In late August 2019, news broke that Saturday Night Live comedian Leslie Jones would not be coming back to the NBC sketch series.
Not too long after, Leslie confirmed the news herself on social media, where she took the time to thank everyone in the SNL family.
"I cannot thank NBC, the producers, writers, and amazing crew enough for making SNL my second home these last five years. Lorne Michaels, you’ve changed my life in so many ways! Thank you for being my mentor and confidant and for always having my back. You not only have my loyalty but you have my heart!!" Leslie wrote.
The comedian continued: "To the incredible cast members: I will miss working, creating and laughing with you. I will miss holding it down with Kenan everyday, I will miss Cecily’s impression of me making me laugh at myself often, I will miss Kate’s loving hugs and talks when I needed. And of course Colin, you porcelain-skinned Ken doll. I will miss all my cast mates!!"
She closed out her lengthy social media post with a message for her fans. "Thank you for all the love and support through my SNL years and I know you will be as excited as I am when you see some of the amazing projects and adventures that I have coming up very soon! Love you all!!"
According to Variety, Leslie's exit came during NBC's "annual recalibration of the cast" process, where longtime executive producer Lorne Michaels takes a look at the comedians' contracts and considers "talent needs." The outlet notes that it's typical for one or two cast members to leave the show per season as contracts expire.
Why did Leslie Jones leave SNL though? She's so funny!
It's possible that Leslie's busy schedule had to do with her departing the Emmy-winning show last year. On the one hand, Leslie's Netflix stand-up special, Leslie Jones: Time Machine, came out this past winter and likely took up a lot of her time. Plus, she's the new host of the Supermarket Sweep reboot on ABC coming out this October. On top of all that, she is expected to appear in Eddie Murphy's Coming to America sequel.
Leslie first joined SNL in 2014, starting as a writer and working her way up to a cast member. No matter where we all see her next, we're sure she'll continue to soar beyond SNL, just as so many of the great comedians have before her.
