Punkie Johnson is moving on from SNL
Punkie Johnson is leaving Saturday Night Live.The SNL comic revealed her departure from the NBC sketch comedy series in a social media post on Thursday, August 1.
“I just want to let you know after four seasons, I will not be returning to SNL for the 50th,” Johnson she shared in a video she posted to Instagram.
The comedian also stated that she chose to announce her departure when someone in the audience at her stand-up gig the night before inquired about SNL's forthcoming season.
“Alright, so last night, I had a ‘Punkie and Friends’ show. And since it was some SNL cast and writers, at the end of the show, I opened up the floor for questions,” she explained in the video.
“I don’t remember the exact question, all I heard was, ‘me and next season.’ I’m not going to lie to my friends, so I just said, ‘Oh, I ain’t coming back,'” Johnson said. “Then I woke up this morning to text messages, phone calls, tags on the internet. I’m like, ‘What is going on?’ They’re like, ‘Well, you made some comments.’”
Johnson assured her fans that there is no "bad blood" or "hard feelings" among the SNL creative staff.
“SNL was a dream I didn’t even know that I could achieve. That I was a part of one of the most elite institutions in comedy, and I am so grateful for it. That’s still my people. I love them. I’m gonna be at the after parties acting a plumb fool!” Johnson said. “My time now has come to an end, and, um, Punkie outside now, y’all!”
The stand-up comic captioned the post, “SNL I Love You… Looking forward to what’s next!!! #SNL #49 Punkie Out!!!!”
Johnson made his debut as a featured player on the legendary sketch series in 2020. Two years later, she was promoted to regular cast member.
Her previous credits include The Black Lady Sketch Show and Pause with Sam Jay.
Her resignation from SNL comes just one day after it was announced that Maya Rudolph would return to the show to play Vice President Kamala Harris until the 2024 election.
Season 50 of Saturday Night Live starts on NBC on September 28.