans.

Back in 1975 when the first “Saturday Night Live” was broadcast, I remember being at my aunt’s house in Framingham, Massachusetts and being amazed at the show. I was brought to tears watching Janis Ian singing “At Seventeen” and laughed out loud at the antics of George Carlin. Over the years, after going dancing (usually at The Sugar Shack, which catered to an under 21 crowd) I’d come home, put on my pjs and watch the end of “Saturday Night Live.” I’d watch videos of Mr. Bill and see what trouble he got into plus skits that included regulars Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner. And to be honest, some of the skits hit the mark and some missed it. Over the years I’d only occasionally catch the show and now, with bedtime a lot earlier than when I was a teen, I can maybe stay up to see the opening monologue, which is on at 11:30 p.m. on (when else?) Saturday night. So on Sunday night I was eager to see “SNL50: The Anniversary Special.” I was excited to see the return of some of the best comedians that (in my opinion) comedy has ever produced – many of whom started at SNL: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy – to name just a few. I’ve never been a huge fan of the show’s musical guests though I did make sure to watch when the Foo Fighters and John Mayer were on. I did see some of Sunday’s performers (though I totally didn’t get the performance by Lil Wayne) and overall was glad I stuck around. There were a couple of different directions Sunday’s show could have explored: a retrospective of previous years’ skits highlighting the talents of its castmates or performing totally new skits. SNL50 chose to mix it up by incorporating some past favorites that included a new “Lawrence Welk” skit with Will Ferrell as Robert Goulet and the Maharelle Sisters (Ana Gasteyer, Kim Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Wiig’s Dooneese). On Sunday, a bunch of stars were showcased during a “question and answer” session with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The skit was a great opportunity to feature the many stars who made sure to attend the celebration. Though I thought Sunday’s show was a lot of fun it did remind me of the passage of time. Many of the stars have died, either due to self-inflicted injuries, disease or nefarious acts. As for me – some wrinkles have landed on my face and more than a few pounds have called my body “home.” But on Sunday I was a teenager again waiting for those words, “It’s Saturday Night!”

Live,” premiered Oct. 11, 1975, with an original cast that included John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner. It’s become appointment television over the years as the show has skewered presidents, politics and pop culture and been a platform for the biggest musical stars of the moment.

Live” celebrated its three-hour 50th anniversary special on NBC over the weekend. Take a look at the best moments of the evening at Radio City Music Hall. SNL made its debut Oct. 11, 1975, featuring cast members John Belushi,

Boy, does my brother know how to make an entrance,” Jim said of the duo’s first appearance on ‘SNL’ Jim Belushi is sharing fond memories of The Blues Brothers’ first appearance on Saturday Night Live.

John Belushi had a particularly tough time dealing with Chase’s sudden fame and began acting out in response. “Belushi devised ways of dodging Chase’s shadow,” Morrison writes. “…The network rented one limousine to ferry the host around each week.

On October 11, 1975, people tuning into the debut of a late-night comedy show saw something unlike any TV variety extravaganza they'd ever seen. Today, "Saturday Night Live," produced by Lorne Michaels,

Jim Belushi told PEOPLE 'Saturday Night Live' is among the "toughest things I've ever done," including divorce. Despite the challenges, he is "grateful" for his experience as a cast member.