Chloe Fineman, a cast member on Saturday Night Live for seven seasons, has announced her departure from the iconic NBC sketch show. The 37-year-old actress revealed her decision on Instagram on Thursday, shortly after the conclusion of SNL's 51st season.
Fineman's exit was prompted by a rapid career opportunity: an offer to join David E. Kelley's new Netflix drama, titled "Myron Molitar." According to Page Six, the decision unfolded quickly, with an industry insider stating, "It all unfolded in one day... It happened very quickly. Chloe went back and forth, but it was a smart move — she knew she couldn’t say no."
Fineman joined SNL in 2019 as part of the 45th season and was promoted to repertory player in 2021. She became known for her impersonations of various celebrities, including Drew Barrymore, Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and Britney Spears, as well as for sketches like "Snack Homiez" and "Domingo."
In her Instagram post, Fineman described leaving SNL as difficult but felt it was the "right time" for her "next chapter." She expressed gratitude for her time on the show, calling it "the greatest privilege of my life" and stating her indebtedness to creator Lorne Michaels. She praised her colleagues, writing, "Every day I was lucky enough to be surrounded by the best people in the business, and I was constantly amazed watching them work."
Fineman's departure comes as the show typically sees cast changes in August. Newcomers such as Ashley Padilla and Veronika Slowikowska have gained prominence, with Padilla reportedly being considered for promotion to the main cast after a breakout season.
The actress has also been building a film career, with appearances in "White Noise" (2022), "Babylon" (2022), "Megalopolis" (2024), and "Despicable Me 4" (2024). She is set to appear in Josh Greenbaum's pickleball comedy "The Dink," premiering July 24 on Apple TV, alongside Jake Johnson, Ben Stiller, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Harris, and Patton Oswalt. Her upcoming film projects also include "The Very Best People," "Red, White & Royal Wedding," and "Love Language."