The SNL Exodus: A Full List Of Every Cast Member Leaving Before Season 51
Contents
The Shocking Season 51 Exits: The Veterans and Rising Stars
The biggest wave of departures hit following the conclusion of the monumental Season 50. This shakeup saw the exit of two long-tenured female comedians and two promising featured players, marking a major turning point for the show.Ego Nwodim
- Role: Main Cast Member
- Tenure: 7 Seasons (2018–2025)
- Departure Status: Voluntary
- SNL Legacy: Nwodim quickly became one of the most reliable and versatile performers on the show, known for her incredible range and commitment to character. Her most memorable recurring characters include the dramatic, fast-talking social media influencer Lisa from "The Cut," and her pitch-perfect impressions of celebrities like Dionne Warwick and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock. Her decision to leave was announced on social media and was described as voluntary, concluding her seven-season run.
Heidi Gardner
- Role: Main Cast Member
- Tenure: 8 Seasons (2017–2025)
- Departure Status: Voluntary
- SNL Legacy: Having joined in Season 43, Gardner was the longest-tenured female cast member at the time of her exit, a testament to her consistency and popularity. She specialized in quirky, highly specific characters that often stole scenes. Her most famous creations include the perpetually confused and overly enthusiastic teen movie critic, Bailey Gismert, and Angel, the high-energy, exasperated girlfriend of every boxer. Her departure marks the end of an eight-season era, as she moves on to new projects.
Michael Longfellow
- Role: Main Cast Member (Promoted in Season 50)
- Tenure: 3 Seasons (2022–2025)
- Departure Status: Non-Mutual
- SNL Legacy: Longfellow established himself as the show's "Sultan of Snark," primarily known for his stand-up-style, deadpan delivery on the "Weekend Update" segment. His recurring bit as "Resident Boyfriend Michael Longfellow" discussing topics like "weaponized incompetence" was a fan favorite, showcasing his sharp, observational humor. His exit, which followed a promotion to the main cast just one season prior, was reported as a non-mutual decision, adding a layer of surprise to the shakeup.
Devon Walker
- Role: Main Cast Member (Promoted in Season 50)
- Tenure: 3 Seasons (2022–2025)
- Departure Status: Non-Mutual
- SNL Legacy: Walker, who joined the show in 2022, was a key voice in the new generation of talent, often appearing in sketches and alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che on "Weekend Update." A stand-up comedian from Texas, he was promoted to the main cast in 2024. Walker was one of the first cast members to publicly announce he "had not been asked back" for the new season, indicating a non-mutual parting of ways after three seasons.
The Season 50 Departures You Might Have Missed
Prior to the major shakeup leading into Season 51, three other featured players exited the show following the end of Season 49. These departures cleared the way for the new additions that premiered during the 50th-anniversary season.Punkie Johnson
- Role: Featured Player
- Tenure: 4 Seasons (2020–2024)
- SNL Legacy: Punkie Johnson brought a distinct, high-energy, and often raunchy comedic style to the show. She was a featured player for four seasons, joining in Season 46. Her presence was notable for her bold delivery and unique point of view, making her a standout in many sketches.
Molly Kearney
- Role: Featured Player
- Tenure: 2 Seasons (2022–2024)
- SNL Legacy: Molly Kearney made history when they joined the cast for Season 48, becoming the first openly nonbinary cast member on *Saturday Night Live*. During their two seasons, Kearney was a memorable presence, often showcasing their background as a stand-up comedian. Their inclusion was a significant moment for representation in the show's history.
Chloe Troast
- Role: Featured Player
- Tenure: 1 Season (2023–2024)
- SNL Legacy: Chloe Troast was the sole addition to the cast for Season 49 and quickly became a fan favorite, despite a short tenure. Known for her musicality and commitment to character, she was a one-season cast member—a notably short run for an *SNL* performer—but she managed to garner recognition for conceiving and starring in several memorable sketches, including the popular "Get That Boy" bit.
New Blood: Who Is Joining the Cast?
The departures are always paired with fresh faces, a necessary cycle that keeps the long-running sketch show vital. Lorne Michaels and the *SNL* team have brought in three new featured players to replenish the roster. These new comedians are poised to make their mark on the show's upcoming seasons.Ashley Padilla
Ashley Padilla is an American comedian and actress who joined the show as a featured player for Season 50. Her background includes being a member of the prestigious Groundlings Main Company, a common pipeline for *SNL* talent, which suggests a strong foundation in sketch comedy and improvisation. Padilla is expected to bring a polished, versatile style to the ensemble.
Emil Wakim
Emil Wakim is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer based in Brooklyn, New York. His addition is notable as he is the first Lebanese cast member on *Saturday Night Live*. Wakim has a background in stand-up and was previously selected as a New Face of Comedy, bringing a fresh, observational comedic voice to the show.
Jane Wickline
Jane Wickline, a Los Angeles native, also joined the cast as a featured player for Season 50. Wickline is a comedian, actress, and musician who has quickly made waves in the entertainment world. Her training and background suggest a blend of musical and character-driven comedy, which will be a welcome addition to the cast's dynamic as they navigate the post-veteran era.
The Ever-Evolving SNL Roster and Topical Authority
The sheer number of cast members leaving *Saturday Night Live* over a two-season period—seven total, including four major names ahead of Season 51—underscores the natural, yet often painful, cycle of the show. While the exits of veterans like Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim are significant losses, they follow a long tradition of star performers leaving to pursue major film and television careers. The non-mutual departures of Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker, however, point to the show's constant need to prune the roster and seek out the next generation of breakout stars. The infusion of new talent like Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline ensures that *SNL* maintains its topical authority and continues to evolve its comedic voice for a new audience.Detail Author:
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