Chris Redd Announces Exit From 'Saturday Night Live': 'Can't Thank You All Enough'

KEY POINTS

Chris Redd will not return for the 48th season of "Saturday Night Live"
His exit comes after Pete Davidson, Kyle Mooney announced their departure
Redd's comedy special "Chris Redd: Why Am I Like This?" will premiere on HBO Max

Chris Redd is the latest star to leave "Saturday Night Live." The comedian confirmed Monday night he would no longer return for season 48 in the fall after being with the show for five consecutive seasons.

In a statement following his announcement, Redd thanked his "Saturday Night Live" family for the opportunity the show had given him. "Being a part of 'SNL' has been the experience of a lifetime," he told E! News.

"Five years ago, I walked into 30 Rock knowing that this was an amazing opportunity for growth. Now, with friends who have become family and memories I will cherish forever, I'm grateful to Lorne Michaels and to the entire 'SNL' organization," he added.

"From the bottom of my heart, I can't thank you all enough," he continued.

Redd started out as a featured artist on the show in 2017. Two years later, he became a regular cast member of the sketch comedy and variety show, best known for his impersonation of Barack Obama and Kanye West. In 2018, he won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for his work on "Come Back Barack," a song lamenting the departure of Obama as president of the United States.

During his time on the NBC show, Redd also left a mark for his stellar impression of New York mayor Eric Adams. He also played major roles in a number of taped comedic videos and sketches.

Redd's exit comes ahead of the highly anticipated 48th season of the show. Earlier this year, "Saturday Night Live's" longtime executive producer Michaels teased a major change in the upcoming season, and suggested the current cast of comedians stayed together, so they could help improve the show amid the pandemic. Redd's departure also comes after longtime cast members Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson and Kyle Mooney confirmed their exit from the show in May.

Despite his exit, fans of Redd can look forward to the comedian's slate of upcoming projects. His HBO Max comedy special "Chris Redd: Why Am I Like This?" is set to premiere later this year. His feature film "Cyber Monday" is also currently in the works at Universal.