Punkie Johnson Leaving ‘SNL’ After 4 Seasons

Changes are starting to happen at Saturday Night Live ahead of its upcoming 50th season.

Punkie Johnson has left the show after four seasons. She revealed the news during a comedy show last night and just confirmed it on Instagram.

“After four seasons, I will not be returning to SNL for the 50th,” she said.

“There is no bad blood, there is no bridges burnt, there is no hurt feelings,” she added. “SNL was a dream I didn’t even know I could achieve. I was part of one of the most elite institutions in comedy, and I’m so grateful for it… but my time there has come to an end.”

Johnson, whose real name is Jessica Williams, joined the NBC show as a featured player in Season 46 before being promoted to repertory status in 2022 ahead of its 48th season.

She was the show’s eighth Black female cast member and only the second Black LGBTQ+ woman following Danitra Vance, who was not out when she was on the show.

During her run on the show, she has portrayed Vice President Kamala Harris, when Maya Rudolph wasn’t, as well as impressions of the likes of Nicki Minaj, Queen Latifah, Harriet Tubman, Angel Reese, Ice Space and Gayle King.

Johnson has also appeared in series such as Space Force, A Black Lady Sketch Show and Corporate.

Nellie Andreeva contributed to this report.