“Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels announced earlier this month that changes to the cast will occur before the next season. The adjustments are starting to unfold this week.
Here’s a quick look at who is leaving “SNL” and who is set to return.
Devon Walker (out)
Comedian Devon Walker confirmed his departure from the show in an Instagram post on Monday.
“Me and the baby have broken up,” he shared, along with a series of behind-the-scenes photos. He likened his work in the industry to “a bunch of small marriages.”
Walker, who spent three seasons on “SNL,” played notable figures, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former NFL player Michael Strahan from “Good Morning America.”
“I did the show for three years, and it was really cool at times,” he reflected. “But it had its toxic moments as well. Still, we made the best of it amid all the dysfunction.”
James Austin Johnson (in)
Michaels also confirmed that James Austin Johnson will be back, continuing his role as President Trump. Johnson joined “SNL” in the 47th season back in 2021.
Emil Wakim (out)
On Wednesday, Emil Wakim announced he would not be returning to the show.
“I won’t go back to SNL next year,” he wrote on Instagram. “It was a gut punch, but I’m very grateful for my time there.”
He revealed that he learned about his departure while celebrating a friend’s birthday at Six Flags, saying it hit him hard. “I went for a really emotional walk,” he recounted, looking back on his experience.
“Every time I see that building, I think how crazy it was to work there. It was terrifying yet thrilling, and I really missed it. All the wonderful people there felt like home.”
Celeste Im (out)
Celeste Im announced on Instagram that after five seasons, they were let go from the show.
“Five seasons later, I’m leaving my job on Saturday Night Live,” Im shared, noting that Lorne hired them over the phone when they were just 23. It was a dream come true, albeit a challenging one.
Im, the show’s first transgender cast member, acknowledged the support of friends during their tenure. “I cried at random famous men, and some famous girls too,” they wrote, emphasizing the laughter and growth they experienced while on the show.
Colin Jost and Michael Che (unknown)
There are rumors swirling about Colin Jost and Michael Che potentially stepping down as co-anchors of “SNL” and “Weekend Update.”
Reports suggest that fellow cast member Michael Longfellow and writer KC Shornima conducted screen tests in May. However, it appears Longfellow himself might not return for Season 51, as he hasn’t publicly addressed the ongoing changes.
