SNL Season 51 Cast Updates: New Additions and Departures
Saturday Night Live is undergoing significant cast changes for season 51.
Showrunner Lorne Michaels hinted at a casting overhaul following the show’s landmark 50th season.
“Last season, during the party of the first show, at a quarter to four in the morning, Dana [Carvey, who portrayed Joe Biden] approached me and said, ‘I don’t think anyone realizes you called me on June 4th [to play Biden].’ I wanted the cast to return and be involved in [the 50th season],” Michaels mentioned in an August 24 interview with Puck. “So when Kate [McKinnon] hosted, Kristen [Wiig] and Maya [Rudolph] came back for it. That meant we couldn’t have any significant disruptions [to the cast], or anything that might divert attention from [the 50th season]. Plus, we had an election.”
Michaels announced that casting updates would be revealed soon and confirmed that James Austin Johnson would return. The following day, Devon Walker was the first cast member to announce his exit, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption, “Me and baby broke up ❤️.”
SNL season 51 will debut on NBC on Saturday, October 4.
Continue reading to find out who is coming back — and who’s leaving — for SNL season 51:
James Austin Johnson — Returning
Michaels confirmed to Puck on August 24 that Johnson would continue his portrayal of Donald Trump in season 51. Johnson has yet to publicly comment on his return.
Devon Walker — Leaving
Walker announced his departure from SNL after three seasons via Instagram on August 25. His post included a message to fans titled, “Wait … did he quit or did he get fired?”
“To me, jobs in this industry feel like a series of little marriages. Some last for years, if we’re fortunate, but many are brief,” Walker expressed. “Permanent until they’re not. That’s the reality. You know what you’re signing up for.”
He continued: “Me and the show had three years together, and sometimes it was amazing. Other times, it was incredibly challenging. But … we made the most of it, despite the chaos. We formed a fragile little family.”
Emil Wakim — Leaving
Following Walker’s unexpected announcement, Wakim disclosed that he would not be returning to the show after his first season.
“It was a shocking call to receive, but I’m grateful for my time there,” Wakim reflected via Instagram on August 27. “I celebrated a friend’s 36th birthday at Six Flags and took a contemplative walk through Bugs Bunny Park, pondering life.”
Wakim also voiced his thankfulness for the opportunity.
“Every time I entered the building, I marveled at how surreal it was to work there. It was the most daunting, exhilarating, and fulfilling experience of my life, and I will deeply miss it along with all the brilliant individuals who made it feel like home. Thank you, Lorne, for believing in me and transforming my life,” he continued. “I was incredibly fortunate to contribute parts of myself and voice my beliefs, and I’m excited about whatever comes next. Here’s to creating more art without compromise.”
Michael Longfellow — Leaving
Deadline reported on August 28 that Longfellow would be exiting SNL after three seasons. He has yet to comment on his departure.
Heidi Gardner — Leaving
News surfaced on August 28 that Gardner would not be returning for season 51 after an eight-year stint on the show. Gardner has not made any immediate statements regarding the news.
