Punkie Johnson Reacts To ‘SNL’ Cast Exits

As Lorne Michaels cleans house following the milestone 50th season of Saturday Night Live, one cast alum is shocked at mass exodus.

Punkie Johnson, who starred on the NBC sketch comedy show from 2020 to 2024, shared her support for Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow, following their announced departures.

“Welcome back Dev. It’s fun outside baby… love u,” she wrote to Walker in an Instagram comment.

“You beautiful man…” Johnson wrote of Wakim. “This is a shocker to us all I’m sure… We should stand at the doors of 30 Rock and act a fool for you… Keep your head up baby… Let’s play outside.. it’s been fun.”

In response to Longfellow’s exit, she commented, “WTF is happening… This is like the departed… My sexy handsome work husband… I love you so much…I’ll call you… Welcome back outside baby…. I’ll see you out here soon,” she wrote in another comment about Michael Longfellow‘s departure.

Johnson also reacted to writer Rosebud Baker‘s exit. “Rosebud for life… welcome back to outside stank… we having a good time,” she wrote.

The comments come as cast member Heidi Gardner and writer Celeste Yim‘s exits were also announced.

The Season 50 finale special SNL50 aired in May with no cast goodbyes, but Michaels confirmed last week that he plans “to shake things up” with the cast ahead of Season 51.