Another Surprise Exit as Michael Longfellow Leaves 'SNL'

Michael Longfellow was maybe my favorite among the newer cast members of SNL. He has a sort of ghoulish, Norm MacDonald quality that I thought might make him a great “Weekend Update” anchor. I’m apparently not alone, because over the summer Longfellow reportedly tested with an SNL writer for an anchor spot, which may or may not be opening up.

What’s certain, however, is that Michael Longfellow won’t be sitting behind the “Update” desk. In fact, he won’t be on Saturday Night Live at all, as he is leaving the show, according to Deadline. It’s not clear if it was his decision or SNL’s, but if he wasn’t going to get an anchor spot, he may have chosen to leave on his own. He’s had a few memorable moments on the show (“Water Park” is his best highlight along with “Goth Kid on Vacation”), but they’ve been few and far between, though he did deliver some strong bits behind the “Update” desk.

Among his class, Marcello Hernandez is the only cast member who remains. He came in with Molly Kearney, out after one season, and Devon Walker, who was let go earlier this week. Longfellow is the third departure of the offseason, joining Walker and Emil Wakim. And with this many young cast members leaving, I wonder if Lorne will be clinging harder to the veterans, none of whom have yet announced their exit.