Johnson mentioned SNL ‘was a dream’ and he or she’s leaving with ‘no exhausting emotions.’
Saturday Night time Reside is bidding farewell to certainly one of its proficient performers because it approaches its landmark fiftieth season. Punkie Johnson, who has been a part of the present’s ensemble for 4 years, has introduced her departure from the long-running NBC program.
Johnson, whose given identify is Jessica Williams, broke the information throughout a stand-up efficiency and later confirmed it by way of social media. In an Instagram put up, she said, “After 4 seasons, I can’t be returning to SNL for the fiftieth.” The comic emphasised that her exit was amicable, dispelling any rumors of discord or unwell will.
“It is no unhealthy blood, it is no bridges burnt, it is no exhausting emotions,” Johnson assured her followers. She added, “SNL was a dream I did not even know I might obtain. I used to be a part of one of the crucial elite establishments in comedy, and I am so grateful for it… however my time there has come to an finish.”
Expressing her gratitude for the chance, Johnson described her time on SNL as a dream come true, acknowledging the present’s prestigious standing within the comedy world. She joined the solid as a featured participant within the forty sixth season and was promoted to repertory standing two years later.
Throughout her tenure, Johnson made historical past because the eighth Black feminine solid member and solely the second brazenly LGBTQ+ Black girl to grace the SNL stage, following within the footsteps of Danitra Vance. Her contributions to the present included memorable impressions of Vice President Kamala Harris, Nicki Minaj, Queen Latifah, and different notable figures.
Past her SNL fame, Johnson has showcased her abilities in varied tv sequence, together with Area Pressure, A Black Woman Sketch Present, and Company. Her current look within the critically acclaimed comedy movie Bottoms additional solidified her repute as a flexible performer.
The information of Johnson’s departure has elicited an outpouring of assist from her SNL colleagues. Fellow solid members and alumni, together with Ego Nwodim, Cecily Robust, Chris Redd, and Chloe Fineman, have shared messages of encouragement on her social media announcement.
In her Instagram video, Johnson appeared shocked by the eye her announcement had obtained. She joked, “That is why Dave Chappelle makes folks lock up their telephones,” in reference to her information going viral.
