Bowen Yang, a staple on Saturday Night Live, is speaking out following the recent round of layoffs and departures that saw his close friend Heidi Gardner leave the legendary show.
On the latest edition of their podcast, Las Culturistas, co-hosted by Yang (age 34), discussed unexpected departures during their conversation on Tuesday.
42-year-old Gardner exited SNL after the longest tenure among stars before season 51, while newer cast members Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim were all let go. Additionally, it was disclosed that John Higgins, a member of Please Don’t Destroy, is also departing the show.
In simpler terms, when The Wicked actor moved from being a writer to joining the SNL cast in 2019, he didn’t mince words while commenting on Gardner’s departure.
He enthusiastically praised the comedy star, saying that they are truly exceptional and will undoubtedly be remembered for their contributions, as they started working with SNL back in 2017.
He commended Gardner for being one of the exceptional Saturday Night Live cast members who had the ability to create a sketch entirely on her own, without needing a collaborator.
According to Yang, it’s a highly exposed situation when a cast member uses their name alone, but whenever you saw just “Gardner,” it gave an assurance of quality work. In fact, Gardner would often take on the task of writing parts for other cast members as well.
In simpler terms, he remembered a drawing that Gardner had composed earlier for Punkie Johnson, the cast member who departed from the show back in 2024.
Yang recollected that it was one of the most stunningly kind acts he had witnessed during that show. Her heart seemed immense, and she also had a humorously endearing quality. Indeed, she served as a true pillar for that program.
In a heartwarming tribute, he acknowledged Gardner as an exceptionally kind individual, truly radiating warmth and kindness. During the challenging times of the initial Covid-19 pandemic, he remembered how she consistently boosted the morale of her co-stars. Every day, while everyone was in self-isolation at home, she reached out with encouraging text messages.
Even though Yang gave most of his accolades to Gardner, he didn’t forget to acknowledge those cast members who left, expressing deeply, “I am going to miss the ones who won’t be returning, a lot – very, very much.
Despite the harsh circumstances under which they left, he expressed his eagerness to return to the show, stating that he was excited to go back.
As I reflect back on my journey, I can’t help but recall the impactful moments shared with the remarkable Gardner during our time together at Saturday Night Live. Recently, news surfaced detailing the circumstances that led to her departure, and it brings back a flood of memories and lessons learned.
Last week, the show that recently introduced five new actors announced it will not be renewing the contract of the 42-year-old comedian for season 51, as reported by a source from The New York Post on Thursday.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Gardner and SNL and has yet to hear back.
‘It’s time for a new cast,’ the source for the publication said.
Recently, it was revealed that Gardner left the show after an outstanding eight-season stint, leaving many fans astonished. Some disgruntled viewers even demanded the cancellation of SNL due to the current cast departures.
At the specified time, representatives from Gardner were approached by The Daily Mail for a response, but a representative from NBC chose not to respond to The Daily Mail.
In the year 2017, Gardner became a part of Saturday Night Live during its 43rd season, acting as a prominent performer alongside the now ex-SNL cast members, Luke Null and Chris Redd.
She was then promoted to the main cast two years later.
Since then, the Missouri-born actress has written and starred in countless iconic SNL sketches.
She is particularly renowned for developing the amusing persona of Bailey Gismert, a teenage film critic, frequently featured in the Weekend Update sections on Saturday Night Live.
As a passionate advocate for embracing diverse identities, I’ve had the unique opportunity to channel some extraordinary personalities during my tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Among these transformations were embodying country music sensation Reba McEntire, award-winning actress Mikey Madison, and media mogul Kim Kardashian. Each time I stepped into these roles, it was a thrilling exercise in understanding and portraying the essence of these remarkable individuals.
She joined fellow SNL stars and alums at the show’s 50th anniversary special in February.
On Thursday, it was also reported by Daily Mail that SNL cast member Michael Longfellow has decided to depart from the popular series after only three seasons.
In the 48th season, Longfellow, aged 31, became a ‘prominent cast member’ at SNL, much like Gardner, who garnered recognition for his contributions to the Weekend Update segments.
Moreover, last week saw Emil Wakim, a current cast member, added to the roster of ex-Saturday Night Live actors whose tenure on the show ended prematurely, prior to their promotion to the main cast.
Wakim, aged 27, expressed his departure on Instagram, sharing pictures from joyful moments spent at Studio 8H, located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
As a loyal follower, I’m sharing the news that I’ve recently parted ways with SNL. It caught everyone off guard, as my departure happened barely a day following my fellow cast member Devon Walker announcing his own exit from the series, after a successful run of three seasons.
As a devoted fan, I found myself bracing for changes when our beloved series creator and veteran showrunner, Lorne Michaels, announced a major transformation within the cast prior to season 51.
Daily Mail previously contacted a representative for Wakim but hasn’t yet received a response.
Wakim’s tenure with SNL began in 2024 for the show’s 50th season.
He shared a post which read: ‘I won’t be returning to SNL next year.’
He said it was like receiving a hard hit, but I’m truly thankful for the time spent there. Later, at Six Flags, celebrating my friend’s 36th birthday, I took an emotional walk through the Bugs Bunny Park and gazed across Daffy Duck Lake, reflecting on life.
Each time I entered the building, I’d marvel at the absurdity of working there, Wakim explained. ‘It was an exhilarating blend of terror, excitement, and fulfillment-an experience that shaped my life indelibly. I will deeply miss it and the extraordinary individuals who made it feel like a second home.’
Born in Chicago and educated at Indiana University Bloomington, Wakim became the inaugural SNL cast member of Lebanese descent following his successful career breakthrough.
In a post, the humorist shared several images: one showing him seated at the Weekend Update desk alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che; another highlighting him flaunting his SNL crew pass; and lastly, capturing him jokingly posing for the camera as he interacted with a live llama that graced the comedy program for a special episode.
On a recent Tuesday, I found myself penning a heartfelt farewell on my Instagram, marking the end of an incredible three-season journey with Saturday Night Live. Reflecting on this chapter of my life, it feels akin to concluding a tumultuous yet unforgettable romance – filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between.
Although a 34-year-old acknowledged that the position sometimes had a harmful or stressful atmosphere, they did not specify any individuals involved.
When reached out to by the Daily Mail, Walker replied with a small laugh, stating that he wasn’t prepared to make a comment just yet.
It remains unclear if his departure was his choice or not.
In his Instagram post, he expressed that working in this particular industry feels similar to having multiple commitments akin to marriages.
While some may endure for a considerable length, many are short-lived. They seem permanent at first, but can quickly change. This is just how things work. Once you join in, you’ll understand.
Reflecting on his three-year tenure with the popular late-night program, he confessed that there were many peaks, but also an abundance of valleys.
‘Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool,’ Walker continued.
At times, it was incredibly challenging and full of negativity. Yet, we managed to find positivity in the situation, however difficult it was, due to all the chaos. In essence, we formed an unconventional bond.
Occasionally, it was like a constant storm. However, amidst the turbulence, we discovered moments of sunshine and forged an unlikely alliance.
Or simply:
Despite its toxicity, we found ways to make the best out of the situation, creating a peculiar kind of family along the way.
The star expressed his delight at having performed alongside other comedians, mentioning that he’s currently making plans for an international tour.
He wrapped things up with a surprising reveal. ‘Anyway, I’m bout to go to Japan,’ Walker concluded.
Upon my return, I plan to immerse myself in a high-quality dramatic series. Preferably one that features Julianne Moore. Stay well-hydrated and have a financially productive day!
As a seasoned lifestyle guide, I’d rephrase it like this: “Hailing from the Lone Star State, this fellow playfully captioned his farewell message as ‘My breakup with the little one.’ He made his official departure announcement in a straight-forward manner, titling it ‘Hold up…Did he resign or was he let go?’
One screenshot even showed him texting a friend, ‘I’m out’, punctuated with a celebration emoji.
Walker made his SNL debut in 2022 as a featured player in Season 48.
By 2024, he’d been bumped up to the main cast.
He swiftly emerged as a notable figure during the segments of ‘Weekend Update’, alongside Colin Jost and Michael Che. He excelled in impersonating personalities such as Michael Strahan, Van Jones, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams with remarkable accuracy.
As I, a die-hard fan, eagerly awaited the return of Saturday Night Live on October 4 for its new season, Lorne Michaels fueled my excitement by hinting at an epic overhaul right before Walker’s public debut!
Upon being questioned about the need to revamp his performance this season, Michaels responded affirmatively, stating, “Indeed, there is pressure to do something new.” He further mentioned that an announcement regarding the matter will be made within the next week.
The most famous members of the current cast include Colin Jost, Bowen Yang and Kenan Thompson.
On Saturday, October 4th at 11:30 PM Eastern Time, NBC and Peacock will air the premier of SNL Season 51, marking its return from a break that started on May 17th during the summer months.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- RAVEN2 redeem codes and how to use them (October 2025)
- Ethereum’s Golden Cross: $4,000 Rally? Hold Your Breath!
- ESPN Might Drop Doris Burke From NBA Broadcast Team Next Season
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Gets Trial Experience On PS Plus Premium
- Kingdom Rush Battles Tower Tier List
- Chaos Zero Nightmare Combatant Tier List
- Clash Royale Furnace Evolution best decks guide
- Brawl Stars: Did Sushi Just Get a Makeover? Players React to Event Ending
- Tom Cruise’s Emotional Victory Lap in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
2025-09-11 07:50