In a recent statement, Devon Walker, a former cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), reassured fans mourning his departure from the show. He emphasized that leaving SNL was merely a career transition, stating, “Yall acting like we died lol we just getting different jobs.” Walker's message came in response to a fan on X, who expressed heartfelt wishes for him and fellow cast member Michael Longfellow.
This year’s annual cast-trimming has significantly affected fans, especially with the exit of popular personalities like Walker, Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Heidi Gardner. These departures are part of a larger shake-up orchestrated by producer Lorne Michaels, which also includes writers Rosebud Baker and Celeste Yim. Such changes are often met with mixed emotions from the audience, who have developed strong attachments to the cast over the years.
Prior to the announcements regarding Gardner and Yim, 2020-2024 cast member Punkie Johnson shared her support on Instagram, welcoming Walker, Wakim, Longfellow, and Baker back to the “outside.” Despite the outpouring of sympathy, Walker seems to be embracing this new chapter, as reflected in his Instagram Story where he declared, “Just to be clear, this is good news! It was just time for me to do something different. Please don’t be hitting me with the ‘I’m so sorry’ — we not on that at ALL.”
While Walker is optimistic about the future, both Longfellow and Wakim have expressed feelings of nostalgia and disappointment regarding their departures. Longfellow confirmed his exit from SNL, stating, “Will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL. Wish I was but, so it goes. It was the best three years of my life so far.” His heartfelt message conveyed gratitude towards Lorne Michaels and the SNL team, highlighting how the experience profoundly impacted his life.
Wakim also shared his sentiments on Instagram, revealing the emotional weight of his departure. He reflected, “i won’t be returning to snl next year. it was a gut punch of a call to get but i’m so grateful for my time there.” He reminisced about the thrill of working at SNL and expressed his excitement for future endeavors, stating, “here’s to making more art without compromise.”
As these talented individuals embark on new journeys, the SNL community and fans alike can look forward to their future projects. Walker's candid and humorous approach to the situation serves as a reminder that changes in the entertainment industry are often just new beginnings rather than endings. As they move forward, fans will undoubtedly continue to support their favorite comedians in their upcoming endeavors.
