One day after Punkie Johnson confirmed she would not be returning to “Saturday Night Live” for its upcoming 50th season, another cast member has exited the series.
Molly Kearney, who joined “SNL” in 2022 and became the first nonbinary cast member in the show’s history, announced on social media that they were leaving the NBC mainstay.
“Yall that’s a wrap on my time on SNL! Reflecting on the amazing 2 seasons I got on this show, it was such a dream come true. So incredibly grateful for this period in my life,” Kearney wrote on Instagram alongside a slideshow of photos from the “SNL” set. “So much love to all my big hearted buddies behind the scenes who make the magic happen every week. So many bald caps, so little time. It was a true honor to work with such a talented group of writers and DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE CAST.”
Kearney went on to give a “special shout out” to their “day 1 crew,” including cast members Marcello Hernandez, Devon Walker and Michael Longfellow.
“Head up and heart out!” Kearney concluded.
“SNL” has yet to publicly comment on Johnson and Kearney’s exits. The series typically announces cast adjustments in September, a couple of weeks before the season premiere. With two cast members leaving, it remains to be seen if new faces will join the sketch comedy series for Season 50.
Various “SNL” cast members of past and present showed support in the comments section. Molly Shannon wrote, “What an incredible run, Molly. Proud to know you. You make Cleveland proud.”
Bobby Moynihan offered kindness in the form of heart emojis, Bowen Yang wrote “forever legend” and Chloe Fineman commented, “BESTIE!!!!!” Other current “SNL” cast members Chloe Troast, Walker, Longfellow, James Austin Johnson, Hernandez, Heidi Gardner and Sarah Sherman also offered love and support in the comments.
