Ego Nwodim’s departure from “Saturday Night Live” marks a significant cast change as the show gears up for its 51st season. Nwodim shared on Instagram that she will not be returning, reflecting on her time on the show and expressing gratitude towards the creator, Lorne Michaels, and her colleagues for their support and friendship during her seven seasons on SNL.
The announcement follows recent reports confirming the finalization of the Season 51 cast, which includes five new members set to premiere on October 4. Ben Marshall, an existing SNL writer, will transition to a featured player role, alongside newcomers Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska, the only Canadian among the new additions.
In the midst of these changes, cast members Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow have already announced their departures through social media. While there are reports of Heidi Gardner also leaving, there has been no official confirmation. SNL creator Lorne Michaels had hinted at anticipated changes following the show’s 50th season, with the expectation of a shake-up in the cast.
Despite the shifts, one cast member guaranteed to return is James Austin Johnson, known for his portrayal of U.S. President Donald Trump. “Saturday Night Live,” which has been on air since 1975, has a history of evolving its cast and has seen a diverse range of talents over the years, from John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd to Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson.
