Devon Walker’s Bittersweet Farewell to Saturday Night Live Leaves Fans Wondering What’s Next
Alright, let’s cut through the noise—because apparently, SNL is just as much of a revolving door as the White House press briefing room. Devon Walker, the 34-year-old comedian known for his spot-on impressions of figures like Michael Strahan and New York Mayor Eric Adams, has officially exited the long-running sketch show after three seasons. And if you were expecting a heartfelt farewell, well, Devon gave us something far more real: a backstage photo captioned, “Me and baby broke up.”
Let’s be honest—this isn’t your typical “we’ll miss you” send-off. Walker’s parting words were equal parts poetic and brutally honest. “Jobs in this industry feel like a bunch of little marriages,” he wrote on Instagram. “Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction.” Translation: SNL is a chaotic, high-pressure circus, but damn, it made for one hell of a résumé boost.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper SNL exit without a few inside jokes and shout-outs. Walker gave a nod to fellow comedians Alex English and Gary Richardson, joking that the trio went from “running a bar show to working together at 30 Rock!” That’s right—small-town open mics to live TV fame. Talk about a career arc.
As for what’s next, Walker’s got big dreams. He’s planning a trip to Japan, then setting his sights on a “prestige drama,” preferably one starring Julianne Moore. Because nothing says “I’m ready for my close-up” like casually name-dropping an Oscar winner in your Instagram post.
Meanwhile, SNL fans were quick to react. Co-star Chloe Fineman dropped a comment that hit a little too close to home: “I’ll miss being your pregnant wife all the time!!!!!” Yes, because nothing says workplace bonding like playing each other’s spouses in sketch after sketch.
And while Walker’s departure is fresh news, it’s hardly shocking. SNL has long been known for its grueling schedule, low pay, and high turnover. Just ask Pete Davidson, who once told New York Magazine that cast members earn around $3,000 per episode. “It’s like three grand an episode, so I think I got dinner,” he quipped. Former cast member Jason Sudeikis backed that up, noting that the salary wasn’t exactly life-changing. “You don’t really make enough money to make big purchases,” he said. “I think New York rent was probably the biggest purchase I made after writing on SNL the first year.”
But let’s not forget the alumni who left their mark in less obvious ways. Robert Downey Jr., before he was Iron Man, was part of SNL’s infamous 1985–1986 season—dubbed “The Weird Year” in the Peacock documentary *SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night*. Downey admitted it wasn’t exactly a breakout moment, but he still looks back on it fondly. “It is probably the most exciting week you can have on Earth,” he told Howard Stern.
Then there’s Rob Riggle, who seemingly manifested his way onto SNL by writing it down in a book. Ten years later, two wars, a marriage, and a kid later—he made it. His SNL stint may have been short-lived, but hey, it was his first job in showbiz. That’s got to count for something.
So what’s next for SNL? No other cast members have announced their exits ahead of Season 51, but with the pressure, pay, and politics of the show, it’s only a matter of time before another “marriage” ends in backstage drama. And as for Devon Walker? He’s already plotting his next act. Let’s see if Hollywood’s ready for a sketch comedian with dreams of prestige and a side of sarcasm.
And that’s today’s dose of reality. You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, New York Magazine, Peacock Documentary SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, The Howard Stern Show, Diggin’ Deep Podcast
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