Ex-SNL star Ego Nwodim takes jab at show’s lack of inclusivity following mass firing bloodbath

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Ego Nwodim hinted at issues with diversity at Saturday Night Live after leaving the show, suggesting a lack of representation may have been a factor in her departure.

Comedian Heather McDonald, age 37, recently discussed her experiences on Saturday Night Live, describing the work environment as difficult. She shared these thoughts on Wednesday’s episode of Sherri Shepherd’s talk show, after previously speaking out about the challenges she faced.

The actress announced on Instagram in September that she wouldn’t be back for season 51, but she thanked Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, for the seven years she spent working on it.

This news followed a period of significant changes on the show, including several cast departures. Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim were among those let go, and Heidi Gardner left after eight seasons.

The host admitted being a big SNL fan, but pointed out the show’s recent lack of Black female cast members. They then asked the guest if they felt pressure to represent that absence during their time on the show.

Nwodim responded by saying she didn’t think of it as pressure, but rather as a privilege to be one of the seventh Black women on the show. She expressed hope that even more Black women would be cast in the future.

Daily Mail has reached out to SNL’s reps for comment but did not immediately hear back. 

The actress mentioned that Punkie Johnson joined the show after her, and she’s curious to see what other talented people they discover in the future.

Johnson was a cast member on the show from 2020 until he left in 2024.

Nwodim explained that she played many different kinds of characters.

Not everyone understood the subtle details, but I’m glad I had the opportunity to be a voice for that, and it meant a lot to me.

Oh my gosh, I still remember when they first announced this comedian was joining SNL as a featured player back in 2018! I was SO excited. And then, just two years later, in 2020, they made them a full cast member?! I nearly lost it! It was the best news ever, I’ve been a fan ever since!

Let me tell you, leaving a show like that felt surprisingly emotional. It was my longest commitment, really – almost like a marriage! I’d never been married before, but being on that show for so long, with those people, created a bond that felt incredibly significant. It was a really long-term relationship in its own way.

Nwodim explained she wasn’t afraid of commitment, but she’d heard about the difficulties that can arise in long-term marriages, like the ‘seven-year itch.’ She jokingly added that this made her want to keep her options open and explore other relationships.

The celebrity shared that they were feeling restless and wanted to explore new possibilities. They explained that after seven years, and without children, they decided to start dating other people.

Nwodim said that she ‘learned so much’ from her time on SNL and ‘had so much fun’ as a cast member. 

‘I miss my colleagues, but it felt like the time to make space for something else for me.’

In September, the actress announced on Instagram that she’s leaving the show and won’t be part of the 51st season.

She posted on Instagram that the toughest part of any amazing party is knowing when it’s time to leave, and explained that after seven incredible seasons, she’s decided to leave Saturday Night Live.

I’m incredibly thankful to Lorne for believing in me and giving me this chance. Working with my castmates, the writers, and the entire crew has been amazing – they’re all so talented, and I’ve really appreciated their support and friendship throughout this whole experience.

Nwodim shared that performing on stage week after week was an incredibly valuable experience, creating memories and joy she’ll cherish forever. She jokingly added, ‘And now, please consider me for your wedding entertainment!’

Last month on her Thanks Dad podcast, Nwodim and Gardner talked about their experiences on the sketch comedy show, sharing heartfelt memories.

Gardner said he was proud of the effort everyone put in, and how naturally their friendship grew during the process.

We’re all naturally driven to succeed and want the best for ourselves, but it’s rare for everyone to achieve their goals simultaneously. It’s just part of being human.

The actress said she felt very open and honest when discussing the issue, but she also praised Nwodim’s performance as the highlight of the year.

Gardner remembered Jack Black hosting the show in April 2024 and confessed she was a little envious of Nwodim.

Sometimes I catch myself thinking I should want what you had, because it seemed so amazing.

Nwodim explained that it’s easy to get wrapped up in your own experiences at SNL – worrying about what’s going well, what isn’t, and comparing yourself to others.

I often wondered why we couldn’t all succeed and be happy together, instead of having some people celebrating while others felt disappointed or left behind.

Nwodim explained to Gardner that the sketches are a constantly changing process and can be enjoyable, though sometimes challenging or not to everyone’s taste.

You know, what I really admire is that even though it’s so easy to get caught up in the competition and your own world here, you managed to leave with your kindness and warmth intact. You continued to genuinely care for and support others, and to me, that’s true success. It’s amazing to see someone stay so positive and giving, even when things get tough.

Nwodim told a former colleague that they were a bright spot in what is often a difficult work environment, admitting it wasn’t always an easy place to be.

Since leaving Saturday Night Live, Nwodim has continued to work on new projects. She’s been cast in ‘Not Suitable For Work,’ an upcoming series on Hulu from Mindy Kaling, according to Deadline.

The story is set in New York City and features the comedian playing Kate Woodson, the assistant head of an exclusive private school for girls.

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2025-11-06 03:15