Former Saturday Night Live besties Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner recently reunited on Nwodim's "Thanks Dad" podcast, spilling the tea on their friendship, their time at the iconic sketch show, and what's next for them.
TL;DR: The Scoop on Ego & Heidi's Post-SNL Life
- Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner opened up on Nwodim's "Thanks Dad" podcast about their instant bond and finding SNL a "challenging place to work."
- They celebrated each other's successes, including Nwodim's viral "Miss Eggy" moment with host Jack Black, who they both adored.
- Nwodim (7 seasons) stated she chose to leave SNL, while reports indicated Gardner's (8 seasons) contract was not renewed, sparking a candid conversation about their different exits and future plans.
If you've missed seeing Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner together on your screens, you're not alone! These two Saturday Night Live alums recently graced the airwaves for the second season premiere of Nwodim's "Thanks Dad" podcast, and it was everything fans could hope for. They didn't hold back, diving deep into their shared experiences, both the highs and the sometimes-tough realities of working on the legendary sketch show.
Nwodim joined SNL in 2018, just a year after Gardner debuted, and the two quickly became inseparable. They even shared a dressing room, which Nwodim credits for fast-tracking their friendship. "To have to share such an intimate space together for hours on end on Saturdays and Thursdays and Fridays, whenever we were rehearsing, yeah, it made us close quick," Nwodim shared. Gardner echoed this, emphasizing their mutual effort: "I am so honored that we worked so hard there, and then we also worked on our friendship so hard, which wasn't hard, by the way."
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Navigating the Pressures and Competitive Spirit of Saturday Night Live
It's no secret that SNL can be an intense environment, and both comedians candidly addressed this. Nwodim described it as "not the easiest place to work" and a "challenging place." They talked about the natural feelings of competition, the frustrations of sketches being cut, and the challenge of wanting personal success while also cheering on your friends.
Gardner beautifully articulated the struggle: "We're humans, so we have egos, we want things for ourselves, we want to succeed, and there weren't a lot of times when we were able to succeed in the way we wanted at the exact same time." Despite this, their bond only strengthened, allowing them to truly celebrate each other's big moments.
"The sketches, they come, they go, they’re really fun. They can be hard, they can be things you’re not into, whatever. But I’m like, if you can leave — in a place where it can get so competitive and you can become so self-involved, if you can leave and be still remarkably lovely and such a light and still pouring into other people like you, I think you succeeded."
— Ego Nwodim on her perspective of success at SNL
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Recalling the Legendary Jack Black Week and "Miss Eggy"
One particular week stood out to both comedians: the episode hosted by the incomparable Jack Black. For Gardner, it was a dream come true. "That Jack Black week, it was everything to me because it was my hero," she shared, getting emotional. She recalled getting to do so much in the show that week, but her biggest joy came from seeing Nwodim shine.
It was during this April 5, 2025, episode that Nwodim debuted her now-viral character, "Miss Eggy," on "Weekend Update." Gardner proudly called it Nwodim's "moment of the year." Nwodim added that Black sent her a "very kind note" afterward, cementing his status as an "angel sent down from heaven." They both agreed he was an exceptional host, noting his genuine care for the writers' work during table reads – something Nwodim observed as not always the norm. "This man is not real. He’s actually better than you expect him to be. We love Jack Black," Nwodim exclaimed.
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Their Departures: Nwodim's Choice, Gardner's Unrenewed Contract
The conversation naturally touched upon their exits from the show ahead of Season 51. Nwodim, after seven unforgettable seasons, announced her departure on Instagram last month, stating, "The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight." She expressed immense gratitude to Lorne Michaels, her castmates, writers, and crew.
Gardner, who had an impressive eight-year run, departed in August. While she hasn't publicly commented on her exit, reports indicated that her contract was not renewed. This contrast highlights the different paths taken by performers leaving SNL – some choose to move on, while for others, the decision is made by the show. Despite the circumstances, both women emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and kindness through their journey, a testament to their strong personal values and friendship.
Alongside Nwodim and Gardner, other cast members like Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker also exited the show, marking a significant cast shake-up for Season 51.
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What's Next for These Dynamic Comedic Performers?
Don't worry, you'll be seeing plenty more of Ego and Heidi!
Ego Nwodim:
- Podcast: Her "Thanks Dad" podcast is now part of iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network. New episodes drop weekly on Tuesdays, with video versions on YouTube.
- Off-Broadway Debut: This fall, Nwodim will make her Off-Broadway debut with a one-woman comedy show at Lincoln Center's Claire Tow Theater in November.
- Film: She recently wrapped filming on the Netflix comedy "Little Brother," starring alongside John Cena and Eric Andre.
- Recognition: Nwodim's work, including her viral sketches like "Miss Eggy" and "Lisa From Temecula," earned her NAACP Image Awards nominations in 2024 and 2025.
Heidi Gardner:
- Broadway: Gardner is now part of the Broadway production "All Out," featuring a script by former SNL writer Simon Rich, and starring other notable SNL alumni like Cecily Strong and Jon Stewart.
- Podcast: She was the inaugural guest for Season 2 of "Thanks Dad," giving fans a much-anticipated reunion.
- Future: While she hasn't made extensive public announcements about other projects, her Broadway role indicates a new exciting chapter in her career.
Their reunion on "Thanks Dad" was a beautiful reminder that even in competitive industries, genuine friendships can thrive and offer invaluable support, especially when navigating major career transitions. It's clear that these two are just getting started on their next acts!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner's SNL Exits
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