Devon Walker Addresses ‘SNL‘ Exit, Calling Experience “Toxic” But Ultimately Productive
Devon Walker is clarifying his departure from Saturday Night Live, describing his three seasons with the show as a complex mix of positive experiences and “toxicity.” Walker’s declaration comes amid a wave of cast exits ahead of the show’s 51st season, sparking fan outcry and raising questions about the habitat within the long-running sketch comedy program.
Walker, who joined SNL as a featured player in 2022 and was promoted before the show’s 50th anniversary last season, publicly addressed his exit on Instagram Monday, stating, “Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a f-ed up lil family.” His departure follows those of fellow cast members Emil Wakim, Michael Longfellow, and Heidi Gardner.
The exits have prompted a strong reaction from fans, with some expressing anger toward SNL creator Lorne Michaels. Walker responded to the intensity of the online response on X, stating, “Yall acting like we died lol we just getting different jobs.”
During his tenure, Walker gained recognition for his impressions of figures including Frank ocean, Michael Strahan, Shannon Sharpe, Draymond green, and Eric Adams. Saturday Night Live returns October 4th. Alumna Punkie Johnson reacted to the cast changes with a simple, “WTF is happening.”
