Cecily Strong, the longest-tenured female cast member in Saturday Night Live history, has left Studio 8H after 11 seasons.
Cecily Strong came onboard as a featured player during season 38. She soon began co-anchoring “Weekend Update” with Seth Meyers, who was solo after Amy Poehler left the show. Following Meyers’ departure, she briefly co-hosted with Colin Jost.
Some of Cecily Strong’s most well-known characters include wannabe singer Gemma, Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party and Cathy Anne, who she brought back for one last appearance at the “Update” table. During the skit, she announced Cathy Anne would be going to prison, before showing a picture of her future cellmates: former SNL cast members Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon, who left the show after season 47.
Both Strong and Kate McKinnon had 11 seasons under their belt. With McKinnon’s departure before season 48, Strong had the record as longest-tenured female in her sights. Her final appearance on December 17th–the last show of the year–made it official. During her run, Strong earned two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Interestingly, the only cast member to win that particular award was McKinnon.
In her final moments on SNL, Cecily Strong took part in a rendition of “Blue Christmas” with host Austin Butler and several cast members. The musical guest was Lizzo. Prior to the episode, the official Saturday Night Live Instagram posted some behind-the-scenes images with the caption, “Tonight we send off one of the best to ever do it. We’ll miss you, Cecily!”
Season 48 had major shifts in cast members, with several players leaving the show after season 47, one of the biggest exoduses since the mid-1990s. In addition to McKinnon and Bryant, others who left the show included Pete Davidson, Kyle Mooney and Alex Moffat.
Cecily Strong co-starred on Apple TV+’s musical comedy Schmigadoon!, which has been renewed for a second season. She will also be providing a voice in the upcoming Garfield movie.
What are your thoughts on Cecily Strong finally leaving Saturday Night Live? What was your favorite character? Let us know below!