Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSome Saturday Night Live cast members were explicitly fired; others were not asked back, lost contracts, or left amid broader cast changes. The reasons are not equally clear in every case. Here are 15 notable exits, with confirmed explanations separated from performers’ recollections and unresolved questions.
What “fired” means in these SNL cases
Coverage often uses “fired” as shorthand for several different outcomes: a direct dismissal, a contract that was not renewed, removal before a season began, or a departure during a cast-wide reset or budget reduction. Those distinctions matter. A non-return does not, on its own, establish either that someone was fired or why.
Peacock says 172 people had served as official cast members since the show premiered in 1975, including five featured players who joined season 51 (Peacock, 2026). In an ensemble with that much turnover, a cast change can reflect a broader production decision rather than a verdict on one performer.
15 cast members and what is known about their exits
1. Jenny Slate
Slate stayed through the rest of her first season after an on-air expletive, but that moment should not be treated as the sole reason she left. The Washington Post reports that after a difficult year she expected to be fired and learned the news through Deadline rather than from a direct call. [The Washington Post]
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
2. Sarah Silverman
A writer and featured player in 1993–94, Silverman was dismissed during a wider cast shake-up. She later joked that not writing funny sketches might have contributed; that was her retrospective quip, not an official explanation. [The Washington Post]
3. Norm Macdonald
Macdonald was removed from Weekend Update and then from the show during the 1997–98 season. Reporting says NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer cited falling ratings and told Macdonald the segment was not as funny as it could be. That account offers context, but it does not establish a single, undisputed rationale for the decision. [The Washington Post]
4. Adam Sandler
Sandler was let go in 1995 amid a major cast transition, according to the show’s oral history cited by The Washington Post. Sandler later said he did not know whether he had quit or been fired, so the circumstances remain uncertain even though the oral-history account describes him as let go.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
5. Chris Farley
The Washington Post, citing the SNL oral history, reports that Farley was fired with a year remaining on his contract. The reviewed account does not give a specific reason, so a more detailed explanation would go beyond what it establishes.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Live from New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live is a relevant further read: The Washington Post cites it for accounts of Sandler’s and Farley’s departures. It offers oral-history reporting, not definitive proof of the reasons behind every cast change.
6. Chris Parnell
Parnell was fired before a fourth season, then brought back after fellow cast members advocated for him. He was let go again in 2006 alongside Rachel Dratch and Horatio Sanz amid budget cuts. His return and second departure show why a cast decision should not automatically be read as a judgment of talent. [The Washington Post]
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
7. Rachel Dratch
Dratch was among the cast members reported let go in 2006 amid budget cuts. The available account does not establish an individual performance-based reason for her exit.
8. Horatio Sanz
Sanz was also reported among the 2006 departures amid budget cuts. No specific creative or performance reason is established in the reviewed reporting.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →9. Joan Cusack
Cusack joined the season 11 cast after creator Lorne Michaels returned and the previous cast was broadly replaced in what has been called the “Weird Year.” Cusack said the experience was not working for her and that she was miserable. Her comments describe her own experience, not management’s precise reason for the cast change.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
10. Robert Downey Jr.
Downey Jr. was also part of season 11’s “Weird Year.” Looking back, he said he was ill-suited to rapid-fire sketch comedy and impressions. That is his assessment of his fit with the format, not a documented formal firing explanation.
11. Shane Gillis
Gillis was hired in 2019 and removed before joining the cast after earlier podcast remarks resurfaced. An NBC spokesperson said, “The language he used is offensive, hurtful and unacceptable.” The spokesperson also said NBC regretted not seeing the clips earlier and that its vetting process fell below its standard. This is the clearest contemporaneous public explanation among these cases. [TIME]
12. Gilbert Gottfried
Gottfried was a cast member for one season, 1980–81, during a major transition. He described conflict with the writers and said he learned he had been fired through a fan letter. The conflict and the way he received the news are Gottfried’s account; they should not be presented as independently established details.
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
13. Taran Killam
Killam’s contract was not renewed before season 42. He said, “I was never given a reason why, really.” He speculated that his film schedule might have contributed, but that possibility was his guess, not a confirmed explanation. [The Washington Post]
14. Jay Pharoah
NBC confirmed Pharoah would not return for season 42. The reviewed reporting does not establish a definitive reason, so his non-return should not be assigned a specific cause.
15. Jon Rudnitsky
NBC confirmed that featured player Rudnitsky would not return for season 42. As with Pharoah, the available reporting does not give a definitive reason for the decision.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the explanations vary
The cases fall into different categories, and the explanation’s source matters as much as the explanation itself.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Publicly stated conduct-related reason: NBC’s 2019 statement about Gillis’s resurfaced remarks directly explains his removal before joining the cast.
- Broader cast or budget decisions: Silverman’s dismissal came amid a cast shake-up; season 11 involved a broad replacement of the previous cast; and Parnell, Dratch, and Sanz were reported let go amid 2006 budget cuts.
- Attributed personal recollections: Slate, Sandler, Cusack, Downey Jr., Gottfried, and Killam have accounts or assessments that shed light on their experiences, but those are not interchangeable with an official explanation.
- Reason not established: For Pharoah and Rudnitsky, NBC’s confirmation of non-return is not accompanied by a definitive public reason in the reviewed reporting.
That distinction is especially important when a performer says they were not told why, or when a report confirms only that they did not return. Later success or failure elsewhere does not prove what motivated an SNL decision at the time.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
