Saturday Night Live: McKinnon, Davidson leave
NEWYORK –
Kate McKinnon and Pete Davidson are among those departing from “Saturday Night Live,” leaving the sketch organization without two of its most famous names following Saturday’s 47th season finale.
Aidy Bryant and Kyle Mooney will also be leaving the cast following the Natasha Lyonne-hosted episode.
The departure represents one of the biggest cast changes in years over a show that has seen unusual stability in recent seasons.
McKinnon, 38, has won two Emmy Awards and been nominated for nine of her 10 seasons on the show, where her impressions include Hillary Clinton and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Her comics feature characters such as alien kidnapper, Miss Rafferty who frequently makes friends and guest presenters lose online movies.
McKinnon opens the show with an out-of-this-world skit and says her final goodbyes on “Earth.”
“I love you, thanks for letting me stay for a while. Live from New York, it’s Saturday night,” she said at the opening of the show.
28-year-old Davidson joined the cast in 2014 and has appeared for eight seasons. His own weird personality often outshines the characters he plays. His comic commentary as himself on “Weekend Updates” are often his most viral posts. And he’s also famous for his real life – dating Ariana Grande and current girlfriend Kim Kardashian – just like that.
“I never imagined this would be my life,” Davidson said on the show. “I appreciate SNL for always supporting me, allowing me to push myself and grow. I can call home with memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you.”
Bryant, 35, joined the cast at the same time as McKinnon and has consistently appeared in sketches since, for which she has received four Emmy Award nominations.
Mooney, 37, has appeared for nine seasons since 2013.