The last Black woman in the Saturday Night Live cast is officially saying goodbye.
Earlier this month, Ego Nwodim announced she’s leaving the legendary sketch show after seven seasons. When Wanda Sykes was asked about the exit during a recent appearance on Sherri Shepherd’s show, she quipped, “Boy, Kenan’s gonna be in a lot of wigs, huh?” referring to Kenan Thompson, SNL’s longest-running cast member.
“I hope they announce when there is someone ‘cause it’s important—representation is important,” Sykes added. “I know for me to be sitting here is because I saw Moms Mabley and Marsha Warfield, and of course, Whoopi Goldberg. I got to see them, and that made me go, ‘Okay, I can do this.’”
On Sept. 12, Ego Nwodim confirmed on Instagram that she’s leaving SNL ahead of its next 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 [creator and showrunner] Lorne Michaels for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship.”
Nwodim isn’t the only departure — Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim have also announced they won’t be returning for the show’s 51st season.
