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Comedienne Leslie Jones Addressed Her 'Saturday Night Live' Departure Revealing it Was True
Leslie Jones is speaking out for the first time about her departure from “Saturday Night Live” after five years of thrilling audiences with unforgettable comedy sketches.
Days after multiple reports claimed Jones would not be returning to SNL for its 45th season, the comedian and actress has taken to Twitter with a confirmation.
Leslie Jones at the 70th Emmy Awards on Sept. 17, 2018 in California | Photo: Getty Images
“Yes it’s true I am leaving Saturday Night Live,” she began in a lengthy statement accompanied by a montage of pics from her iconic skits on the NBC TV show. “I cannot thank NBC, the producers, writers, and amazing crew enough for making SNL my second home these last five years.”
1/5
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
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! Thank you for being my mentor and confidant and for pic.twitter.com/OjRrOx5owj
Jones went on to appreciate showrunner Lorne Michaels for changing her life “in so many ways” and for pushing her to be a better performer. “You not only have my loyalty, but you have my heart too!” she said.
2/5
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
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. pic.twitter.com/SStsLjip1B
The “Ghostbusters” actress also thanked her cast members, mentioning SNL staples like Kenan Thompson, Cecily Strong, Kate McKinnon, and Colin Jost.
Still To Come: Jones’ SNL departure gives her more time to focus on her new Netflix comedy special
“Everyone needs to know Leslie Jones couldn’t have done any of the things I did without these people,” Jones, 51, added.
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— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
I will miss holding it down with Kenan everyday, I will miss Cecily’s impression of me making me laugh at myself often, I will miss Kate’s loving hugs and talks when I needed. And of course Colin, you porcelain-skinned Ken doll. I will miss all my cast mates!! pic.twitter.com/ZYfccj14xn
She rounded off the statement with a word for her teeming fans:
“One last thing – to the fans – you are the BEST!! Thank you for all the love and support through my SNL years and 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!!”
Jones signed off the statement with her first name and a hashtag that read: “I am not dead, just graduating.”
4/5
— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
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.
One last thing – to the fans – you are the BEST!! Thank you for all the love and support through my SNL years pic.twitter.com/S8O1nixxps
Jones had been a part of the SNL family since 2014, quickly becoming an audience favorite and racking up award recognitions for her work.
In 2017 and 2018, Jones was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series at the Primetime Emmy Awards and this year, she’s up against other contenders for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.
Per PEOPLE, Jones’ SNL departure gives her more time to focus on her new Netflix comedy special, set to begin filming on September 10 and air sometime next year. According to Page Six, she will also be hosting a forthcoming reboot of the classic game show "Supermarket Sweep."
Meanwhile, Saturday Night Live returns for season 45 on September 28.
