After seven seasons, Ego Nwodim is out at SNL
It appears that the cast reorganization at Saturday Night Live is not yet complete. After seven seasons, Ego Nwodim has elected to depart the NBC program.
Deadline has learned that Nwodim made the decision after it was believed that the cast for Season 51 was prepared and ready to commence prior to its October 4th return.
“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne 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,” she states.
Nwodim is expected to be in high demand following her departure; she has been featured in a growing number of series, including Mr. Throwback and Peacock's Poker Face, as well as the Netflix film Little Brother, in recent years, alongside John Cena, Eric André, and Michelle Monaghan.
“Dream come true. I want my other dreams to come true. I want to be in films and I want to do more TV as well,” she told Deadline in 2023.
After the announcement that Heidi Gardner, Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker would not be returning for Season 51, Nwodim, who was one of the most senior female cast members on the program, also announced her departure.
Nwodim, a pre-med student who was a member of UCB, became the sole new face to join the show in 2018, prior to the commencement of Season 44. Prior to Season 46, she was elevated to the position of repertory performer.
Given that Nwodim has made a name for herself in recent years with a memorable performance as Miss Eggy earlier this year, which resulted in the audience yelling expletives live on television after a call and response segment, it is somewhat of a surprise.
She also gained popularity with Lisa from Temecula, a lawyer whose preference for undercooked meat has repercussions for the stability of her dining environment.
When asked earlier this year whether she would return for Season 51, Nwodim, who has also portrayed Dionne Warwick and Edith Puthie on the show, was noncommittal.
“We like to keep things mysterious around here. That’s part of the allure of SNL, we don’t know what’s going to happen week to week, let alone in the fall, so who knows,” she told Deadline.
However, the timing of her departure is logical, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of SNL, a significant milestone that she acknowledged was a "surreal experience" due to the large number of A-list guest stars and SNL luminaries who appeared. Nwodim, who participated in the Domingo vow renewal sketch, described it as a "special honor" to be a member of that organization.