It took almost a week, but Leslie Jones confirmed the reports that she won’t be returning to “Saturday Night Live” for its 45th season.
After starting as a writer, Jones joined the cast in 2014, and she sent a message about all of the relationships she made over the years. The 51-year-old also took time to thank specific people, namely “SNL” show creator Lorne Michaels.
“Yes it’s true I am leaving Saturday Night Live,” tweeted Jones in a five part message. “I cannot thank NBC, the producers, writers, and amazing crew enough for making SNL my second home these last five years. Lorne Michaels, you’ve changed my life in so many ways!”
“Thank you for being my mentor and confidant and for always having my back,” she added. “You not only have my loyalty but you have my heart too! You have shown me skills I never imagined I had. I leave a better performer because of you.”
Jones thanked the cast after that, including Kenan Thompson, whom the comedian said she’ll “Miss holding it down with.” And she made sure not to leave out the fans in her message.
“Everyone needs to know Leslie Jones couldn’t have done any of the things I did without these people,” she tweeted. “One last thing – to the fans – you are the BEST!! Thank you for all the love and support through my SNL years.”
A little before news surfaced about Jones’ “SNL” departure, she visited “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and talked about her upcoming Netflix comedy special. It’ll be filmed on Sept. 10 at The Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., and tickets are still available starting at $37.
Jones also signed on to be in Eddie Murphy‘s “Coming to America” sequel with Arsenio Hall, Wesley Snipes, James Earl Jones and others, which is currently in production.
She’ll appear in the film “Queenpins” as well, a true story about “The largest counterfeit coupon caper in history,” according to Deadline.
