Liputan6.com, Jakarta Shocking news came from the legendary American comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL).
One of the show's leading cast members, Emil Wakim, officially announced that he would not be returning for the show's 51st season.
Emil Wakim made this announcement via a post on his personal Instagram account on August 27, 2025.
He described the decision as a "huge blow," although he remains grateful for the opportunities he has been given during his time on SNL.
This was also part of a major shakeup hinted at by SNL creator Lorne Michaels ahead of the new season, especially following the show's monumental 50th anniversary celebration.
Sudden Departure from SNL
Emil Wakim, who joined SNL in September 2024 as a featured cast member for the 50th season, is now coming to an end earlier than many expected.
He was one of three new cast members introduced that season, along with Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline.
Emil Wakim revealed on Wednesday via Instagram that he will not be returning to the NBC sketch comedy show after the summer break, writing, “it was a gut punch of a call to get but I’m so grateful for my time there.”
“Every time I scanned into the (‘SNL’) building I would think how insane it is to get to work there,” Wakim added, alongside a carousel of photos documenting his time at Studio 8H at 30 Rock in New York City.
“It was the most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding experience of my life and I will miss it dearly and all the brilliant people that work there that made it feel like a home.”
At the end of his post on Wednesday, Wakim thanked “SNL” creator and overseer Lorne Michaels “for taking a chance on me and changing my life.”
Emil Wakim's departure also follows a similar announcement from Devon Walker, who also left SNL.
A Brief Journey to the Legendary Comedy Stage
During his brief tenure on SNL, Emil Wakim made significant contributions.
He frequently appeared in the iconic “Weekend Update” segment, hosted by Michael Che and Colin Jost, where he portrayed a variety of characters that captivated viewers.
One of Wakim's most memorable appearances on “Weekend Update” was when he delivered a comedic bit about American patriotism as himself.
He also successfully impersonated Luigi Mangione, the alleged shooter of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, demonstrating his impressive talent for impressions.
Despite its brief run, Wakim described his time on SNL as the “most terrifying, thrilling, and rewarding” experience of his life.
Emil Wakim: Profile and Comedic Career
Emil Wakim was born on March 11, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, making him 27 years old as of August 2025.
He grew up in Chicago before pursuing higher education in Bloomington, Indiana, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York City.
Wakim is an American comedian and actor of Lebanese descent.
He was the first SNL cast member of Lebanese heritage and one of the few comedians of Middle Eastern descent to appear on the show.
His father is an immigrant from Lebanon, and Wakim openly identifies as an Arab Christian.
His comedy often addresses issues surrounding his Lebanese identity and his personal experiences growing up in an immigrant family.
Wakim's stand-up comedy journey began in Indiana, where he honed his skills.
His talent was further recognized when he was selected as a “New Face of Comedy” at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in 2022, a prestigious award in the comedy industry.
His late-night television debut took place on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2022, further catapulting him to fame.
Emil Wakim also frequently opens for renowned comedians such as Roy Wood Jr., Kyle Kinane, Nikki Glaser, Hasan Minhaj, and Neal Brennan, garnering recognition from industry veterans.
He also served as a production assistant for Michael K. Williams' show, Black Market, on Vice TV.