Devon Walker on Leaving SNL: “I think the Show Felt Ready to Leave Me”
After three seasons on Saturday Night Live, comedian Devon walker is reflecting on his departure with a mix of gratitude and forward momentum. While acknowledging past descriptions of the workplace as “toxic as hell,” Walker tells Rolling Stone he’s ultimately “grateful” for his time at studio 8H, even as he looks toward new creative endeavors.
Walker’s exit is part of an ongoing off-season shakeup at the long-running sketch comedy show, with several cast members departing ahead of the upcoming season. He explains his decision to leave, saying, “I think I felt ready to leave the show, and I think the show felt ready to leave me.” He emphasizes the demanding nature of the role, noting the important life commitments required and a desire to pursue other opportunities.
Walker’s time at SNL was transformative, offering access to an industry level most never experiance. He recalls receiving advice from comedy legend Adam Sandler, who urged him to continue performing outside of the show to maintain his unique voice. A “vote of confidence” from SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Walker says, is something he’ll cherish throughout his career.
A key element of his positive experience was the camaraderie he shared with fellow writers Gary Richardson and Alex English. The trio previously collaborated on the “Dad” comedy show at New York’s Jane Hotel, and Walker expresses deep gratitude for their friendship and support during his first two seasons. “That really felt like family,” he says,adding that they frequently enough spent more time together than with their own families. He also highlighted the unexpected kindness of James Austin Johnson, a cast member he hadn’t known prior to joining the show.
walker’s reflections extend beyond the professional realm, delving into the challenges of self-doubt inherent in creative work. He acknowledges the constant internal battle to believe in his abilities,particularly as a relative newcomer to sketch comedy. “You got to dive straight into it,” he advises. “You can’t run away from it.” He cites a Weekend Update feature he co-wrote with richardson for NBA star Draymond Green as a particularly rewarding experience, highlighting the show’s fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Looking ahead, walker is focused on expanding his creative horizons. He’s actively developing his podcast, My Favorite Lyrics, which has recently attracted potential deals. He also expresses a desire to collaborate with Richardson and English on future projects, emphasizing their shared background and “good taste”-a quality he believes is often lacking in contemporary art.
Walker defines “taste” as intentionality, pointing to artists like Tyler, the Creator, Vince Staples, and Solange as examples of creators who make deliberate choices. He critiques the current media landscape, arguing that the pressure to produce content quickly often sacrifices quality and intentionality.he notes a shift in the industry, where past successes don’t necessarily guarantee relevance in today’s rapidly evolving creative climate. “It’s become a thing: Are you gonna adapt to what this game is? Or are you gonna fade away?”
As for his next steps, Walker has his sights set on several exciting opportunities.He’s actively seeking roles in television, specifically mentioning the HBO series Industry and the critically acclaimed The Bear. “If Lionel [Boyce] needs a brother, like, I’ve been Black and sad for years,” he jokes, demonstrating his eagerness to bring his unique talents to new projects. He also expresses interest in contributing to shows like Succession and severance, believing there are compelling stories to be told within those worlds.
Ultimately, Walker views his time at SNL as a blessing, a “fortunate happenstance” that opened doors he never imagined. He’s proud of his contributions to the show,but even more excited about what the future holds. “Wait till people get to see the stuff that I really want to do,” he concludes.
