Devon Walker recently opened up about his departure from “Saturday Night Live,” calling the experience “toxic.” In an interview with Rolling Stone, he reflected on the decision, stating, “Honestly, I think it’s on me and the show.”
He noted, “I felt ready to leave, and I think the show felt ready to move on as well.” Walker had been part of the show since 2022, describing it as a significant commitment.
“I was just ready to do something else,” he added. It seemed like the right time for both him and the show.
Walker mentioned that participating in “SNL” meant missing out on several life events. He expressed a desire to explore a new chapter in his life, saying, “I believe both the show and I are ready to turn the page.”
Last week, he announced his exit in a social media statement, comparing work in the entertainment industry to a series of short-lived marriages. “Some may last but most are temporary, until they’re not,” he wrote.
Walker described the experience as having its ups and downs. “We made the most of it, even with all the chaos and dysfunction involved,” he said, capturing the mixed emotions of his time on the show.
His announcement comes as he joins a number of other cast members exiting ahead of Season 51, which is set to begin in October. Notable departures also include Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim.
This transition seems to signal broader changes happening within the iconic series, as head producer Lorne Michaels hinted at significant adjustments for the upcoming season.
