Former Saturday Night Live cast member Ego Nwodim says she’s excited about moving on to new challenges, and that the NBC comedy show is a “stepping stone.”
Speaking on a panel titled “Cultural Impact: How Story, Style, and Strategy Shape What’s Next” at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in New York City Wednesday, Nwodim addressed her recent SNL departure after seven seasons.
“There’s so much I want to do and SNL is always meant to be a stepping stone,” she said. “There’s so many ideas that I need to have time to create. I’m looking forward to doing that. So directing, more writing in a different capacity. Very excited. It’s an exciting thing.”
Nwodim’s decision not to return for the show’s 51st season, launching October 4, was one of the more surprising recent exits – her announcement came after the show’s cast line-up was thought to be settled. The turnover for the upcoming season was extensive: Before Nwodim’s announcement, the exits had already included Heidi Gardner (after eight seasons), Michal Longfellow (after three seasons), Devon Walker (after three seasons), Emil Wakim (after one season), and John Higgins, who was part of the Please Don’t Destroy troupe that joined the late-night show in 2021.
Nwodim announced on Instagram last week that she would not be back for another SNL season. “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,” she wrote. “But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne [Michaels] for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories, and that laughter, with me always.”
Watch the panel discussion below. Nwodim’s “stepping stone” comments come at the 1:25 mark.
