NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) — As the venerable sketch comedy show gears up for its 42nd season, reps for the show confirmed that longtime principle cast members Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah would not be returning.
Their departures were confirmed by Lauren Roseman, a press representative for NBC, the New York Times reported.
At least for Killiam, who had a year remaining on his seven-year contract, his departure was something of a surprise.
“I had sort of had it in my head I would make this upcoming year my last year, but then heard they weren’t going to pick up my contract,” Mr. Killam said in an interview with the website Uproxx. “I was never given a reason why really. I can assume until the cows come home.”
Both Pharoah and Killiam were promoted to the main cast in 2012 and have since contributed a number of key impersonations, including Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan. (Killiam) and President Obama and Ben Carson (Pharoah.)
Also leaving the cast for the season is Jon Rudnitsky, a featured player who joined the cast for the 2015-2016 season, the Times said. – Staff Writers
