Ego Nwodim becomes the fifth cast exit from SNL between seasons

SNL is heading into its 51st season with yet another change that fans didn’t see coming.

Just days after NBC announced the cast returning for the new season, Ego Nwodim surprised everyone by revealing via her social media account that she’s leaving the show.

After joining SNL in 2018, Nwodim became known for characters like Lisa From Temecula, her over-the-top “rich auntie” Veronda, and her Dionne Warwick impression. With her exit, the show faces its first season without a Black woman in the cast since 2014.

Fans now wonder what this means for the show's changing cast dynamics. Why did she decide to leave after seven seasons, and what does her exit mean for the future of SNL? Let's dig in.

Ego Nwodim’s SNL farewell after seven seasons

Ego Nwodim confirmed her decision to exit through an Instagram post that soon started to catch the attention of the public eye. In her words,

"The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance...Now invite me to your weddings please!!!"

Her ext wasn't expected, especially since her name had appeared on the official list of returning cast earlier in the week. This made the announcement hit even harder for the people who were excited to see her return.

Nwodim joined the show way back in 2018 as a featured player and became a repertory cast member in 2020. Over the years, she carved out a strong presence with characters like Nunya Bizness, Lisa From Temecula, her sassy "rich auntie" Veronda, and a hilarious take on Dionne Warwick. These sketches became an instant audience favorite, proving her sharp timing and energy on stage.

Her choice to leave also carries a larger social impact. With her exit, SNL will not have a Black woman in the cast for the first time since 2014. This detail has made her exit feel even more significant given the show's history.

The bigger picture of exits before Season 51

Ego Nwodim is not the only one who said her goodbyes to the show. She's actually the fifth cast member to have an exit before the October season could be released. The lineup of previous cast members includes names like Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim.

The behind-the-scenes team is also having a bit of a change. The comedy trio Please Don't Destroy will no longer be performing together on screen. John Higgins has exited, Ben Marshall has made his way from the writers' room to the cast, and Martin Herlihy is staying on board as a writer.

Still, SNL means reinvention, right? New faces like Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, and Ben Marshall are joining the cast, and familiar faces like Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day, and the "Weekend Update" duo Colin Jost and Michael Che remain as steady as ever.

Ego Nwodim leaving SNL after seven seasons is more than just another cast shuffle. Her character and voice did indeed shape an era of the show that fans will remember for a long time.

Becoming the fifth cast member to exit before Season 51, her exit reflects the constant evolution that defines the show. And while it's bittersweet to say goodbye, her legacy on the stage will remain even as the show starts off its next season with fresh talent and new energy.

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