In an Instagram post on August 2, Molly Kearney, the first nonbinary performer on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), announced their departure from the iconic late-night sketch show after two seasons. Kearney, a 32-year-old comedian who uses they/them pronouns, expressed their gratitude for their time on SNL, calling it a dream come true. They shared a carousel of photos from their tenure, reflecting on the amazing experiences and expressing love for the talented crew behind the scenes.

Kearney became a featured player on SNL's Season 48 in 2022 and continued to showcase their comedic talents on Season 49. Their departure follows the revelation of fellow cast member Punkie Johnson's exit during a stand-up performance at Brooklyn's Union Hall on July 31. Johnson, also known as Jessica Williams, confirmed the news in an Instagram video posted on August 1, explaining that her announcement was somewhat spontaneous, prompted by an audience question.

In her video, Johnson emphasized that there was no animosity or hard feelings towards the SNL team. She expressed her love and gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a prestigious comedy institution and stated that she didn't anticipate her revelation to become such a big deal. Johnson assured her fans that she would still be attending after-parties and enjoying herself. Her Instagram post captioned "SNL I LOVE YOU... LOOKING FORWARD TO WHATS NEXT!!!" conveyed her excitement for future endeavors.

During their time on SNL, both Kearney and Johnson had standout moments. Kearney's breakout moment came in 2023 when they delivered a powerful Weekend Update segment addressing anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country. The comedian made a dramatic entrance, descending from the ceiling on a harness, and passionately criticized politicians who sought to restrict healthcare for transgender youth. Kearney's heartfelt plea emphasized the importance of protecting all children, regardless of their gender identity.

As these two talented comedians bid farewell to SNL, the show will undoubtedly miss their unique contributions. Molly Kearney's trailblazing presence as the first nonbinary cast member and Punkie Johnson's dynamic performances have left a lasting impact. Fans of SNL can only speculate on what lies ahead for the show as it prepares for its 50th season, anticipating new faces and fresh talent to continue the legacy of laughter.