Heidi Gardner and Michael Longfellow Exit SNL After Devon Walker Calls the show “Toxic as Hell”
More changes are happening at Saturday Night Live. CNN reported on Thursday that Heidi Gardner and Michael Longfellow are leaving the show. They become the third and fourth cast members to depart this week.
Gardner has been on SNL for eight seasons. She was known for creating memorable characters like Angel, a boxer’s girlfriend in countless imaginary films, and other quirky, funny roles.
Longfellow had been with the show for three seasons. CNN has reached out to representatives for both Gardner and Longfellow, as well as SNL, for comment.
These departures follow earlier exits this week. On Monday, Devon Walker announced on Instagram that he was leaving the show, calling the work environment “toxic as hell.” Walker, who was on the show for three seasons, compared his time on SNL to a small marriage, saying, “Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool.”
Two days later, Emil Wakim also shared on Instagram that he was leaving the show after one season. “It was a gut punch of a call to get but I’m so grateful for my time there,” he wrote.
Every year, SNL sees several cast changes before a new season begins. Last week, the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, told Puck that major updates are coming to the cast. New members are expected to be announced soon.
SNL has always had a revolving door of talent, but this week’s exits, especially with Gardner and Longfellow, are notable. The show has shaped the careers of many comedians, but it seems the work environment hasn’t been easy for everyone. What do you think about these departures? Share your thoughts in the comments.
