Ego Nwodim has elaborated on her decision to leave “Saturday Night Live” after seven seasons, saying that the sketch show was “always meant to be a stepping stone.”
Speaking during a panel at the Fast Company Innovation Festival on Wednesday (via People), Nwodim said she has big plans for her career post-“SNL.”
“There’s so much I want to do and ‘SNL’ is always meant to be a stepping stone,” Nwodim said. “There’s so many ideas that I need to have time to create. I’m looking forward to doing that. So directing, more writing in a different capacity.”
The comedian added that she’s “very excited” for her next chapter and “it’s an exciting thing.”
Nwodim announced her departure last week, after the Season 51 “SNL” cast was thought to be solid following a huge shake-up that saw the exits of Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow and Emil Wakim. Sketch group Please Don’t Destroy was also split up as Ben Marshall was promoted to main cast, Martin Herlihy moved to writing staff and John Higgins left the show. Variety reported that circumstances changed for Nwodim after the final announcements were made, causing her to choose to pursue other opportunities.
“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,” Nwodim wrote on Instagram when she announced the news. “But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship. Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always.”
