“Saturday Night Live” is introducing new talent while saying goodbye to one of its cast members.
The NBC sketch comedy series revealed on Monday that it has enlisted three featured players for its upcoming 50th season: Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline. However, Chloe Troast, who joined the show last year, announced that she will not be returning. In an Instagram post, the 27-year-old comedian clarified that her departure was not by her choice.
“Unfortunately, I was not asked back to ‘SNL’ this season,” Troast stated. “I wish I were going back to be with all the amazing friends I made there; it truly felt like home. But it wasn’t in the cards.” She expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her and hopes her time on the show brought joy and laughter to the audience.
During her short stint, Troast delivered memorable performances, including a sketch where she portrayed an orphan singing to a moon featuring Timothée Chalamet’s face, and a cold open where she acted as Rep. Elise Stefanik in a congressional hearing focused on antisemitism on college campuses.
Troast is one of several cast members leaving as “SNL” gears up for its historic 50th season. Punkie Johnson, who joined in 2020, and Molly Kearney, who became the first non-binary cast member when she joined in 2022, have both confirmed their exits earlier.
Johnson mentioned on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s “Fly on the Wall” podcast that she struggled to adapt to the show’s format, as she has more experience in stand-up comedy than sketch work. Despite this, she has since received new job offers. “It’s going to be very different, but I’m excited,” she said, noting her ongoing projects with “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels.
Kearney also reflected positively on her time with “SNL” in an Instagram post from August, calling it a “dream come true” and expressing her gratitude for the behind-the-scenes team that contributes to the show’s success.
“SNL” is set to return for its new season on September 28, with a special 50th anniversary episode planned for February 16. Maya Rudolph will be back to reprise her role as Vice President Kamala Harris in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.