'SNL' Stars Bowen Yang, Marcello Hernandez, Chloe Fineman, among others, Share their Reactions to Cast Departure
Saturday Night Live Bids Farewell to Eight Cast Members
In a significant shakeup, eight cast members of Saturday Night Live have announced their departures, marking the most substantial cast departure since 2022. The departing cast members include Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim, among others.
Michael Longfellow, who has been a part of the show for three seasons, shared the news on Instagram, expressing gratitude for his time on the show. His post was met with heartfelt responses from fellow cast members and Saturday Night Live veterans. Lorne Michaels, the executive producer, and cast member Kenan Thompson had previously teased that cast changes were likely.
Emil Wakim, who joined the show last season, shared on social media that his departure was not his choice. His post was met with supportive comments from his colleagues, with Chloe Fineman expressing her regret at no longer being able to play his pregnant wife in sketches. Molly Shannon, a former cast member who returned to host in 2023, commented, "Yellow room forever u can play as many bones songs as u want."
Heidi Gardner, who was a cast member for eight seasons, has yet to comment on her departure on social media. The search results only report on cast departures including Gardner's, but no mention of a response to her account on social media was found.
Devon Walker, who departed after three seasons, received a heartfelt message from Chloe Fineman on Instagram, saying, "I'll miss being your pregnant wife all the time!!". Marcello Hernández commented on Longfellow's post, saying "Love bro, thank you for letting me cfb whenever."
The news has sparked reactions from current and former Saturday Night Live stars. Bowen Yang responded to Longfellow's post, writing "Jesus WAS Chinese. I love you Michael." Fineman commented on Wakim's post, saying "Your such a stat and I'll miss sitting next to the best dressed man at table read!!"
It's unclear if more people are expected to leave the show ahead of the season 51 premiere on Oct. 4. Former castmember Punkie Johnson responded to Wakim's social media post, saying "Omg at first glance I thought this was a birthday post...this is really truly surprising...I'm glad you are focusing on the good and are proud of yourself and the work you put in... You a legend baby... Outside ain't bad. Welcome back."
Longfellow replied to Hernández, saying "the ps5, shes yours now brother." As the show prepares for a new season, the departing cast members leave behind a lasting impact on Saturday Night Live, and fans eagerly await the new talent that will join the iconic show.
