After eight standout seasons, Heidi Gardner is leaving Saturday Night Live. Entertainment Weekly notes that Gardner, who joined the show in 2017, quickly became a fan favorite with recurring characters like Angel the Boxer’s Girlfriend and Bailey Gismert, as well as her sharp impressions of celebrities.

According to Vulture, Gardner’s exit is part of a larger cast shakeup ahead of Season 51, with several other cast members and writers also departing. The show’s producer, Lorne Michaels, has hinted at a “massive cast shift” following the 50th anniversary season.

During her run, Gardner had memorable moments on the SNL stage, including a viral 2024 sketch where she broke character during a Beavis & Butt-Head parody. Beyond SNL, she has appeared in films like Hustle and series including Shrinking, proving her range well beyond Studio 8H.

The Daily Beast described her departure as one of the most significant exits of the past decade. While the show will move forward with fresh faces, Gardner leaves behind a legacy of heart, humor, and unforgettable characters.