Here's the Real Reason Leslie Jones Left 'SNL' Last Year

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Why did Leslie Jones go away ‘SNL’ after 5 years? Fans are curious if there’s more to the story of her exit from the show. Keep studying for extra.

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When it used to be revealed in August that Leslie Jones was once leaving Saturday Night Live after five years on the show, everybody used to be understandably stunned. The actress and comic used to be a large part of the series, so her sudden departure was once one that fans were not ready for. 

And since the popular collection is set to go back to the small display on Saturday, Jan. 25 to renew Season 45, viewers are curious: Why did Leslie Jones leave SNL? Scroll down to find out!

Why did Leslie Jones depart 'SNL'?

So it turns out, Leslie exited from SNL so she could focal point on other tasks. According to her IMDB, she is currently working on Coming 2 America, Queenpins, and I Am Maurice. 

"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!! #iamnotdeadjustgraduating," she wrote on Twitter again in September 2019.

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Do I look like her? I love @whoopigoldberg @nbcsnl

A put up shared by means of Leslie Jones (@lesdogggg) on May 21, 2019 at 8:04pm PDT

In late August 2019, it was published that Leslie used to be exiting the sequence after 5 seasons. She at the beginning joined the display as a writer ahead of formally joining the cast in fall 2014. And with a plethora of memorable appearances in Weekly Update, 3 Emmy nominations for her paintings on the show, in addition to her impersonations of people like Whoopi Goldberg, her departure used to be definitely unexpected. 

It wasn't until per week after the news of her exit broke that Leslie addressed her concerned lovers on Twitter. "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!" she wrote.

"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 too! You have shown me skills I never imagined I had. I leave a better performer because of you. To the incredible cast members: I will miss working, creating and laughing with you," Leslie persisted before giving them every a special shout-out.

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#ICYMI: @lesdogggg stopped by Weekend Update to comment on Alabama’s abortion ban. Link in bio.

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"I will miss holding it down with Kenan (Thompson) every day, I will miss (Cecily Strong’s) impression of me making me laugh at myself often, I will miss (Kate McKinnon's) loving hugs and talks when I needed. And of course Colin (Jost), you porcelain-skinned Ken doll. I will miss all my castmates!!" she mentioned. "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 concluded with a heartfelt farewell to her unswerving fanatics. "One last thing – to the fans – you are the BEST!! Thank you for all the love and support through my SNL years," she wrote. 

We will perpetually leave out Leslie, however we are excited to look at new episodes of SNL starting on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 11:30 p.m. on NBC!

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