NewKerala.com

Key Points

Heidi Gardner is leaving Saturday Night Live after eight memorable seasons. Her exit is part of a larger cast shakeup that also includes Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker. Gardner was known for her prolific sketch work and beloved Weekend Update characters. SNL returns for its 51st season on October 4th with a refreshed cast lineup.

Key Points: Heidi Gardner Exits Saturday Night Live After 8 Seasons

  • Gardner was the longest-tenured current female cast member on SNL
  • Her departure is part of a major roster refresh at Studio 8H
  • She created iconic Weekend Update characters like Bailey Gismert
  • Gardner also appeared in Shrinking and the movie Hustle
2 min read

Heidi Gardner exits Saturday Night Live after 8 years

Longtime SNL cast member Heidi Gardner departs amid major cast shakeup, leaving behind iconic Weekend Update characters like Bailey Gismert and Angel.

"I won't be returning to SNL next year... It was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life - Devon Walker"

Washington DC, August 29

Actress Heidi Gardner will be exiting 'Saturday Night Live' after eight seasons, reported Variety.

The news comes amid a shake-up at the NBC sketch comedy series, which this week saw the departure of Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim and Devon Walker ahead of Season 51.

Last season, Gardner was the longest-tenured current female cast member. In Season 49, she appeared in more sketches than any other cast member, according to the outlet.

The actress is well-known for her 'Weekend Update' characters including the teen movie critic Bailey Gismert and Angel, "every boxer's girlfriend from every movie about boxing ever."

Outside of "SNL," Gardner has appeared in TV series 'Shrinking' alongside Jason Segel, as well as 'The Other Two' and the Adam Sandler basketball movie "Hustle."

According to Variety, Gardner marks the latest example of a roster refresh happening at Studio 8H. Walker announced his departure from "SNL" on Instagram on Monday.

He wrote, "Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a fucked up lil family."

Walker added, "I won't be returning to SNL next year. It was a gut-punch of a call to get, but I'm so grateful for my time there. Every time I scanned into the building, I would think how insane it is to get to work there. It was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life, and I will miss it dearly and all the brilliant people that work there that made it feel like a home."

'Saturday Night Live' returns on NBC on October 4 with the premiere of Season 51.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Big shakeup at SNL! Hope this means they bring in some fresh talent. The show has been feeling a bit repetitive lately. Maybe time for some new voices and perspectives?
A
Aditya G
Eight seasons is a good run! In the entertainment industry, that's like a lifetime. Hope she gets great opportunities ahead. Her work in Hustle was really good too.
S
Sarah B
Interesting that Walker mentioned the "toxic" environment. Hollywood shows often have this reputation. Hope the new season brings positive changes behind the scenes too.
N
Nikhil C
As someone who's watched SNL for years from India, these cast changes always make me nervous. Hope the new season maintains the quality. Heidi's Angel character was pure gold! 👏
M
Meera T
End of an era! She was in more sketches than anyone else in Season 49 - that's seriously impressive. Wishing her all the best for her future projects. Maybe we'll see her in some streaming shows soon!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50