Former Saturday Night Live cast member Punkie Johnson couldn’t take it anymore after following the show’s barrage of cast exits this week.
The 40-year-old comedian, who starred on the iconic late-night sketch comedy series from 2020 to 2024, shared her condolences on Instagram amid the show’s steady drip of layoffs, first with three-season star Devon Walker, then featured player Emil Wakim.
But the announcement that main cast member Michael Longfellow — whom Punkie jokingly called her ‘handsome work husband — had been fired on Wednesday seemed to push her over the edge as she shared a hilariously foulmouthed comment on Instagram about the loss.
‘wtf is happening,’ she wrote in a shocked response.
On Thursday, the Daily Mail confirmed that eight-season veteran Heidi Gardner, one of the most high-profile cast members in recent years, was leaving unceremoniously between seasons, leading her former costar Punkie to share an impassioned response on social media.
Punkie (born Jessica Williams) initially weighed in this week on the mass exodus after Devon Walker became the first SNL star to get the ax ahead of season 51.
Former Saturday Night Live cast member Punkie Johnson, 40, had a hilariously foulmouthed reponse to the show’s week-long drip of cast departures; pictured with her season 48 cast mates
‘wtf is happening,’ she wrote in a shocked response to Michael Longfellow’s departure after three seasons, following exits earlier this week for Devon Walker and Emil Wakim; seen in February in NYC
Punkie also reacted on Thursday to news that her longtime costar Heidi Gardner (seated) was leaving the series after eight seasons; (L–R) Sydney Sweeney, Sarah Sherman, Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Johnson and Chloe Fineman on SNL in March 2024
Johnson started out her run of condolences on an upbeat note as she tried to cheer up Devon Walker.
The 34-year-old star admitted that his former workplace could be ‘toxic’ in his Instagram post on Monday announcing his departure, and he didn’t clarify if he had chosen to leave or if he was fired.
‘Welcome back Dev,’ Punkie wrote in a comment. ‘It’s fun outside baby… love u.’
Her comment mirrored those from other former SNL stars, including Jay Pharoah and Chris Redd, who bitterly suggested that things could only get better after leaving the series.
Joining Punkie in trying to cheer up Devon was his former costar Heidi, who commented, ‘I love you 🩵.’
It’s unclear if Heidi was aware of her impending departure at the start of the week.
Next up to get the boot from SNL was Emil Wakim, who shared news of his firing in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
‘i won’t be returning to snl next year. it was a gut punch of a call to get but i’m so grateful for my time there,’ he began his post, which featured photos from happier times at 30 Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.
Johnson started out her run of condolences on an upbeat note as she tried to cheer up Devon Walker after he became the first cast member to leave on Monday
‘Welcome back,’ she wrote while encouraging Devon about life after SNL
Her comment mirrored those from other former SNL stars, including Jay Pharoah and Chris Redd, who bitterly suggested that things could only get better after leaving the series. Heidi Gardner also wrote ‘I love you’ just days before her departure was reported
Next up to get the boot from SNL was Emil Wakim, who shared news of his firing in an Instagram post on Tuesday
In a humorous comment, Punkie suggested his upbeat photos misled her about Emil’s post until she read his full comment. But she again tried to keep a positive perspective in response to Emil’s somber statement
In a humorous comment, Punkie suggested the upbeat photos misled her about Emil’s post until she read his full comment.
‘Omg at first glance I thought this was a birthday post…’ she admitted, before describing his firing as ‘really truly surprising…’
But she again tried to keep a positive perspective in response to Emil’s somber statement.
‘I’m glad you are focusing on the good and are proud of yourself and the work you put in not many people can say they were on SNL and for the 50th is legendary… You a legend baby…’ Punkie wrote. ‘Outside ain’t bad. Welcome back 💙🫡.’
By the time the third SNL layoff was announced on Thursday — which came in the wake of series creator and longtime showrunner Lorne Michaels’ announcing that there would be a ‘significant shake-up’ amid the cast ahead of season 51 — Punkie had lost her cool.
Michael Longfellow, who started with the series at the same time as Devon, announced on Instagram that his time on SNL was finished.
‘Will not be returning for a 4th season at SNL,’ Michael began his caption. ‘Wish I was but, so it goes. It was the best three years of my life so far.’
Punkie commented, ‘wtf is happening…’ and she compared the wave of firings to the bloodbath that occurs toward the end of Martin Scorsese’s film The Departed, when several of the main characters are knocked off one by one.
By the time the third SNL layoff was announced on Thursday, Punkie had lost her cool. Michael Longfellow, who started at the same time as Devon, announced on Instagram that his time on SNL was finished; pictured in February in NYC
Punkie’s foulmouthed comment began ‘wtf is happening,’ and she compared the wave of firings to the bloodbath among the main characters at the end of Martin Scorsese’s The Departed
She went on to joke that Michael was her ‘sexy handsome work husband….’
‘I love you so much…I’ll call you… Welcome back outside baby….’ Punkie wrote. ‘I’ll see you out here soon🥰😍😍💙💙💙💙.’
But Punkie’s most emotional response was to news that Heidi Gardner was leaving SNL on Thursday.
Unlike her costars, Heidi didn’t share the news herself, and she so far has not publicly commented on reports.
‘Ahhhhhh Lawd not my Heidi… This probly the biggest surprise of this “shake up” Heidi you are my shining star…’ Punkie gushed in a comment on a report of her costar’s departure.
Heidi had been on the show for several years before Punkie joined in 2020, and she lasted for another season after her departure, so she was the only one of the four cast members to leave after season 50 who completely overlapped with her tenure.
‘You had a great run and I admire everything about you…’ Punkie continued as she serenaded her friend and former colleague. ‘CONGRATULATIONS HEIDI… YOU ARE AN SNL LEGEND FOR LIFE…
‘See you outside…🥹🫡💙 let have some fun 😘,’ she added.
But Punkie’s most emotional response was to news that Heidi Gardner was leaving SNL on Thursday after eight seasons; Punkie and Heidi are pictured in 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri
Unlike her costars, Heidi didn’t share the news herself, and she so far has not publicly commented on reports; Heidi, Punkie and Sarah Sherman are seen on SNL in January 2023
Heidi had been on the show for several years before Punkie joined in 2020, and she lasted for another season after her departure, so she was the only one of the four cast members to leave after season 50 who completely overlapped with her tenure
But Punkie wasn’t just praising her friend and offer kind words; she also took a moment to put a troll in their place after they tried to bash Heidi’s contributions to the show in the replies
But Punkie wasn’t just praising her friend and offer kind words; she also took a moment to put a troll in their place.
One Instagram user replied to her gushing comment to mock Punkie for being ‘surprise[d]’ at Gardner’s exit, which they took be a firing like other cast departures this week.
‘She’s awful. Name on sketch of hers without looking it up. I’ll wait [sic],’ replied the trolling account.
But Punkie didn’t let it get to her and kept her cool in a reply.
‘Hey everybody on this post will ride for Heidi. Everybody has an opinion this I know but there will be no Heidi slander my guy! Not here! Happy Friday…’ she wrote.
