Punkie Johnson Leaving ‘Saturday Night Live’: ‘My Time Has Come to an End’

As a follower who has been fortunate enough to witness Punkie Johnson‘s remarkable journey on Saturday Night Live, I can honestly say that her departure leaves me with a mix of emotions. On one hand, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible moments she’s gifted us with – from her spot-on impressions of Queen Latifah to her hilarious portrayals of Angel Reese and Sunny Hostin.


Punkie Johnson is leaving “Saturday Night Live” after four seasons.

It seems that Johnson announced something significant during a comedy show at Brooklyn’s Union Hall on July 31. This event also featured his “SNL” co-stars Molly Kearny, Devon Walker, and Michael Longfellow.

Johnson confirmed her exit in a video posted to Instagram on Thursday.

“For the past four thrilling seasons on ‘SNL’, I’ve had a blast. However, I won’t be rejoining the show for its 50th. When asked about my anticipation for the upcoming season during my stand-up performance, I honestly admitted, “To be honest, I won’t be there.”

“Johnson said, ‘There’s no grudge held, no relationships severed, and no ill feelings.’ In essence, he added, ‘I hold great affection for my people. Honestly, I didn’t expect this to cause such a stir.'”

“Being on ‘SNL’ was a dream I never knew I could fulfill. I was fortunate enough to be part of one of the top comedy institutions, and I am eternally grateful for that experience. Those people are still my friends, and I love them dearly. I can’t wait to let loose at the after-parties! Johnson ended by saying, “My time has come to an end now, but Punkie, it’s your turn!”

Neither a representative from “SNL” nor Johnson’s agents or managers were available for a response at the time.

As a dedicated fan of Saturday Night Live (SNL) for over two decades, I am beyond thrilled about the possibility of Punkie Johnson reprising her role as Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election seasons. Having grown up watching SNL during its golden age and seeing the impact that talented cast members like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph have had on comedy and pop culture, I can’t help but feel excited about the potential for another exceptional performance by Punkie Johnson.

In 2020, Johnson became a featured player on “Saturday Night Live” during its 46th season. Prior to the start of the 48th season in 2022, she was elevated to repertory status. During her tenure on the show, she made appearances in numerous sketches and “Weekend Update” segments, displaying her impersonations of Queen Latifah, Ice Spice, Angel Reese, Sunny Hostin, Gayle King, Wanda Sykes, Mary J. Blige, and many others.

Beyond his work on “SNL,” Johnson can also be seen in various television shows like “Space Force,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” “Corporate,” and “Adam Ruins Everything.”

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2024-08-02 00:46