Devon Walker has announced his exit from Saturday Night Live ahead of its 51st season, marking the start of what could be several cast departures.
Program creator Lorne Michaels has already revealed that the show’s lineup will undergo major changes before the new season begins.
So, aside from Walker, which other stars are leaving SNL?
Why Did Devon Walker Leave Saturday Night Live?
After three seasons, Walker announced his departure from Saturday Night Live in a post on Instagram.
Sharing a series of photos he captioned “me and baby broke up,” the 34-year-old star added a touch of humor to what could have been bittersweet news.
In a screenshot of his statement, he compared jobs in the entertainment industry to “little marriages”—some lasting a long time, others ending quickly.
“Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell,” he wrote. “But we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a f***ed up lil family.”
The stand-up comedian also expressed gratitude for the chance to work with SNL writers Alex English and Gary Richardson, who are also his cohosts on the Dad comedy show. The trio had previously run a bar show together before moving on to work at 30 Rock.
Walker went on to reveal his plans to appear in a “prestige drama” with Julianne Moore after returning from Japan, while wishing his followers “getting some money today.”
Despite the exit, the comedian still framed the news positively in his Instagram Story. “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,” he wrote. “Sometimes mom and dad just don’t see things eye to eye.”
Who Have Left Saturday Night Live So Far?
After Walker, Emil Wakim also announced his exit from SNL. However, unlike his co-star, the Lebanese-American comedian, who had just joined the show’s 50th season, insinuated that he was fired.
“I won’t be returning to SNL next year,” he posted on Instagram. “It was a gut punch of a call to get, but I’m so grateful for my time there.”
Wakim seemed to hint that he received the news while at a friend’s birthday at Six Flags, prompting an “emotional walk” around the park, during which he started “thinking about life” while staring at a lake.
“Every time I scanned into the building, I would think how insane it is to get to work there,” he continued. “It was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life, and I will miss it dearly, along with all the brilliant people who made it feel like home.”
The comedian also thanked Michaels for giving him the opportunity and changing his life, saying he felt lucky to “bring some” of himself to the show.
Behind the scenes, two longtime writers have also confirmed their exits ahead of Season 51. Rosebud Baker, a key contributor to Weekend Update, and Celeste Yim, known for their distinctive voice and for being the show’s first openly transgender writer, have both left.
Their departures follow Michaels’ earlier remarks that changes were expected after SNL’s historic 50th season.
“It’ll be announced in a week or so,” he told Puck News.
With that, fans can likely expect more exit announcements in the coming weeks.
Keep it locked on Epicstream, your go-to source for film, TV, and celebrity news!