CNN
—
“Saturday Night Live” is saying goodbye to another longtime cast member.
“Saturday Night Live” announced on its official social media accounts that Cecily Strong, who has impersonated Melania Trump and members of the Kardashian-Jenner family among others, will appear on Saturday Night Live. Exiting the long-running sketch show after new episodes.
“We fielded one of the best players we’ve ever played tonight. We’ll miss you, Cecily!” This mail read.
CNN has reached out to “SNL” for further comment.
Strong joined “Saturday Night Live” in the fall of 2012 and has continued to be a steadfast supporter of the series, which said goodbye to high-profile actors such as Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant and Pete Davidson earlier this year.
The move, while a direct shot at the show’s lineup, wasn’t a surprise since Strong was already laying the groundwork for her post-“Saturday Night Live” pursuits.
She leads the comedy troupe on Apple TV’s musical parody “Schmigadoon,” which is executive produced by “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels and will return for a second season.
As of Saturday night before the show aired, Strong had made no mention of her exit on social media.
During his tenure on the series, Strong cast many memorable roles, such as the girl you wish you hadn’t started a conversation at a party and a British singer named Gemma.
Last year, Strong, impressively dressed as a character named Guber the Clown, moderated a conversation about abortion under a controversial Texas law that bans most abortions when a fetal heartbeat begins .
In a weekend update, the actress explained that the clown costume was meant to make the topic more accessible to viewers, and shared the story of a woman who sought an abortion on the eve of her 23rd birthday.
In an interview with “The View,” Strong said she was “surprised and moved” by the response the sketch had received.
“I had so much anxiety and depression, like, ‘Either I’m going to write for anybody every night, or I can finally put it on the show.’ Luckily…right away, the show was Very supportive. I think it’s the only thing I’ve done that doesn’t have any notes. I don’t think anyone wants to leave us a note.”