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Devon Walker, a former cast member of the long-running sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, described his experience with the program as sometimes being toxic in a heartfelt farewell message shared on Instagram this week.
In his announcement, Walker expressed his decision to part ways with the iconic NBC show, captioning his post with the phrase ‘me and baby broke up,’ accompanied by a backstage photo of himself within the SNL environment.
In a subsequent post, he shared a note intriguingly titled ‘wait…did he quit or did he get fired,’ where he elaborated on his departure while leaving fans curious about the circumstances surrounding it.
Reflecting on his time with SNL, Walker articulated, ‘To me, jobs in this industry feel like a bunch of little marriages. Some of ’em last for a long time if we’re lucky, but most of them are fleeting. Permanent until they’re not. That’s the deal. You know what it is…when you sign up.’
Although he recognized the opportunities the show offered, Walker didn’t hold back from addressing the dysfunction he experienced. He described his three-year relationship with SNL as containing moments that were both rewarding and challenging.
‘Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But…we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a f—ed up lil family,’ he reflected candidly.
Walker, who joined SNL in 2022 as a featured player before becoming a full cast member in 2024, hinted at future aspirations in his farewell message. He mentioned, ‘Anyway, I’m bout to go to Japan. When I get back I’m tryna be in a prestige drama. Ideally something with Julianne Moore. Hope y’all staying hydrated and getting some money today.’
As Walker prepares for his next chapter, several changes loom over SNL with his exit marking the first of what could be multiple cast alterations ahead of Season 51. This shift follows a statement from series creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels, who indicated plans to reinvent the show amidst pressure to adapt.
On a related note, Emil Wakim, who joined the SNL cast just a year prior, announced his own departure earlier this week, referring to the news as a ‘gut punch.’ Reports also surfaced on Thursday that Michael Longfellow, a fellow cast member who joined in 2022 alongside Walker, would be leaving as well.
The current longest-serving female cast member, Heidi Gardner, is also set to exit after an impressive eight seasons contributing to the show. The upcoming changes in the cast have sparked significant interest given the show’s commitment to evolving with its audience.
Michaels has stated that announcements regarding new cast members and changes to the show’s format are forthcoming, building anticipation among fans. ‘It’ll be announced in a week or so,’ he remarked recently, creating buzz about the potential direction of SNL.
As speculation around featured players mounts, Michaels has confirmed that James Austin Johnson, who gained fame for his portrayal of former President Donald Trump, will remain on the cast for the upcoming season.
Walker’s candid reflections on his time at SNL have resonated with fans and illustrate the complexities that exist within high-pressure environments like live television. This recent farewell letter serves as a reminder that behind the laughter and comedy lies a rich tapestry of human experience and emotion.
As the show looks toward a new season and fresh talent, observers eagerly await how these changes will influence the dynamic of one of television’s most iconic sketch comedy programs.
