Photo: Will Heath/NBC
They’re here for funny business!
Longtime cast memberBeck Bennettannounced hisdeparture from the NBC sketch showafter joining in 2013. Featured player Lauren Holt, who joined last season,will also be leaving the show.
The complete 2021-2022SNLensemble cast consists of:Aidy Bryant, Michael Che,Pete Davidson, Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner,Colin Jost,Kate McKinnon, Alex Moffat, Kyle Mooney, Ego Nwodim, Chris Redd, Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson, Melissa Villaseñor and Bowen Yang. Featured members will be Aristotle Athari, Andrew Dismukes, James Austin Johnson, Punkie Johnson and Sarah Sherman.
Keep scrolling to meet the three newcomers joining the cast!
Aristotle Athari
Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC
Although new toSNL, you may recognize this actor, director, writer, and funny man from his various appearances inSilicon Valleyas Gabe (the comedic constant annoyance to Kumail Nanjiani’s Dinesh Chugtai). Athari is no stranger to sketch comedy; he got his start appearing alongside Hasan Minhaj inGoatface: A Comedy Special. He has also performed standup for Comedy Central.
The comedianexpressed his excitementabout theSNLgig on Instagram, saying, “Today I get to celebrate the two greatest things to ever happen to me. Marrying the woman of my dreams@mauragracephotographyand getting the job of my dreams@nbcsnl. I’ve been pinching myself a record number of times.”
James Austin Johnson
Skilled impressionists are always welcome onSaturday Night Live, and Johnson’s got plenty in his arsenal. (He’s gone viral for his impression of Donald Trump.) In addition to the slew of characters and impersonations he’s ready to bring to theSNLstage, this Nashville native has a long list of acting credits as well, includingBetter Call Saul,Hail, Caesar!,Future Man,All Rise,andTuca & Bertie.
Johnson has racking up millions of views across platforms, making him a good addition to the show, which often makes news for its viral clips the day after its late night airing.
Sarah Sherman
She was alsofeatured on fellowSNLmember Bowen Yang’s podcast,Las Culturistas,where she explained her passion for body horror and special effects. So we imagine she’ll have no problem getting into costume or going the extra mile for a good gag on the show.
Check out what she tweeted when SNL announced the news below.
You can see all three comedians in action when season 47 ofSaturday Night Livepremieres Saturday, Oct. 2 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The first week’s host will be Owen Wilson with musical guest Kacey Musgraves. Otherfirst-time hosts this seasonwill includeKim Kardashianand formerSNLcast member Jason Sudeikis.
source: people.com
