Ego Nwodim will not be returning to “Saturday Night Live” for Season 51.
The fan-favorite comedian, who first joined the cast in 2018 during Season 44, announced the news on Friday, Sept. 12, in an Instagram post.
“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,” Nwodim began. “But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave ‘SNL.’ I am immensely grateful to Lorne [Michaels] for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship.”
She continued: “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.”
She ended the post, teasing: “Now invite me to your weddings please!!!”
Nwodim‘s announcement comes over a week after the series announced five new cast members, which includes Upstate NY hater Kam Patterson. Over two weeks ago, the rest of the departing cast members’ exits were revealed.
Nwodim will leave alongside Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim.
In Nwodim’s post, she noted she decided to leave. However, not all of her counterparts had the same fate. Gardner’s contract was reportedly not renewed, while Longfellow and Wakim revealed that it wasn’t their decision to exit. Walker, however, revealed that his departure was a “mutual decision.”
Nwodim was best known for her over-the-top characters like Lisa from Temecula, Miss Eggy, and her portrayals of Edith Puthie and Dionne Warwick.
Season 51 is set to premiere on Saturday, Oct. 4. You can watch the upcoming season of “SNL” as well as stream all 50 seasons of “SNL” anytime on Peacock.
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