Saturday Night Live
See which familiar faces were once fired from ‘Saturday Night Live’
Christina CardonaSept. 3, 2025, 3:34 p.m. ET
With the introduction of five new "Saturday Night Live" cast members for Season 51, there have also some departures, with Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow and Emil Wakim all announcing their exits. Many top comedians have made their mark on "SNL," but some were notably given the axe. Look back at has been fired from the sketch comedy show before going on to reach career highs, including Adam Sandler in 1995.
Aldara Zarraoa, Getty Images
Actress Jenny Slate was let go from "Saturday Night Live" in 2010 after one season.
Jerritt Clark, Getty Images
Comedian Sarah Silverman exited "Saturday Night Live" in 1994 after one season.
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images For Writers Guild
Robert Downey Jr. was fired from the sketch comedy show in 2001.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Jay Pharoah was let go from "Saturday Night Life" in the fall of 2016.
Arturo Holmes, Getty Images
Comedian Chris Farley was fired from "SNL" in 1995.
Kelly Wilkinson, Indianapolis Star-USA TODAY NETWORK
Chris Rock was fired from "Saturday Night Live" after the 1993 season.
Jamie McCarthy, Getty Images For Night Of Too Ma
Damon Wayans, right, was let go from "SNL" in 1992.
Aaron J. Thornton, Getty Images For BET
Shane Gillis was fired from "SNL" before his debut in 2019, days his hiring, when stand-up material surfaced revealing racist views.
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
Taran Killam was let go from "SNL" in 2016.
Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty ImagesFeatured Weekly Ad