Devon Walker Explains ‘SNL’ Exit: Says Leaving Was a “Mutual Decision”
Devon Walker is opening up about his surprising exit from Saturday Night Live — and he insists it wasn’t just his call.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the comedian revealed that his departure after three seasons was a decision made together with the show. “The big question,” Walker said when asked if it was by choice. “To be frank, I guess the best way I put it is like me and the show kind of looked at each other and we decided together that it was time to go our separate ways. I think I felt ready to leave the show, and I think the show felt ready to leave me.”
Walker explained that the grind of the long-running sketch series was taking a toll on his personal life, and he was ready for a new chapter. “This was such a big time commitment, and life commitment. There’s been a lot of life stuff that I feel like I’ve had to miss out on,” he shared. “I felt ready to do a different version of my life.”
The comedian, who joined SNL in 2022 and was promoted ahead of the show’s milestone 50th anniversary season, made his mark with spot-on impressions of Frank Ocean, Michael Strahan, Shannon Sharpe, Draymond Green, and New York City mayor Eric Adams. On Instagram, he reflected candidly on his time at 30 Rock: “Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we made the most of what it was… We made a f—ed up lil family.”
While fans were quick to voice their frustrations — and even direct criticism toward longtime producer Lorne Michaels — Walker took to X (formerly Twitter) to calm things down. “Yall acting like we died lol we just getting different jobs,” he joked.
As for what’s next, Walker is diving into his comedy-meets-music podcast My Favorite Lyrics and has his sights set on dramatic television. His departure was the first of several shake-ups ahead of Season 51, with Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner also announcing exits.
Former cast member Punkie Johnson summed up the surprise best, posting: “WTF is happening.”
With SNL returning October 4, fans are already buzzing about how the new lineup will shape the next chapter of the iconic sketch show.
