Every Cast Member Leaving SNL Before Season 51 (So Far)

Heidi Gardner

The biggest name leaving the show so far is veteran Heidi Gardner. She joined the show in 2017 for season 43 and got promoted to main cast for season 45. The versatile and talented Gardner has yet to make any statement about her departure, but she was long one of SNL‘s standouts. And after eight years, it seems likely she is leaving on her own. Gardner’s exit makes Ego Nwodim the longest tenured woman in the cast.

Devon Walker

Devon Walker was the first cast member let go ahead of season 51. His departure was definitely not expected after three seasons. Lorne Michaels elevated Walker to the main cast ahead of the show’s 50th. But Walker had since said told Rolling Stone the decision mutual one between him and the show. “We decided together that it was time to go our separate ways,” he said.

He also wrote in an Instagram post announcing his exit that “sometimes it was really cool” working on the show, but that “sometimes it was toxic as hell,” too.

Michael Longfellow

Walker isn’t the only cast member leaving after three seasons. Michael Longfellow is also exiting the show despite earning a promotion to the main cast ahead of season 50. Only unlike Walker, his departure was not a mutual one. On Instagram he wrote, “Will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL. Wish I was but, so it goes.” Despite his disappointment, Longfellow expressed gratitude for his time on the iconic show.

Emil Wakim

The most shocking exit thus far is Emil Wakim’s after just one season. The funny standup made a mark during his first and now only year with appearances on Weekend Update. However, he didn’t feel out of place in sketches, either. Wakim definitely did not see this firing coming. He called it a “gut punch” on Instagram. But in a testament to his comedic chops, he turned a massive disappointment into something funny, which you can see on his IG page.

We’ll update this list if Saturday Night Live announces anymore departures from the cast.