Joe Piscopo

In 1980, Joe Piscopo was hired by  Saturday Night Live in a last “ditch-attempt” to keep the show on the air. At the time, the entire cast was brand new, with viewers not appreciating the change-up of their former favorites. Luckily, Piscopo alongside Eddie Murphy were able to win fans over through sheer wit and charm.

Making a reasonable $35,000 per episode, Joe decided that it was time to bid adieu in 1984 to get his foot in the door with movies. The actor was hoping for a measure of success similar to what Eddie Murphy had seen but had no such luck. Though he did receive moderate roles in several TV shows and movies.