Heidi Gardner, a beloved Saturday Night Live (SNL) star, has left the show after an eight-season run, shocking fans amid a broader cast shakeup as the iconic NBC sketch comedy series approaches its 51st season.
The 42-year-old comedian, who joined SNL in 2017 as a featured player during season 43 alongside Luke Null and Chris Redd, was promoted to the main cast in 2019. Her departure follows the recent exits of cast members Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker, fueling fan outrage and calls on social media to cancel the show.
Gardner was celebrated for her memorable character Bailey Gismert, a teen movie critic featured on Weekend Update, and for impersonating figures like Reba McEntire, Mikey Madison, and Kim Kardashian.
Earlier this year, Gardner hinted at her exit on Craig Ferguson’s Joy podcast, citing “sketch fatigue” and the challenges of generating new ideas after years at The Groundlings and SNL. Her departure has sparked strong reactions, with some fans decrying the ongoing cast changes and demanding the show’s cancellation.