SNL Faces Cast Shake-Up: Ego Nwodim Exits After Seven Seasons
Saturday Night Live (SNL) is undergoing significant changes as Ego Nwodim has decided to leave the show after seven seasons. This announcement comes after reports of other cast departures, signaling a potential shift in the show's dynamic for its upcoming 51st season. The season is set to begin on October 4th.
Ego Nwodim's Departure and Future Plans
Nwodim's decision was made after the cast for Season 51 was believed to be finalized. In a statement, she expressed immense gratitude for her time on the show. "The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL." She thanked Lorne Michaels, her castmates, the writers, and the crew for their support and friendship.
Following her departure, Nwodim is expected to pursue opportunities in film and television, having already starred in series like Peacock's Poker Face and Mr. Throwback and Netflix's Little Brother. "Dream come true. I want my other dreams to come true. I want to be in films and I want to do more TV as well," she told Deadline in 2023.
Other Cast Departures and New Additions
Nwodim's exit is part of a larger cast shake-up. Heidi Gardner, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker will also not be returning for Season 51. Bowen Yang spoke about the departures on his "Las Culturistas" podcast. He praised Gardner as "one of the greats" and "a true anchor" on the show. He also acknowledged the talent of Walker, Wakim, and Longfellow.
To fill the vacancies, five new comedians have been added to the cast: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall (from Please Don't Destroy), Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.
SNL's Evolving Landscape
The remaining cast members from last season, including Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernandez, James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline, are expected to return.
Lorne Michaels confirmed that the decision to reinvent SNL for Season 51 came after prioritizing keeping the core cast together for the show’s milestone 50th season. He explained that the changes needed to happen eventually.
Remembering Nwodim's Memorable Characters
Nwodim joined SNL in 2018 and quickly became a prominent cast member. She is known for her memorable characters, including Miss Eggy and Lisa from Temecula. Her impersonations, such as Dionne Warwick and Edith Puthie, also gained popularity. She also participated in the 50th-anniversary celebrations, calling it a "surreal experience" and a "special honor" to be part of the SNL family.
