During last night's season finale of Saturday Night Live, it was revealed that Pete Davidson, Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon and Kyle Mooney are all leaving the show.
During the season finale of SNL, hosted by Natasha Lyonne, it was announced the some of the most popular cast members would not be returning to the show after the usual summer hiatus.
The cast members who will not be returning include Pete Davidson, Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon, and Kyle Mooney. After several years on the show, these stars officially marked their departure.
Why is Pete Davidson leaving SNL?
Amid his high profile romance with Kim Kardashian, it has been speculated that Pete Davidson is leaving due to his own personal reasons. There has also been speculation that Pete is leaving due to his growth. Not only has he been in the public eye for his romances, but Pete has also appeared in several projects during the past two years. He starred in the King of Staten Island, which was directed by Judd Apatow. He also had appearances in other features, including DC's Suicide Squad.
However, the actor and comedian wrote a long note to his friend and SNL writer, Dave Sirus, that was shared on Instagram on Saturday.
In the video, Pete Davidson is hugging friend and fellow comedian, Jerrod Carmichael, who hosted the show a few weeks ago.
“This video was taken eight years ago,” the message read. “Jerrod sent it to me last night and it made me super emotional in the best way. In the video, I had just gotten back from doing my very first update and sketch. It’s crazy to think that today I’ll be doing my last one. When I got the show, I was 20 years old and I had no idea what I was doing. I still don’t, but especially back then. I wasn’t really a sketch performer. I was just a stand up. I knew I could never keep up or go toe-to-toe with a Kenan Thompson or a Kate McKinnon, so I was super scared at figuring out what I could possibly bring to or do for such a historic, respected show and platform. I figured, since I’m a stand up, I’ll just try my stand up and personal bits on ‘Weekend Update’ as myself, and I’m so glad I did.”
Pete continued, “I got to share so much with this audience and literally grow up in front of your eyes. We were together through the good and the bad, the happiest and the darkest of times. I owe Lorne Michaels and everyone at SNL my life. Im so grateful, and I wouldn’t be here without them. I appreciate you guys always having my back and sticking up for me even when that wasn’t the popular opinion. Thank you for always believing in me and sticking by my side even when it seemed comical. Thank you for teaching me life values, how to grow up and for giving me memories that will last a lifetime. SNL is my home. I’m so happy and sad about tonight’s show. For so many reasons I can’t explain. Can’t wait to be back next year in a Mulaney musical number.”
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