Ego Nwodim Leaves SNL After 7 Seasons | Career Highlights

Ego Nwodim, a beloved cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), has announced her exit from the show after seven remarkable seasons. Her departure marks the end of an era for one of the show’s most versatile and dynamic performers. In a heartfelt statement, Nwodim expressed gratitude for her time on SNL while hinting at exciting new opportunities ahead. This article delves into her journey, celebrates her contributions, and explores what’s next for this talented comedian. 🌟

Ego Nwodim’s Announcement and Statement

On September 12, 2025, Ego Nwodim shared her decision to leave SNL via social media. She described the experience as an “unforgettable” chapter in her life and thanked producer Lorne Michaels, her castmates, writers, and crew for their support and friendship. Notably, she stated, “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,” emphasizing her desire to exit on her own terms .

Nwodim’s announcement came shortly after NBC had seemingly finalized the cast for SNL’s 51st season, which included her name among the returning members. However, she chose to pursue other opportunities, joining fellow cast members Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim in departing the show .

Career Highlights on SNL

Ego Nwodim joined SNL in 2018 as a featured player and was promoted to a repertory player ahead of Season 46 in 2020. Over seven seasons, she became known for her impeccable timing, relatable humor, and ability to bring diverse characters to life . Here are some of her most iconic contributions:

🎭 Memorable Characters and Sketches

Nwodim’s versatility shone through in her original characters and celebrity impressions. Some of her most beloved roles include:

• Lisa from Temecula: A lawyer whose obsession with overcooked meat led to hilarious and chaotic dining scenarios. This sketch went viral, surprising even Nwodim with its popularity .
• Miss Eggy: A stand-up comedian whose call-and-response segment had audiences yelling expletives live on television .
• Dionne Warwick: A spot-on impression that earned praise from the legendary singer herself .
• Edith Puthie: A quirky character featured in recurring sketches .

🌍 Breaking Barriers

As only the seventh Black woman in SNL’s history, Nwodim felt a responsibility to pave the way for future diverse talent. She once noted, “If I can demonstrate to this audience that a Black woman can do this job well, it’s going to be easier for the next Black woman” . Her sketches often drew from her Nigerian-American heritage, offering fresh perspectives and resonating with millions of viewers.

Why Did Ego Nwodim Leave SNL?

Nwodim’s decision to leave appears to be multifaceted. Firstly, she expressed a desire to explore new opportunities in film and television. In a 2023 interview, she mentioned, “I want my other dreams to come true. I want to be in films and do more TV” .

Secondly, her exit follows a significant cast shake-up after SNL’s 50th anniversary season. With five new cast members joining Season 51, the show’s ensemble has become one of the largest in its history. Some speculate that Nwodim may have wanted to avoid competing for screen time in an overcrowded cast .

Lastly, her departure aligns with a natural transition after a major milestone. The 50th season featured nostalgic celebrations and appearances by SNL legends, making it a fitting culmination to her journey .

Ego Nwodim’s Future Projects

Nwodim’s career outside SNL has already been gaining momentum. She has appeared in Peacock’s Poker Face and Mr. Throwback, as well as the Netflix film Little Brother, alongside John Cena and Eric André . Given her talent and versatility, she is likely to be in high demand for future roles in comedy and beyond.

Additionally, Nwodim has expressed interest in podcasting and using her platform to advocate for education, immigrant rights, and women in entertainment . Her authenticity and intellectual approach to comedy will undoubtedly continue to resonate in whatever she pursues next.

SNL’s Evolving Cast

Nwodim’s departure is part of a broader cast shake-up for SNL’s 51st season. Here’s a quick overview of the changes:

This mix of new talent and experienced players aims to keep the show fresh while maintaining its legacy .

Lessons from Ego Nwodim’s Journey

Nwodim’s career offers valuable insights for aspiring comedians and performers:

1. Authenticity Wins: She embraced her heritage and unique perspective, making her comedy both relatable and groundbreaking.
2. Versatility Matters: From impressions to original characters, she showcased a wide range of skills.
3. Timing Is Key: Leaving on a high note after the 50th season allowed her to exit gracefully while pursuing new dreams.

Conclusion

Ego Nwodim’s departure from SNL marks the end of a significant chapter in her career but also the beginning of an exciting new one. Her contributions to the show have left an indelible mark, from viral characters to barrier-breaking representation. As she ventures into film, television, and beyond, audiences can look forward to seeing more of her talent and authenticity. Follow her journey and stay updated on her latest projects! 🌟

FAQs

1. Why did Ego Nwodim leave SNL?

Ego Nwodim decided to leave SNL after seven seasons to pursue opportunities in film and television. She expressed gratitude for her time on the show but felt it was the right moment to explore new dreams .

2. What are Ego Nwodim’s most famous SNL characters?

Some of her most iconic characters include Lisa from Temecula, Miss Eggy, and impressions of Dionne Warwick and Edith Puthie .

3. How long was Ego Nwodim on SNL?

She was a cast member for seven seasons, from 2018 to 2025 .

4. What is Ego Nwodim’s net worth?

As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, primarily earned through her work on SNL and other entertainment projects.

5. Who is replacing Ego Nwodim on SNL?

SNL has added five new cast members for Season 51: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

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