Another “Saturday Night Live” veteran is leaving the long running show.
Comedian Chris Redd won’t return for the show’s 48th season, NBC announced Monday night, according to reports. His departure marks the latest exit amid a larger exodus of big names that have departed from “SNL” in recent months.
“Being part of ‘SNL’ has been the experience of a lifetime,” he said in a statement that was shared on social media. “Five years ago, I walked into 30 Rock knowing that this was an amazing opportunity for growth.
“Now, with friends who have become family and memories I will cherish forever, I’m grateful to Lorne Michaels and to the entire ‘SNL’ organization. From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank you all enough.”
He started with the show in 2017 and won an Emmy Award in 2018 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song “Come Back, Barack” on the show.
Redd’s own comedy special “Chris Redd: Why Am I Like This” on HBO Max comes out later this year and he is expected to star in the feature film “Cyber Monday” that is in the works at Universal, Deadline reported.
Redd, who portrayed New York City Mayor Eric Adams on the show, is one of many cast members who are leaving the show before this season gets started next month, including stars Pete Davidson, Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon, Kyle Mooney, Alex Moffat, Melissa Villaseñor and Aristotle Athari.
The show added four new feature players recently, Variety reported.
“SNL” is expected to return Oct. 1.