SNL Alums Speak Candidly About Life After Being Fired from the Show

In September 2025, several former Saturday Night Live cast members gathered for a farewell party to toast the departing talent. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the event, two of the exiting comedians, Troast and Johnson, candidly discussed the realities of being fired from the iconic late-night sketch show.

Troast, who left SNL last year after a single season, admitted that while the experience "fundamentally changed" her life, the adjustment after her stint on the show has been "really hard." She noted that there is no "cushion" when you fall after being let go from SNL, and she's grateful to have the support of her family and close friends to guide her through this transition.

Similarly, Johnson, who spent four seasons at Studio 8H, described SNL as a "different monster, a different beast" that "put the pressure on you" to immediately find success. "You can't leave SNL and then go do the same things you was doing before," she explained, feeling the constant pressure from others asking "Yo, what's next?"

Despite the challenges, both Troast and Johnson acknowledged that their time on SNL has made them stronger. Johnson, in particular, believes she can "handle anything" in Hollywood now, as the show "honestly really built me up and made me strong mentally." The experience, though difficult, has given them a resilience that will serve them well as they navigate the next chapter of their careers.