Punkie Johnson recently opened up about her departure from “Saturday Night Live” after a four-season run, revealing her feelings of not fitting in on the iconic NBC sketch comedy show. In a candid conversation on the “Fly on the Wall” podcast with former “SNL” cast members Dana Carvey and David Spade, Johnson shared her journey and the reasons behind her decision to leave.
Why Punkie Johnson left ‘SNL’
During the podcast, Johnson recounted a pivotal moment when she questioned her place on the show. “I talked to my team. I was like, ‘Look, I don’t really know if I belong at this job, so maybe I should step away,’ ” she said.
Despite her initial doubts, her team encouraged her to stay, advising her to have a plan before making any drastic decisions.
Reflecting on her last season, Johnson noted that it was one of her best, stating, “I think I got like three or four sketches [in the] first half. And usually, I only get maybe two or three on the entire season, so I’m like, ‘Oh man, I’m killing it. Like, this is my season.’ ”
However, the departure of her writer Ben Silva changed the dynamics for her. Johnson explained that Silva understood her comedic style and could translate her ideas into “SNL’s” format, a skill she found challenging to replicate herself.
Embracing new opportunities
Ultimately, Johnson decided it was time to leave “SNL” and focus on her stand-up comedy and other projects. She realized that many of her colleagues had formal training for sketch comedy, which differed from her background in stand-up. “I didn’t really feel like I fit, like, I didn’t feel like that was my zone. That show is for a different type of person,” she said.
Looking ahead, Johnson is excited about the opportunities that have come her way since announcing her departure. “Ever since word got out that I’m not going back to the show, my phone and opportunities have not stopped,” she shared. “It’s crazy.”
Johnson joined “SNL” in 2020 as a featured player, and her exit coincides with news of fellow cast member Molly Kearney also leaving the show.
As Johnson embarks on this new chapter, her journey serves as an inspiration for those navigating their own paths in the entertainment industry.
