Leslie Jones: Yes, I’m Leaving Saturday Night Live! 

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones: Yes, I’m Leaving Saturday Night Live! 

Comedian Leslie Jones, 51, confirms reports of her exit from the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ in a Instagram post. In her post, she thanks all who were involved with casting her for the iconic show while noting she will not be returning for season 45 in September. In a series of different looks, Jones takes on the latest internet craze called the #DMXChallenge. She writes,

“Yes, it’s true I am leaving Saturday Night Live. I cannot thank NBC, the producers, writers, and amazing crew enough for making SNL my second home these last five years. Lorne Michaels, you’ve changed my life in so many ways! Thank you for being my mentor and confidant and for always having my back. You not only have my loyalty but you have my heart!! You have shown me skills I never imagined I had. I leave a better performer because of you.”

Jones adds a message to her former SNL cast members,

“To the incredible cast members: I will miss working, creating and laughing with you. I will miss holding it down with Kenan everyday, I will miss Cecily’s impression of me making me laugh at myself often, I will miss Kate’s loving hugs and talks when I needed. And of course Colin, you porcelain-skinned Ken doll. I will miss all my cast mates!! Especially being at the table reads with them!! Everyone needs to know Leslie Jones couldn’t have done any of the things I did without these people.“

She ends her message thanking all the viewers who have supported her throughout her five years on SNL.

“One last thing – to the fans – you are the BEST!! Thank you for all the love and support through my SNL years and I know you will be as excited as I am when you see some of the amazing projects and adventures that I have coming up very soon! Love you all!!”

Jones first joined the NBC comedy sketch series in 2014 as a writer. She quickly became a prominent face of the show with the “Weekend Update” segments which earned three Emmy nominations during her tenor.

The comedian has been rumored to be the next host and executive produce Supermarket Sweep, a reboot of the classic TV game show. Contestants on the show race around a supermarket with their shopping cart, collecting as high a dollar value in groceries that they can grab within a specified time limit.

Not only will Jones add host and executive producer into her resume, she has been cast to play in the highly anticipated Eddie Murphy’s “Coming 2 America” sequel.

Semmi and Prince Akeem of ‘Coming To America’

She will join the likes of returning actors Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and James Earl Jones for a release set for Aug.  2020.

What are your thoughts on Leslie Jones leaving SNL? Let us know in the comments!