Heidi Gardner and Michael Longfellow Leave SNL Following Devon Walker’s ‘Toxic Show’ Statement
Several cast changes are happening at Saturday Night Live this week. CNN confirmed on Thursday that Heidi Gardner and Michael Longfellow are leaving the sketch show. They are the third and fourth cast members to depart in just a few days.
Gardner has been part of SNL for eight seasons. She became known for playing quirky, neurotic characters, including the fan-favorite Angel, a boxer’s girlfriend from countless imaginary films.
Longfellow spent three seasons on the show. CNN has reached out to the cast members’ representatives and SNL for comments.
Earlier this week, Devon Walker also announced he was leaving the show. On Instagram, he described the work environment as “toxic as hell.” Walker, who was on the show for three seasons, compared his experience to a short marriage, saying, “Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool.”
Two days later, Emil Wakim shared on Instagram that he too was leaving. “It was a gut punch of a call to get but I’m so grateful for my time there,” he wrote. Wakim had only been on the show for one season.
Cast changes are common on SNL, especially before a new season begins. Last week, the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, told Puck that major updates were coming. Fans can expect announcements about new cast members soon.
It’s clear that SNL is going through another big shake-up. Losing multiple cast members in one week is notable, and it shows that the show is constantly evolving. While the departures may be disappointing for fans, it also opens the door for new talent to join. What do you think about these exits and the talk of a toxic work environment? Share your thoughts in the comments.