SNL: Molly Kearney becomes second cast member to exit before season 50

Molly Kearney may not be a household name, but anyone who's watched Saturday Night Live in the 2020s will recognize their face. They've been one of the versatile cast members on the entire show, and now they're taking their talents elsewhere.

Kearney announced that they would be leaving SNL via Instagram on August 2. They made it clear that they adored their time on the show, and simply wanted to pursue other career opportunities. "That’s a wrap on my time on SNL," they wrote. "Reflecting on the amazing 2 seasons I got on this show, it was such a dream come true."

Molly Kearney joined the show in season 48

The comedian also shouted out their various cast mates and collaborators. "So incredibly grateful for this period in my life," they added. "So much love to all my big hearted buddies behind the scenes who make the magic happen every week. So many bald caps, so little time."

The aforementioned bald caps are a reference to the various characters that Molly Kearney played throughout their time on Saturday Night Live. They made history when she joined the cast in season 48, becoming the first nonbinary comedian to be made a featured player.

Kearney made a point of tagging the cast members they started at Saturday Night Live with, including Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow and Marcello Hernandez. "Head up and heart out," they concluded. "Harold forever!!!!!"

Kearney is the second cast member to leave in 2024

Molly Kearney's decision is amplified, somewhat, by its proximity to another Saturday Night Live departure. Punkie Johnson announced she would also be leaving the show ahead of its 50th season. She did not provide reasoning, but a source close to Johnson claimed that she repeatedly bumped heads with SNL producers.

Kearney's decision is unfortunate, in a way, as they were rumored to be promoted to main cast member in the upcoming season. Deadline reported that the aforementioned batch of comedians that Kearney broke through with (Walker, Longfellow, Hernandez), would all be getting a bump up to the main lineup. As it stands, we wish Kearney the best on their journey.