Meet the Departing Stars: Who’s Leaving SNL Before Season 51?

Big changes are happening at Studio 8H as several cast members are saying goodbye to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) before its 51st season kicks off. This shift began on August 25 with Devon Walker announcing his exit on Instagram. He mentioned that while some moments on the show were fantastic, others were quite toxic. Following Walker, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner also confirmed their departures after multiple seasons.

Heidi Gardner, with eight seasons under her belt, was a standout female cast member. She shone in sketches and created memorable characters like the teenage movie critic Bailey Gismert. Her performances often brought infectious laughter, especially during her “Weekend Update” segments.

Michael Longfellow joined the cast in Season 48. He became popular for his wry humor during “Weekend Update.” He expressed gratitude for his time on the show, reflecting fondly on the friendships and experiences he gained. In his farewell post, he shared, “It was the best three years of my life so far.”

Devon Walker joined in 2022, noted for his impressive impressions, including those of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. However, he too shared mixed feelings about his experience, saying it was sometimes “really cool” and at other times “toxic.” He called the cast a “messed-up family.”

Emil Wakim, who spent just one season on SNL, is also moving on. He played characters such as Luigi Mangione and discussed his heritage during “Weekend Update,” tackling stereotypes with humor. Wakim described his exit as a gut punch but remained optimistic about future artistic endeavors.

As the show gears up for its October 4 premiere, there are speculations about more departures. Showrunner Lorne Michaels might be paving the way for new voices and fresh talent. In the world of comedy, change is constant, and SNL has a storied history of evolving its cast to keep the humor fresh and relevant.

According to recent statistics from a survey by the Writers Guild of America, around 60% of comedy writers have reported experiencing burnout, especially in high-pressure environments like SNL. This reality might explain some of the departures, as comedians seek healthier work environments while pursuing their careers. As SNL evolves, it will be interesting to see who steps into these newly opened roles and how they reshape the show’s dynamic.

For those curious about who stays and who joins, stay tuned! The comedy landscape is changing, and so is SNL. Keep an eye on updates as the season unfolds.

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