Heidi Gardner is the latest in this summer’s string of “Saturday Night Live” departures, according to multiple reports.
Gardner, who joined the 50-year-old NBC sketch-comedy show as a featured player in 2017, is exiting “SNL” after eight seasons, according to Vulture, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. She joins fellow cast members Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow in leaving Lorne Michaels’ long-running show ahead of its 51st season.
USA TODAY has reached out to reps for “SNL” and Gardner for comment.
Over the course of her “SNL” tenure, the Groundlings comedy troupe alumna became known to fans for her over-the-top “Weekend Update” characters – including “every boxer’s girlfriend from every movie about boxing ever” Angel – and impressions of first lady Jill Biden. She has a recurring role as a therapy patient on the Apple TV+ series “Shrinking” starring Harrison Ford and Jason Segel.
“SNL” typically says goodbye to some members of its cast during the hiatus between seasons.
In a recent interview, Michaels opened up about reinventing “SNL” for its 51st season, promising changes will “be announced in a week or so” and suggesting a major shake-up in the cast. The interview with industry outlet Puck was published Aug. 22.
He confirmed that at least one star will stick around, though: James Austin Johnson is returning and continue playing President Donald Trump, he said.
It is not known how many members of the “SNL” cast won’t be back for Season 51. Before Season 50 in 2024, three stars left the show: Molly Kearney, Punkie Johnson and Chloe Troast. At the time, Troast shared that she was “not asked back.”
“SNL” is set to return with its Season 51 premiere on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Heidi Gardner leaving ‘SNL’ after 8 seasons: Reports
