Molly Kearney, first nonbinary cast member, exits “Saturday Night Live”

Comedian Molly Kearney has announced their departure from “Saturday Night Live,” ahead of the show’s milestone 50th season. The announcement was made in an Instagram post shared on Friday.

“That’s a wrap on my time on SNL! Reflecting on the amazing 2 seasons I got on this show, it was such a dream come true,” Kearney wrote. Having joined Studio 8H during season 48 in 2022, Kearney expressed immense gratitude for their time on the iconic show by adding, “So incredibly grateful for this period in my life.”

As the first nonbinary member of the show’s cast, Kearney gave a shout-out to fellow comics Marcello Hernandez, Devon Walker, and Michael Longfellow, who also joined the show in its 48th season.

“My brother for life,” Hernandez commented on the post, while Longfellow added, “Love you for life my dawg.”

Throughout their time on “SNL,” Kearney made a mark by spoofing celebrities like Kevin James and Guy Fieri as a featured player and by using the “SNL” platform to raise awareness for a variety of issues. In an April 2023 “Weekend Update” segment, Kearney notably brought attention to anti-LGBTQ legislation being proposed around the country.

Prior to their role on “Saturday Night Live,” Kearney had appeared on Amazon’s “A League of Their Own.” Now, as Kearney steps away, they join a long list of “SNL” alumni, just as the show gears up for its 50th season which is set to begin in September. This milestone season will be paired with a planned 50th Anniversary celebration next year. As of now, Kearney has not shared their specific reason for leaving the show.

Kearney’s departure comes on the heels of another recent exit. Just a day earlier, fellow cast member Punkie Johnson announced her own departure from “SNL” during a comedy show in Brooklyn. Similar to Kearney, Johnson’s departure notice came much earlier than the usual cast shake-up announcements from NBC.