Dana Carvey Says Heidi Gardner’s ‘SNL’ Exit Was Not ‘Her Idea’ Amid ‘Toxic’ Workplace Accusations

Dana Carvey opened up about the latest Saturday Night Live cast shakeup on Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade, revealing that Heidi Gardner’s exit may not have been voluntary.

“From what I know as of this recording, [is] that it was not her idea to leave,” Carvey, 70, said on the podcast’s September 3 episode. “I could be wrong about that, but that’s what I read.”

Spade, who appeared on SNL for six seasons in the 1990s, said he was surprised to hear of Gardner’s departure. “She really is one of the core ones you know from that show and she always does a great job,” the comedian, 61, said.

Carvey agreed, noting Gardner’s versatility: “She’s got a likability. She can play real, straight news woman, she can play big, brawn, funny, physical. So I was surprised by that.”

Gardner, 41, joined SNL in season 43 as a featured player and was promoted to the main cast in 2019. By season 50, she was the longest-tenured female cast member.

The New York Post confirmed on August 28 that she will not return for season 51, which premieres October 4 on NBC. (Gardner has yet to comment on leaving the show.)

The former hairstylist is one of several performers leaving ahead of season 51. Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow are also out, with five newcomers stepping in.

On his podcast, Carvey praised the departing cast, describing Longfellow as “a really cool, interesting character” and Wakim as “adorable and funny.”

He also recalled conversations with Walker, who previously called the show “toxic,” and noted the pressure cast members face. “It can be emotionally violent depending where you are in the show, or it could be a magic ride,” Carvey said.