The fact that Paul Simon makes this list is especially impressive considering the fact that he's not an actor and has never pursued an acting career. He was on the show a handful of times during its early years, and was game for doing whatever they needed while they were still trying to work out the show's identity. He always had a very natural delivery and an impeccable sense of comedic timing. Even when he was dressed in a bird costume, confronting Lorne Michaels about the ridiculousness of the skit he was about to be on. Usually the musical guests are just kind of there, and if they're featuring in the sketches at all it's usually very obvious and on the nose, but Paul Simon brought something very fresh to the fledgling program. There's a certain world-weary air that some people have, where they seem perpetually exasperated and wondering if life really has to be this difficult all the time. It's probably a bit of a downer in real life, but on live television it's hilarious, and Paul Simon had it in spades. His guest spots were always very memorable and even touching, none more so than when he performed The Boxer the weekend after the World Trade Center attacks.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
