Punkie Johnson Leaving ‘SNL’ After 4 Seasons
deadline.comChanges are starting to happen at Saturday Night Live ahead of its upcoming 50th season. Punkie Johnson has left the show after four seasons.
She revealed the news during a comedy show last night and just confirmed it on Instagram. “After four seasons, I will not be returning to SNL for the 50th,” she said. “It’s no bad blood, it’s no bridges burnt, it’s no hard feelings,” she added. “SNL was a dream I didn’t even know I could achieve.
I was part of one of the most elite institutions in comedy, and I’m so grateful for it… but my time there has come to an end.” (You can watch a video of her comments below.) Johnson, whose real name is Jessica Williams, joined the NBC show as a featured player in Season 46 before being promoted to repertory status in 2022 ahead of its 48th season.
She was the show’s eighth Black female cast member and only the second Black LGBTQ+ woman following Danitra Vance, who was not out when she was on the show.
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