Punkie Johnson and Chloe Troast Discuss the Realities of Departing ‘SNL’ (Exclusive)
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Stars of Saturday Night Live gather for a farewell party in New York City
The stars of Saturday Night Live recently came together for a farewell party in New York City to celebrate the cast members who are leaving the show this year. Season 50 cast members such as Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and John Higgins were in attendance. Notably, alums Chloe Troast, Molly Kearney, and Punkie Johnson, who all departed after season 49, were present as well. Johnson, 40, hosted the event at the Riff Raff Club on Friday, Oct. 3, while the party served as a prelude to the season 51 premiere, featuring Bad Bunny as the host and Doja Cat as the musical guest.
Troast and Johnson share their experiences exclusively with PEOPLE
During the event, Troast and Johnson had an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE regarding the realities of being let go from the long-standing show. Troast, 28, expressed that although SNL “fundamentally changed” her life, she found the adjustment post-SNL to be challenging. She emphasised that there is no safety net when you leave and expressed gratitude for the support from her family and close friends, who have been her guiding light. In her own words, Troast stated, “Without them, I don’t know where I would be one year out, to be honest.”
Johnson reflects on the pressures post-SNL
Johnson, who spent four seasons at Studio 8H, shared her thoughts on the pressure that comes post-SNL departure. She noted that the show sets high expectations for its alumni, with everyone constantly asking, “What’s next?” Johnson revealed that she had to learn to navigate the transition and realise that it’s okay to take time to figure out the next steps, rather than rushing into something bigger. She described SNL as a unique and intense experience, likening it to being thrown into the deep end without a life jacket.
SNL alumni reflect on building resilience
Despite the challenges, Johnson acknowledged that her time at SNL had a profound impact on her mental strength. She stated that the show toughened her and believes she can handle any obstacle in Hollywood due to the resilience she cultivated at SNL. The departure of cast members such as Longfellow, Walker, and Wakim was also addressed. While Longfellow expressed gratitude for his time on the show, Walker described his experience as occasionally “toxic as hell.” Wakim, who faced disappointment at not returning for season 51, described his one-season run as both terrifying and rewarding.
Season 51 welcomes new cast members
As season 51 approaches, SNL will introduce five new cast members, including Veronika Slowikowska, Kam Patterson, Ben Marshall from Please Don’t Destroy, Tommy Brennan, and Jeremy Culhane. These newcomers will make their debut in the season premiere. The departure of seasoned cast members and the arrival of fresh faces mark a dynamic shift in the landscape of SNL, promising an exciting and evolving future for the iconic comedy show.
In conclusion, the journey of SNL alumni post-departure sheds light on the challenges and growth that come with leaving an institution as influential as Saturday Night Live. While the exit may present uncertainties and pressures, it also forges resilience and a newfound sense of readiness for whatever lies ahead in the ever-evolving entertainment industry. As the show continues to evolve with new talent and fresh perspectives, the legacy of SNL remains a testament to the enduring impact of comedy and creativity in shaping popular culture.
It is important to remember the significance of the contributions made by past and present SNL cast members and how their experiences continue to shape the landscape of comedy and entertainment. The transitions, challenges, and triumphs shared by individuals like Troast, Johnson, Longfellow, Walker, and Wakim offer a glimpse into the complexities of navigating the entertainment industry, highlighting the resilience and creativity required to thrive in such a competitive and dynamic field.