Ego Nwodim Admits SNL ‘Can Be Such A Challenging Place’ After Her And Heidi Gardner’s Exits

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For over 50 years, Saturday Night Live has had its ups and downs, with some seasons being more popular than others. It’s consistently launched the careers of talented comedians, and sometimes sparked debate when those performers moved on. This past summer, the show experienced a notable change with the departure of two cast members who had been with SNL for many years.

Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim have left Saturday Night Live after the season ended. Gardner was on the show for eight years, and Nwodim for seven. The two are close friends and former castmates, and Gardner recently discussed their bond on Nwodim’s podcast, Thanks Dad. They talked about how valuable their friendship was while working on what Gardner described as a challenging environment. Nwodim then shared…

I’m so happy I met you when we shared a dressing room, and I cherish the seven years we spent together on SNL. It was a real gift, because even though it wasn’t always an easy place to work, you were a wonderful presence, and I’m incredibly grateful for our time together. I truly adore you.

Both comedians hint that working on Saturday Night Live was highly competitive. Many former cast members have shared how difficult the show could be, especially when sketches were cut or they didn’t get the chances they wanted. Seth Meyers even got so frustrated once that he punched a hole in a wall! It’s clear things could get pretty heated.

What’s particularly remarkable is how close Gardner and Nwodim remained, even though they were sometimes competing with each other while working on Saturday Night Live. They were happy for each other’s successes, but also playfully acknowledged it wasn’t common for both of them to be equally successful at the same time. Nwodim often praises Gardner, describing her as a positive influence during their time at SNL. She’s said…

It’s easy to get wrapped up in your own experiences at SNL – worrying about what you’re doing well, what you’re struggling with, and comparing yourself to others. But you were truly one of a kind, and you brought so much positivity to a place that can be really tough for a lot of people.

Heidi Gardner leaving Saturday Night Live came as a surprise, especially considering how long she’d been on the show and how well-liked she was. While it’s normal for SNL to let cast members go between seasons, it’s unusual for those who’ve been with the show for a while. Ego Nwodim’s departure was unexpected only because it happened so recently, as she chose to leave on her own.

Working on Saturday Night Live can be challenging, but there’s no sign that either Gardner or Nwodim have any regrets about their time there. They both achieved success and formed a friendship, and will likely continue to do so in the future.

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2025-10-29 17:38