SNL Adds New Faces for Its 50th Season as Longtime Cast Members Depart

September 9, 2024

As Saturday Night Live (SNL) gears up for its 50th season, big changes are in store for the beloved late-night sketch show. In an exciting development, Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline will be joining the iconic cast as featured players, stepping into the spotlight at a pivotal moment in the show's history.

This opportunity marks a significant break for the three up-and-coming comedians, who will bring fresh energy to the cast. Their addition comes as Chloe Troast, who was introduced as a featured player last season, departs the show. Meanwhile, after two seasons as featured players, Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker are being promoted to the main cast, securing their positions as integral parts of SNL’s ensemble.

A Milestone Season

SNL’s 50th season is set to be filled with special celebrations, reunions, and high-profile guest stars. In addition to the new faces, longtime SNL cast members will be returning, and fan-favorite Maya Rudolph is expected to reprise her acclaimed portrayal of Kamala Harris during the 2024 Presidential election.

While Chloe Troast’s departure comes as a surprise to many fans, her breakout performances over the past year—such as the widely praised “Little Orphan Cassidy” sketch—have left a lasting impression. Troast addressed her departure on social media, expressing her sadness at not returning but also gratitude for the friendships she formed on the show.

"I wish I was going back to be with all the amazing friends I made there," Troast wrote. "But it wasn’t in the cards." Many fans are hopeful this won’t be the last we see of Troast, as she is sure to continue making waves in the comedy world.

Who Are the New Cast Members?

• Ashley Padilla has been a standout performer at The Groundlings, one of the country’s premier improv and sketch comedy theaters. She has also appeared in HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and NBC’s Night Court.
• Emil Wakim, a Lebanese-American comedian, made his late-night debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and was named a New Face of Comedy at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. He has opened for major names in the comedy world, including Roy Wood Jr., Nikki Glaser, and Hasan Minhaj.
• Jane Wickline has gained a massive following on TikTok for her hilarious sketches and has been a part of the live show Stapleview, amassing over 45 million likes. She has also appeared in the 2024 Mubi film My First Film and frequently performs live sketch comedy.

What’s Next for SNL?

With a combination of new talent and seasoned veterans, SNL’s 50th season is set to be a major milestone for the show, which remains one of the most popular programs on television. Created by Lorne Michaels, SNL has been a cultural institution for decades, and this season’s celebrations will culminate with a live primetime special on February 16, 2025.

Stay tuned to see how these fresh faces make their mark on the SNL stage and how the show continues to evolve in its landmark season.