On September 12, 2025, Ego Nwodim, a beloved comedian and actress, announced her departure from Saturday Night Live (SNL) after seven remarkable seasons. Her exit, shared via a heartfelt Instagram post, has left fans and peers reeling, marking the end of an era for the iconic sketch comedy show. Nwodim’s decision to leave comes just weeks before the premiere of SNL’s 51st season on October 4, 2025, and follows a series of cast shakeups that have sparked widespread discussion. Known for her vibrant characters, sharp comedic timing, and trailblazing presence, Nwodim’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the show.
Ego Nwodim’s Rise to Comedy Stardom
Ego Nwodim, born on March 10, 1988, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a Nigerian-American comedian and actress whose path to Saturday Night Live was anything but conventional. Initially pursuing a career in biology, Nwodim graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in the field. However, her passion for comedy led her to pivot, honing her craft at the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCB) in Los Angeles. Her time at UCB, a hub for improvisational and sketch comedy, was instrumental in shaping her unique comedic voice, blending sharp wit with relatable, often absurd humor.
Before joining SNL, Nwodim built an impressive resume in the comedy world. She performed stand-up across Los Angeles, appeared in small roles on shows like 2 Broke Girls and Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, and gained recognition for her work in digital content, including sketches for Funny or Die. Her breakout moment came when she was cast as a featured player on Saturday Night Live for its 44th season in 2018, becoming the only new cast member that year. This milestone marked her as a rising star, and over the next seven seasons, she solidified her place as one of SNL’s most versatile performers.
Nwodim’s background as a Nigerian-American woman brought a fresh perspective to the show. Her ability to navigate cultural nuances and deliver humor with authenticity resonated with audiences, particularly through characters like Lisa from Temecula, a lawyer with a penchant for well-done steaks, and her impression of Dionne Warwick, which became a fan favorite. Her comedic range, from grounded to outlandish, showcased her ability to steal scenes and elevate sketches, earning her a promotion to repertory player in 2020.
Beyond her on-screen work, Nwodim’s off-screen persona is equally compelling. She often speaks warmly of her family, particularly her mother, Okey Nwodim, and has shown support for her cousin, Eberechi Eze, a professional footballer for Crystal Palace and the England national team. Her grounded upbringing and dedication to her craft have made her a relatable figure, endearing her to fans and colleagues alike. As she departs SNL, her journey from biology student to comedy trailblazer serves as a testament to her resilience and talent.
Impactful Moments and Memorable Characters on SNL
Ego Nwodim’s seven seasons on Saturday Night Live were defined by her ability to create unforgettable characters and deliver viral moments that resonated far beyond Studio 8H. Joining the show in 2018, she quickly established herself as a standout performer, bringing a mix of sharp improvisation, cultural commentary, and infectious energy to her sketches. Her work not only entertained but also pushed boundaries, particularly in highlighting Black female voices on a show that has historically underrepresented them.
One of Nwodim’s most iconic contributions was her character Lisa from Temecula, a lawyer whose insistence on a well-done steak during a restaurant sketch (notably with host Pedro Pascal) led to a table-shaking, laugh-out-loud performance that went viral. The sketch’s absurdity, paired with Nwodim’s commitment to the bit, made it one of the most memorable moments of recent SNL seasons.
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Similarly, her portrayal of “Miss Eggy,” a stand-up comedian whose audience interactions sparked an unexpected, expletive-filled call-and-response moment during a Weekend Update segment, showcased her ability to handle live television’s unpredictability. This moment, which required FCC intervention but resulted in no fines, highlighted Nwodim’s improvisational prowess and her ability to connect with audiences in real time.
Her impression of Dionne Warwick was another standout, blending sharp mimicry with affectionate humor. Nwodim’s Warwick, often appearing in talk show-style sketches, poked fun at the singer’s quirks while showcasing Nwodim’s knack for celebrity impersonations. Other notable characters included Veronda, the “rich auntie with no kids,” a role that leaned into cultural archetypes with humor and heart. These performances not only entertained but also brought much-needed diversity to SNL’s comedic landscape, with Nwodim becoming one of only eight Black women to be part of the show’s cast in its 50-year history.
Nwodim’s presence on Weekend Update was particularly impactful. Her appearances, often as herself or as recurring characters, brought a fresh perspective to the segment, blending social commentary with humor. A notable instance was her interaction with host Quinta Brunson in a 2025 sketch, where the audience’s unexpected reactions led to a lively, improvised exchange that Nwodim later described as “so fun” due to her love for improv. These moments underscored her ability to thrive under pressure, a critical skill in SNL’s high-stakes environment.
Her departure leaves a significant void, particularly as SNL heads into Season 51 without a Black female cast member for the first time since 2014. Nwodim’s ability to craft characters that were both culturally specific and universally relatable made her a vital part of the show’s recent success, including its 11 Emmy wins during its milestone 50th season. Her peers, including Chloe Fineman, Cecily Strong, and Ana Gasteyer, have praised her as “one of the best,” with Fineman calling her a “GOAT” in a heartfelt social media tribute. Nwodim’s exit, while voluntary, has sparked conversations about representation on SNL, with fans and critics alike noting the challenge of filling her shoes.
What’s Next for Ego Nwodim and SNL’s Future
Ego Nwodim’s decision to leave Saturday Night Live was her own, as she emphasized in her Instagram post on September 12, 2025: “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.” Her announcement came shortly after SNL confirmed its Season 51 cast, which initially included her name alongside veterans like Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, and Michael Che. However, sources indicate that Nwodim changed her mind to pursue new opportunities, signaling a strategic career move rather than a forced exit.
Her departure coincides with a broader cast shakeup, with Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim also leaving before Season 51. SNL has countered these exits by adding five new featured players—Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, Veronika Slowikowska, and Ben Marshall from the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy—signaling a shift toward fresh talent.
However, Nwodim’s exit, in particular, has drawn attention due to her seniority and the absence of a Black female cast member in the upcoming season, a point of concern for fans and critics who see her departure as a step backward for representation.
Looking ahead, Nwodim is poised for a bright future. She has already secured projects with Netflix and Peacock, indicating a transition to new platforms where her comedic talents can shine. Her versatility, honed through years of sketch comedy, improv, and character work, positions her well for roles in film, television, or even stand-up specials. Fans and peers alike are optimistic about her next chapter, with many comparing her trajectory to that of SNL alums like Eddie Murphy or Chris Rock, who leveraged their time on the show into successful careers.
For Saturday Night Live, Season 51, premiering October 4, 2025, on NBC and Peacock, will be a test of its ability to evolve. With returning cast members like Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, and the Weekend Update duo of Jost and Che, alongside new faces, the show is poised for a fresh dynamic. However, the loss of Nwodim’s unique voice and perspective underscores the challenge of maintaining diversity and comedic depth. Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, has signaled significant changes following the 50th season, and fans will be watching closely to see how SNL navigates this transition.
In her farewell, Nwodim expressed gratitude to Michaels, her castmates, writers, and crew, noting that “week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined.” She humorously added, “Now invite me to your weddings please!” reflecting her warmth and connection with fans. As she steps away from Studio 8H, Ego Nwodim leaves behind a legacy of laughter, representation, and unforgettable moments, ensuring her place as a comedy landmark. Her next moves will undoubtedly be watched with anticipation, as she continues to redefine what it means to be a trailblazer in comedy.