Leslie Jones Says “See Ya” to Saturday Night Live
After five seasons of polished pratfalls and punchy punchlines, the 51‑year‑old stand‑up star has officially announced her exit from the skit‑savvy stage of SNL.
Honoring the Man Who Made Her Marvelous
On Instagram, Leslie wrapped up her announcement with a heartfelt thank‑you to Lorne Michaels, the legendary showrunner who, according to her, “changed my life in so many ways.” She praised him as a mentor, a confidant, and—drumroll—an unshakable back‑up.
“You’ve taught me skills I never imagined I had. I leave a better performer because of you,” she wrote, while casually dropping a “sic” (the “s” from “sic” means “yes, I know that’s a typo, but it feels real!”).
Friends, Foes, and That Daily Ken‑and‑I Routine
- Kenan Thompson – the guy who keeps the coffee flowing “daily” and the jokes rolling.
- Cecily Strong – for the “impression of me” that flips her own self‑esteem into a giggle‑fest.
- Kate McKinnon – the human hug‑machine who offers comforting words whenever the mood turns sour.
- Colin Jost – dubbed “porcelain‑skinned Ken doll” by the squad.
Leslie admitted she’ll miss “holding it down with Kenan everyday,” laughing with Cecily, receiving Kate ’s warm hugs, and the relentless banter at the writer’s table—where, she says, the cast mates make the impossible possible.
“We All Need to Know I Couldn’t Have Done That Without You”
Her message to the SNL family echoed the same sentiment: Every sketch, every sketch‑laugh was a team effort, and she couldn’t have pulled that off solo.
A Shout‑out for the “BEST” Fans
“Last thing: to the fans – you are the BEST!”
Leslie thanked everyone for their love and support, promising that her future endeavors will be “as exciting as I am.” She added a jab — #iamnotdeadjustgraduating— highlighting the fresh starts she’s brewing.
What’s Next for the Ghostbusters Star?
With her SNL chapter closed, she’s got her sights set on a number of projects that are sure to keep her on the comedy radar. Fans can look forward to fresh firepower, because she’s not just stepping out, she’s stepping up.
