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Devon Walker clarified the circumstances regarding his departure from Saturday Night Live in anticipation of the upcoming 51st season.
“To put it candidly, the best way I can express it is that the show and I essentially came to a mutual understanding that it was appropriate for us to part ways,” Walker, 34, shared with Rolling Stone in an interview released on Saturday, August 30. “I believe I was ready to move on from the show, and it seemed that the show was ready to move on from me as well. I was eager to explore new opportunities. We both sensed that this was the right time. The commitment involved was significant, both in terms of time and life. There have been numerous personal events that I felt I missed out on. I was prepared to embark on a different chapter in my life. It feels like both the show and I are poised to start anew.”
Walker caught the SNL audience off guard when he declared on Monday, August 25, his departure from the NBC sketch series after three seasons. His announcement marked the beginning of a wave of exits that would also include Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Heidi Gardner leaving Saturday Night Live.
In his statement, Walker implied that his experience on Saturday Night Live had its complexities, acknowledging that “at times it was incredibly exciting, while other times it felt toxic.”
“We maximized our experiences, despite all of the chaos,” he remarked. “We created a little dysfunctional family.”
In his conversation with Rolling Stone, Walker made it clear that there was no lingering animosity between him and SNL.
“I was fortunate to work alongside two of my closest friends — [writers] Gary Richardson and Alex English — in my first two seasons on the show,” he noted. “To me, that truly felt like family. Given how much time you spend together, you end up seeing one another far more than your actual families. Being in that environment, alongside two individuals who mean so much to me — I feel immensely thankful for that.”
The actor added, “Even with people I hadn’t known previously, like James Austin Johnson. I had never encountered him before starting at SNL, yet he looked out for me in ways that were entirely gracious. There are individuals at the show who, regardless of prior acquaintance, you can develop a strong connection with.”
Walker expressed his admiration for the “fraternity” atmosphere at SNL that enabled him to engage with iconic cast members during February’s 50th anniversary celebration.
“I might cross paths with someone like Adam Sandler, and he’ll discuss the concept of having a shorthand,” the comedian explained. “Even though he went through the show thirty years before I arrived, there's a shared understanding. Anyone who has ever been part of it shares that special connection.”
Regarding the future, Walker stated that he is “truly very eager” about the upcoming chapters of his career.
“I believe when someone departs from SNL, the immediate reaction tends to be, ‘Oh, I’m really sorry,’” he said. “However, for me, joining SNL was an incredible opportunity. I wasn't even preparing for that path. It was just one of those things that felt sent from above, a lucky coincidence that I got to be a part of that show. I take pride in much of the work I accomplished there, but just wait until audiences experience the projects I am really passionate about.”
Fans, along with previous SNL cast members, have been abuzz about potential changes occurring behind the scenes before the start of season 51. Former SNL actress Punkie Johnson — who left the show after four years in 2024 — clearly expressed the jarring feelings that many fans have been experiencing.
In response to an Instagram announcement about Longfellow’s departure, Johnson, 40, commented: “What on earth is going on… This feels like The Departed… My charming and attractive work partner… I love you so much…I’ll give you a call… Welcome back to the outside world, baby… I’ll see you out here soon.”
Saturday Night Live will return this autumn on NBC.
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