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Ego Nwodim<\/a>, a fan-favorite on \u201cSaturday Night Live,\u201d announced Friday she\u2019s leaving the series after seven seasons. Her announcement comes after reports that the cast was set for Season 51<\/a>, which begins in October. <\/p>\n Nwodim posted the news of her departure on Instagram<\/a> Friday, writing, \u201cThe hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight. But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship,\u201d she continued. \u201cWeek after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always.\u201d<\/p>\n A spokesperson for NBC confirmed the departure, saying Nwodim decided to pursue other opportunities.<\/p>\n Nwodim had become a stand-out cast member since joining the cast in 2018, playing well-known characters like Lisa from Temecula<\/a> and recently, her stand-up comedian alter ego, Miss Eggy<\/a>. <\/p>\n The viral popularity of some of her hit sketches, namely Lisa from Temecula, came as a surprise to Nwodim. Speaking to The Times<\/a> in 2023, she said \u201cThere\u2019s something so magical about that, that you can\u2019t know what\u2019s going to work and what\u2019s going to hit hard,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd hit that hard \u2014 I could have never guessed it.\u201d<\/p>\n Nwodim played Rich Auntie with No Kids, another beloved character, during a Weekend Update segment with anchor Michael Che in 2023.<\/p>\n (Will Heath \/ NBC)<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n Outside of her time on the NBC sketch comedy show, Nwodim had appeared in several television series, including \u201cPoker Face,\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s Florida, Man,\u201d \u201cMr. Throwback\u201d and \u201cGood Times.\u201d She\u2019s also set to appear in the upcoming Netflix comedy film \u201cLittle Brother\u201d with John Cena.<\/p>\n Other cast members departing from \u201cSNL\u201d this season are Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker and Emil Wakim. <\/p>\n