One day after Punky Johnson confirmed she would not be returning to “Saturday Night Live” for its upcoming 50th season, another cast member has left the series.
Molly Kearney, who joined “SNL” in 2022 and became the first non-binary cast member in the show’s history, announced on social media that she is leaving the NBC flagship show.
“Guys, this is the end of my time at SNL! Thinking back on the two amazing seasons I had on this show, it was a dream come true. I am so grateful for this time in my life,” Kearney wrote on Instagram alongside a slideshow of photos from the “SNL” set. “Love to all my big-hearted friends behind the scenes who make the magic happen every week. So many bald caps, so little time. It was a true honor to work with such a talented group of writers and don’t even get me started on the cast.”
Kearney went on to give a “special shoutout” to the Day 1 crew, including cast members Marcelo Hernandez, Devon Walker, and Michael Longfellow.
“Keep your head up and your heart up!” Kearney concluded.
SNL has not publicly commented on Johnson and Kearney's departures. The show typically announces cast changes in September, two weeks before the season premieres. With two cast members leaving, it remains to be seen if new faces will join the short-lived comedy series for its 50th season.
Several former and current “SNL” cast members expressed their support in the comments section. Molly Shannon wrote, “What an amazing career, Molly. Proud to know you. You make Cleveland proud.”
Bobby Moynihan showed kindness in the form of heart emojis, Bowen Yang wrote, “Forever legend” and Chloe Fineman commented, “Best friend!!!!!”. Other current “SNL” cast members Chloe Troust, Walker, Longfellow, James Austin Johnson, Hernandez, Heidi Gardner and Sarah Sherman also offered love and support in the comments.
