Jay Pharoah Breaks Silence On ‘Saturday Night Live’ Exit

1CK1S · August 2016

“Saturday Night Live” made waves this week by cutting three regular cast members: Taran Killam, Jay Pharoah and Jon Rudnitsky. After the news broke, Killam addressed his exit*in an interview, admitting that he “was never given a reason why” his contract wasn’t picked up.

Pharoah hasn’t made an official statement or given interviews about his ouster thus far, but on Tuesday night, the comedian posted a photo of himself with Killam and castmate Vanessa Bayer with the caption “My fam for life.”

Pharoah also hasn’t mentioned “SNL” on Twitter, aside from retweeting a fan who expressed appreciation for his impressions of Ben Carson. Instead, the comedian has focused on promoting his upcoming live tour dates

Before the cast shakeup, Pharoah and Killam had been with the late-night series for six seasons. Pharoah made his mark on “Saturday Night Live” with spot-on celebrity impressions, including Jay Z, Drake, Shaquille O’Neal, Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, Denzel Washington and President Obama. The performer also displayed an aptitude for switching between impersonations in rapid succession, cycling through his takes on rappers and comedians on several occasions during the show.

“Saturday Night Live” will embark on Season 42 this fall, airing Saturdays at 11:30 on NBC.

suzyscrew · August 2016

He's a talented dude, he'll be alright. From the little bit that I saw, he wasn't used much.

Stomp Johnson · August 2016

Wish him the best. He's gonna need to carve out more of a lane than impressionist dude tho.

lamontbdc · August 2016

i seen one of his standup's and that ? was extra terrible

usmarin3 · August 2016

I never found this dude funny imo. Then again i'm more into that Chapelle, Patrice Oneal, Chris Rock,etc social commentary/observant/smart type comedians.