Leslie Jones has confirmed she is leaving “Saturday Night Live,” after reports of her departure emerged last week.
In a series of tweets Tuesday, the comedian bid her farewell to the legendary sketch comedy show, which is set to return to NBC for its 45th season later this month.
“I cannot thank NBC, the producers, writers, and amazing crew enough for making SNL my second home these last five years,” she wrote in a post accompanied by a video montage (a viral internet challenge called the “DMX challenge”) of her “SNL” journey through the years.
Jones then thanked “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels for changing her 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.”
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— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
Yes it’s true I am leaving Saturday Night Live. 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 pic.twitter.com/OjRrOx5owj
In following posts, Jones thanked her fellow cast members, including shoutouts to Kenan Thompson, Cecily Strong, Kate McKinnon and Colin Jost. She noted that she’ll miss “holding it down” with Thompson; she referred to Jost as a “porcelain-skinned Ken doll.”
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— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
always having my back. 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. To the incredible cast members: I will miss working, creating and laughing with you. pic.twitter.com/SStsLjip1B
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— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
I will miss holding it down with Kenan everyday, I will miss Cecily’s impression of me making me laugh at myself often, I will miss Kate’s loving hugs and talks when I needed. And of course Colin, you porcelain-skinned Ken doll. I will miss all my cast mates!! pic.twitter.com/ZYfccj14xn
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— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
Especially being at the table reads with them!! Everyone needs to know Leslie Jones couldn’t have done any of the things I did without these people.
One last thing – to the fans – you are the BEST!! Thank you for all the love and support through my SNL years pic.twitter.com/S8O1nixxps
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— Leslie Jones 🦋 (@Lesdoggg) September 3, 2019
and I know you will be as excited as I am when you see some of the amazing projects and adventures that I have coming up very soon! Love you all!! #iamnotdeadjustgraduating
- Leslie pic.twitter.com/Uu0vLz3Khj