“Saturday Night Live” alums Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim got emotional over their “challenging” on-set dynamic on the NBC show after their shocking exits.
“We had to share an intimate space together for hours and hours every time we rehearsed, Saturday, Thursday, Friday, so yeah, we bonded quickly,” Nwodim explained on Tuesday’s “Thank You, Dad” podcast.
“But it doesn’t necessarily have to work that way. It doesn’t make us closer. It can make us hate each other. We can make each other feel like, ‘We’re sharing space with this person.’ But I’m so grateful that we’re so close.”
Gardner, 42, said she was “honored” to work on “SNL,” but “success didn’t often happen the way[they]wanted it to happen and at exactly the same time.”
Nwodim said that while a sketch comedy show is “not the easiest place to work,” Gardner “brought a light to what could be such a difficult place.”
“Sketching comes and goes, but it’s really fun. It can be difficult or it can be something you’re not interested in,” said the 37-year-old “Players” actress.
“But I think if you can leave here, in a place where it’s so competitive and you can be so involved in yourself, if you can leave there and still be amazingly endearing and so luminous and continue to pour out to other people like you, then I think you’ve succeeded.”
Page Six reached out to SNL for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Several comedians have announced their departure from the NBC show ahead of its 51st season.
Gardner was the longest-serving female cast member until her shocking departure. She has not publicly discussed her reasons for not appearing on the show, but the Post reported that her contract was not renewed.
Meanwhile, Nwodim announced last month that he was leaving SNL.
“The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,” the comedian wrote on Instagram. “However, after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am extremely grateful to Lorne (Michaels) for the opportunity, and to my castmates, writers, and crew for their talent, support, and friendship.
Nwodim said appearing on the “SNL” stage “taught (her) more than she ever imagined.”
“I will always carry those memories (and those laughs) with me,” she added. “Please invite me to the wedding next time!!!”
SNL also lost Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow.
