Heidi Gardner’s First Role Post-SNL
Heidi Gardner is making a comeback. After her unexpected departure from “Saturday Night Live” this past August, she’s landed a new role. This project is particularly exciting as it’s produced by her former boss, Lorne Michaels.
At 42 years old, the star of ‘Shrinking’ is set to join an impressive lineup of comedians on Broadway in the production titled “All Out: A Comedy About Ambition.” The show will have a limited run of 12 weeks, starting on December 12 at the Nederlander Theater.
The play is said to complement Simon Rich’s popular “All In: A Comedy About Love,” featuring Gardner and 14 other comedians who will take turns in groups of four sharing funny tales about ego, envy, and the everyday life of New Yorkers.
Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers and supported by original music from the pop group Lawrence, the production is brought to life by Michaels, aged 80, and the Broadway company Seaview.
Gardner will perform alongside Jason Mantzoukas from “The Good Place,” Craig Robinson of “The Office,” and fellow SNL alum Sarah Silverman, for a segment running from January 20 to February 15. Other notable guests include Jon Stewart, Ray Romano, and Jim Gaffigan.
The publication reached out to Gardner’s team for any comments regarding her new role.
Gardner, who joined SNL in 2017, left the series just weeks before its new season began, without much explanation. Reports suggest her contract was not renewed, with insiders mentioning that it was time for a fresh cast.
Gardner’s former colleague, Bowen Yang, who continues with SNL, recently complimented her, referring to her as “one of the all-time greats” during a podcast appearance last month.
Several other familiar faces also exited SNL, as it underwent significant changes ahead of its new season. Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow were among those who left.
Walker shared that his three-season tenure was both exciting and daunting, expressing how he’d miss the community that made SNL feel like home. Longfellow also voiced his sentiments, lamenting he wouldn’t get to return for a fourth season—though he cherished his experiences there.
As SNL kicks off its 51st season, five new cast members have been added, including Tommy Brennan and Jeremy Culhane, which adds another layer of anticipation regarding who might stand out this season.
There’s a competitive atmosphere to the show, as noted by biographer Susan Morrison. With only a few minutes of airtime available each week, it often feels like a game, where the outcomes can shift dramatically before Saturday night airs.
Morrison suggested that perhaps this unpredictable nature is what infuses so much excitement into the program—something Michaels himself acknowledges as part of the process.
