The Shocking SNL Exodus: 5 Stars Who Left Before Season 51 And Their Next Big Moves

The comedy world was rocked this summer by an unprecedented wave of departures from the iconic *Saturday Night Live* stage, with five major cast members confirming their exits ahead of the historic Season 51. As of late 2024, the shake-up is one of the largest in recent memory, signaling a dramatic shift in the cast dynamic at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

The sudden exodus includes two of the longest-tenured and most beloved female performers, along with three promising featured players. This article breaks down the full list of departing stars, their career highlights, and the immediate, high-profile projects they are moving on to, proving that for these comedians, leaving the late-night institution is just the beginning.

The Departing SNL Cast Members: A Complete Profile

The following profiles detail the five major cast members who will not be returning for *Saturday Night Live*'s 51st season, which premieres in late 2024.

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• Heidi Gardner
• Born: July 27, 1983 (Kansas City, Missouri)
• Years on SNL: 8 Seasons (2017–2024)
• Notable Characters & Impressions: Angel (Every Boxer's Girlfriend), teen film critic Bailey Gismert, Goop staffer Baskin Johns, Brie Bacardi, and impressions of Kristin Cavallari and Taylor Swift.
• Status: Left as the longest-tenured female cast member.
• Ego Nwodim
• Born: March 10, 1988 (Baltimore, Maryland)
• Years on SNL: 7 Seasons (2018–2024)
• Notable Characters & Impressions: Lisa from Temecula (The steak-cutting restaurant patron), Rich Auntie (No Kids), Judge, Edith Puthie, and impressions of Dionne Warwick and Laura Winslow.
• Status: Her departure was described as a "shocking" exit given her veteran status and popularity.
• Michael Longfellow
• Born: January 31, 1994 (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Years on SNL: 3 Seasons (2022–2024)
• Notable Sketches: His stand-up style bits on "Weekend Update," where he was frequently tipped as a potential successor to Colin Jost or Michael Che.
• Status: A surprising move after only three seasons, with reports emerging of "brutal details of his firing" being discussed at a comedy show.
• Devon Walker
• Born: February 13, 1991 (Austin, Texas)
• Years on SNL: 3 Seasons (2022–2024)
• Notable Sketches: Known for his dry wit and observational comedy, often appearing in sketches about modern life and culture.
• Status: Expressed that he felt "the show felt ready to leave me," indicating a mutual decision to move on to scripted television.
• Emil Wakim
• Born: March 11, 1998 (Bloomington, Indiana)
• Years on SNL: 1 Season (2023–2024)
• Notable Impact: Praised for bringing conversations about the Middle Eastern experience to the SNL stage, a rare voice on the show.
• Status: Left after a single season as a featured player, a common occurrence for newer cast members.

Why So Many Stars Left: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Mass Exodus

The departure of five cast members simultaneously is unusual and has prompted speculation about the future of the show. However, for most, the reason is simple: a desire for new, high-profile career challenges outside the demanding weekly grind of live sketch comedy.

For veterans like Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim, seven to eight seasons is a natural, often planned, endpoint. The traditional SNL contract runs for seven seasons, meaning their tenure had reached its natural conclusion, freeing them up to pursue major film, television, and stage roles without the time commitment of New York-based weekly television.

The exits of Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker, after only three seasons, were more surprising to fans. Longfellow’s exit, in particular, was rumored to be less of a choice and more of a dismissal, with the comedian reportedly sharing "brutal details of his firing" during a stand-up set. This suggests a creative decision by the show's producers to clear space and reset the cast dynamic.

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Emil Wakim’s single-season run is common for featured players who don't secure a full-time spot. The show is constantly auditioning new talent, and not every featured player is guaranteed a return. Wakim’s legacy, however, is notable for his unique perspective on the Middle Eastern experience, which was a fresh addition to the SNL landscape.

The Next Chapter: Major Projects for the Departing SNL Alumni

The immediate post-SNL projects for the departing cast members are already proving that they are ready for the spotlight, with many heading straight to Broadway, film, and new media ventures. This demonstrates the "SNL Bump"—the career acceleration that comes with the show's prestigious name.

Heidi Gardner's Broadway and Film Debut

Heidi Gardner has immediately lined up several high-profile projects, cementing her status as a major comedic force. She is set to star in the Broadway play *All Out: Comedy About Ambition*, a limited 12-week run that will see her share the stage with fellow SNL alumni Cecily Strong and Sarah Silverman. This move to the New York stage is a major step for the comedian.

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On the film side, Gardner is also joining the cast of the upcoming sequel *Scary Movie 6* and has completed work on the indie comedy *Transcending*. Fans will get to see her signature character work, like the beloved teen film critic Bailey Gismert, transitioned to the big screen.

Ego Nwodim's Return to Stand-Up and Stage

Ego Nwodim, known for creating unforgettable characters like the viral sensation Lisa from Temecula, is focusing on her roots in live comedy. She has lined up a new comedy show at Lincoln Center Theater's The Comedy Series in late 2024. This move allows her to explore longer-form material and connect directly with fans in a new setting, leveraging the topical authority she built over seven seasons.

Devon Walker's Dive into New Media

Devon Walker is moving into the podcast space with his new music-centric comedy podcast, *My Favorite Lyrics with Devon Walker*. While he expressed interest in scripted television roles on critically acclaimed shows like *The Bear* and *Severance*, his immediate focus is on developing his unique voice in the podcasting world.

Michael Longfellow’s Stand-Up Focus

While details on Michael Longfellow's next major scripted project are still emerging, his immediate focus is back on the stand-up circuit. His background as a touring comedian and his strong presence on "Weekend Update" suggest a future in film and television, but his recent candid comments about his SNL exit have made his stand-up shows must-see events for comedy fans.

The Legacy of SNL's Season 50: Topical Authority and Future Impact

The combined tenure of the departing cast represents a significant loss of experience and topical authority for *Saturday Night Live*. The show will need to quickly find replacements who can create recurring, viral characters. The legacy of performers like Gardner and Nwodim—who consistently delivered in sketches like "The Christmas Sweater" and "The Black Friday Game Show"—will be difficult to replace immediately.

The new cast for Season 51 will face the pressure of filling the void left by these five stars, particularly in the realm of celebrity impressions and recurring sketches. The shift is a reminder that *SNL* is a constant revolving door, but the suddenness and size of this particular exodus ensure that the show's next season will be one of the most closely watched in years.