Ego Nwodim is saying goodbye to Saturday Night Live after seven unforgettable seasons.
“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,” Nwodim wrote in an Instagram post. “But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always.”
Nwodim’s departure follows a major cast shake-up at the late-night sketch show, which had initially been thought to have wrapped up smoothly. Variety reports that circumstances changed for Nwodim after final announcements were made, prompting her to pursue new opportunities outside the show.
While the exact reasons for her exit remain private, it’s notable that Nwodim was particularly close to fellow cast member Heidi Gardner, who is also leaving the show. Gardner, 40, joined SNL in 2017 and became the longest-serving member to depart ahead of Season 51 this October. Multiple outlets reported her exit in August, though she has not publicly commented.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 21: Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner attend The American Museum of Natural History’s 2019 Museum Gala at American Museum of Natural History on November 21, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
“We have a very special relationship,” Nwodim said of Gardner during a 2024 interview with The Wrap. “The show is so grueling and your dressing room is a safe haven. I feel really fortunate that, in our case, it went so well.” Gardner added, “What I learned the most in that time about Ego was how respectful and wonderful she is.”
Reflecting on their careers at SNL, Gardner said, “I’m grateful that we’re getting to spread our wings, so I want to enjoy that for a little bit.” Nwodim added, “I feel like I will know when it’s time to go. Even if it is scary to make that leap, part of what I’ve become accustomed to is the uncertainty, the question marks and making bold choices. That time will make itself clear to me, and I’m in no rush to discern when that is or isn’t just yet.”
Other departures from the cast include Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow, who joined between 2022 and 2024. Longfellow’s exit surprised many fans, who had speculated he might take over as a Weekend Update anchor in the future.
Longtime SNL member Bowen Yang also commented on the shake-up during the September 10 episode of his podcast “Las Culturistas,” praising Gardner as “one of the greats” and “a true anchor on that show.” Yang highlighted Gardner’s generosity, noting that she often wrote sketches for other cast members, including a Weekend Update feature performed by former cast member Punkie Johnson. “It was one of the most beautiful, kindest gestures I’ve ever seen at that show,” Yang said. “Her heart was so big. … You knew you were in good hands with sketches she worked on.”
