Punkie Johnson
Punkie Johnson, a standout comedian and cherished Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member, has officially departed from the iconic sketch comedy show. The surprising news comes just before the highly anticipated 50th season, set to kick off soon on NBC.
Johnson, who joined SNL in 2020, shared the news with her fans on Instagram on Thursday. In a heartfelt video, she stated, “After four seasons, I will not be returning to ‘SNL’ for the 50th.” Her casual revelation took place during her “Punkie Johnson and Friends” comedy show at Union Hall in Brooklyn, New York, the night before and quickly gained traction online, leading to an outpouring of reactions from fans and fellow comedians alike.
Despite the sudden announcement, Johnson clarified that her departure was amicable. “It’s no bad blood, it’s no bridges burned, it’s no hard feelings,” she assured her audience, emphasizing her love and respect for the SNL team. Reflecting on her time with the show, Johnson described it as “a dream I didn’t even know that I could achieve” and expressed immense gratitude for being “a part of one of the most elite institutions in comedy.”
The comedian’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in her career. Over the past four years, Johnson has brought her unique comedic flair to SNL, contributing to some of the show’s most memorable sketches. Her presence will undoubtedly be missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Adding to the surprise, just one day after Johnson’s announcement, fellow cast member Molly Kearney also revealed their plans to leave the show. Kearney’s departure, like Johnson’s, comes as a shock to many, especially with SNL’s milestone 50th season just around the corner.
As fans process the news of these departures, excitement builds for the upcoming season. In related news, Sony Pictures recently announced the October release of Saturday Night, a movie centered on the pilot episode of the historical series. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Dylan O’Brien, Rachel Sennott, Finn Wolfhard, Jon Batiste, Willem Defoe, J.K. Simmons, and Kaia Gerber.
The departures of Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney mark a new era for Saturday Night Live as it prepares to celebrate five decades of comedy. Their contributions to the show have left a lasting impact, and their absence will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming season. Fans eagerly await to see what the future holds for these talented comedians as they move on to new endeavors.