After eight seasons of giggles, game show hosts, and spot-on impressions, Bill Hader is departing SNL. His final episode is this Saturday, the show’s season finale with Ben Affleck and Kanye West (a performance of “Graduation Day” might be asking too much, but here’s hoping). In an interview with the NY Times, Hader said:
“It was a hard decision, but it has to happen at some point,” Mr. Hader said in an interview. “It got to a point where I said, ‘Maybe it’s just time to go.’”
Lorne Michaels, executive producer of Saturday Night Live, recalled the first time he saw Mr. Hader perform at a comedy show in Los Angeles, where he was reminded of SNL stars like Dan Aykroyd.
“In terms of intelligence and talent, he was in that same tradition,” Mr. Michaels said in a telephone interview. “He was so completely committed to the art of it and enough a student of it that there’s something strikingly original. He didn’t explode onto the air, but gradually he found his voice, and that became a huge thing.” (Via)
Hader’s departure could be the first of many on SNL over the next year or so. We already know Seth Meyers is leaving for Late Night next February, while Fred Armisen and Jason Sudeikis are more likely to bolt than stay. Meaning, Taran Killam and Bobby Moynihan (never leave) could soon be the two highest profile males on the show. This is also good news for Kate McKinnon, who should be promoted to repertory player, where she belongs.
Anymore, we best get one more “What’s Up with That?” before Hader goes.
Miss ya already, Hader.
(Via)
