We have our first SNL departure of the offseason. Chloe Fineman announced today that, after seven seasons on the show, she’s stepping away.
“It’s cliche to say this but working at SNL has been the greatest privilege of my life,” Fineman posted on Instagram. “I still can’t really believe I got to be a part of it. I fell in love with the place the second I walked through the door. [Lorne Michaels] (if you’re reading this on your burner account) I want you to know that I am forever in your debt.”
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Fineman has been on SNL since Season 45 began in 2019. While she became a major part of the show thanks to her strength as an impressionist, Fineman seemed checked out during Season 51. I was surprised that Michaels kept Fineman and dismissed Heidi Gardner instead before the season began. This was a moment when Fineman could’ve really taken over as SNL’s main female cast member, but she was quickly passed by Ashley Padilla.
“It’s really hard to leave SNL but it does feel like the right time,” Fineman added. “I’m going to miss it a lot. But the people who work there are my family and that place is my home, and I know I’ll never be too far away.”
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Issue No. 79
The Cold Open is written and produced by Bill Kuchman. Copyediting by Tim Kuchman.
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The Omnicosm founder. Snackology, Popculturology and The Cold Open writer. A Rochester, N.Y., native now living in the Washington, D.C., area. Won’t pass up a Genny Cream Ale.
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