Leslie Jonesis departing the cast ofSaturday Night Liveafter five seasons,according to multiple reports.The comedian and actress, 51, first joined the NBC comedy sketch series in 2014 as a writer. She quickly became a prominent cast member during the “Weekend Update” segments, earning three Emmy nominations during her five seasons.Jones will now be focusing on hernew Netflix standup special, set to air in 2020. The special will begin filming in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 10, which she revealed last weekend onJimmy Kimmel Live!She is also set to star inThe Angry Birds Movie 2as the evil villain Zeta.Will Heath/NBCMeanwhile, Emmy winner and formerSNLcast memberKate McKinnonhas closed a deal to return to the series, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. McKinnon’s contract was up in May, after seven total seasons on the show.Besides Jones, main cast members Beck Bennett, Aidy Bryant, Michael Che,Pete Davidson, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner, Kyle Mooney, Chris Redd, Cecily Strong and Kenan Thompson are all set to star in the upcoming 45th season.On Monday,Eddie Murphywasconfirmedas this year’s Christmas episode host, marking his first time on the show in 35 years.Woody Harrelsonwill kick off the season premiere on Sept. 28, withBillie Eilishas the musical guest.Fleabag’sPhoebe Waller-Bridge,Stranger Things‘David HarbourandKristen Stewartwill also host.AndTaylor Swiftwill take the stage to sing new songs off her hit albumLoveron Oct. 5.SNLreturns Sept. 28 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
Leslie Jonesis departing the cast ofSaturday Night Liveafter five seasons,according to multiple reports.
The comedian and actress, 51, first joined the NBC comedy sketch series in 2014 as a writer. She quickly became a prominent cast member during the “Weekend Update” segments, earning three Emmy nominations during her five seasons.
Jones will now be focusing on hernew Netflix standup special, set to air in 2020. The special will begin filming in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 10, which she revealed last weekend onJimmy Kimmel Live!
She is also set to star inThe Angry Birds Movie 2as the evil villain Zeta.
Will Heath/NBC
Meanwhile, Emmy winner and formerSNLcast memberKate McKinnonhas closed a deal to return to the series, according toThe Hollywood Reporter. McKinnon’s contract was up in May, after seven total seasons on the show.
Besides Jones, main cast members Beck Bennett, Aidy Bryant, Michael Che,Pete Davidson, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner, Kyle Mooney, Chris Redd, Cecily Strong and Kenan Thompson are all set to star in the upcoming 45th season.
On Monday,Eddie Murphywasconfirmedas this year’s Christmas episode host, marking his first time on the show in 35 years.
Woody Harrelsonwill kick off the season premiere on Sept. 28, withBillie Eilishas the musical guest.Fleabag’sPhoebe Waller-Bridge,Stranger Things‘David HarbourandKristen Stewartwill also host.
AndTaylor Swiftwill take the stage to sing new songs off her hit albumLoveron Oct. 5.
SNLreturns Sept. 28 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
source: people.com
