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Former SNL Stars Reflect on Life After the Spotlight
5 Oct
Summary
- Punkie Johnson and Chloe Troast discuss adjusting to life outside of SNL
- Troast says leaving the show was "really hard" and she had to lean on family
- Johnson says SNL "put the pressure on you" and it's difficult to figure out "what's next"
In October 2025, former Saturday Night Live cast members Punkie Johnson and Chloe Troast spoke candidly about the struggles they faced after leaving the iconic sketch comedy show.
Johnson, who spent four seasons on SNL after joining in 2020, explained that the show is "a different monster, a different beast" that "mad put the pressure on you." She added that it's difficult to adjust to life outside of Studio 8H, as "everybody always like, 'Yo, what's next? What's next?'" Johnson had to learn to take her time and figure out her next steps without feeling rushed.
Chloe Troast, who was part of the show's 49th season, echoed similar sentiments. She admitted that her life is "fundamentally changed" after joining SNL, and it has been "really hard" adjusting to life outside the show. Troast shared that she was fortunate to have the support of her family and close friends to help her through the transition.
Both comedians emphasized the unique challenges of leaving SNL. As Johnson put it, "You can't leave SNL and then go do the same things you was doing before." The show, she said, "builds something inside of you that makes you so strong," but it also puts immense pressure on performers to find their next big break.
