‘SNL’ Stars React to Massive Cast Shake-up
“WTF is happening?” wondered Punkie Johnson, reacting to the news that Michael Longfellow and at least three other cast members were leaving Saturday Night Live, the show she starred on for four seasons.
As a victim of SNL’s constant cast turnover just last year, Johnson can’t really be surprised, even though this year’s upheaval looks to be more tumultuous than usual. Four cast departures — Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, Heidi Gardner and Longfellow — are already announced, with the rumor mill suggesting that more exits are still to come.
Even when cast members leave of their own accord, the news is still melancholy for the SNL community. Alums of Saturday Night Live have been flocking to social media to share their well-wishes for the comedians who’ll no longer be clocking in at 30 Rock.
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After Walker broke the news, Taren Killam congratulated him on his SNL run. “You were great on it,” he posted. “A true star.”
“Congrats on a great run bro!!” wrote Molly Kearney. “Excited to see what’s next — cause it’s about to be AWESOME!”
“Funny and a good man,” wrote Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, likely with a typing assist from Robert Smigel. “Onward.”
Chris Redd congratulated Emil Wakim on his season on SNL. “You made it to the other side,” he wrote, punctuated with a fire emoji.
“Your such a stat and ill miss sitting next to the best dressed man at table read!!!” posted Chloe Fineman, correcting her spelling in a subsequent comment. “STAR***** i was too in shock i forgot how to spell.”
“Love you so much,” added Jane Wickline.
Marcello Hernandez, who began the show at the same time as Longfellow three seasons ago, paid tribute to his former castmate. “love bro, thank you for letting me cfb whenever, my roommate,” with a heart emoji for emphasis.
SNL alum Molly Shannon chimed in as well. “You RULE michael. So honored and happy to have gotten to meet you and work with you. Congratulations on an excellent run on SNL! I loved talking to you when I was there. Wishing you so much continued success.”
Bowen Yang referenced one of Longfellow’s Weekend Update sketches in his goodbye: “jesus WAS chinese. I love you michael.”
Heidi Gardner has yet to acknowledge the news on her Instagram platform, but Johnson sent out the love anyway upon hearing the news. “Ahhhhhh Lawd not my Heidi This probly the biggest surprise of this 'shake up' Heidi you are my shining star… You had a great run and I admire everything about you. CONGRATULATIONS HEIDI… YOU ARE AN SNL LEGEND FOR LIFE… See you outside.”
Johnson should stand by her keyboard for more announcements over the next few days. Internet whispers indicate there’s still more SNL WTF to come.
