Taran Killam attends the 'Sisters' New York premiere at Ziegfeld Theater on December 8, 2015 in New York City. (Photo : Getty Images/ Brad Barket)
Three "Saturday Night Live" cast were fired ahead of "SNL" season 42. Taran Killam, Jay Pharoah, Jon Rudnitsky will not return in the long-time NBC comedy and it seems they were all caught by surprise.
It is definitely different without the cast members in the forthcoming "SNL" season 42, who impersonated well known personalities. NBC confirmed their exits, according to TVLine, who first broke the news on Aug.8, Monday. However, just like other former cast members, Killam, Pharoah and Rudnitsky were fired after NBC declined to renew their contacts for the new season.
"I don't know fully," Killam told Uproxx with so much disappointment. "I don't know the other side of it. You sign for seven years, so I had one more year.
" I had sort of had it in my head I would make this upcoming year my last year, but then heard they weren't going to pick up my contract," he continued. "I was never given a reason why, really. I can assume until the cows come home."
Killam is best known for his performances as Marco Rubio, Matthew McConaughey, Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocy, presidential nominee Donald Trump and actor Brad Pitt. Despite his exit before "SNL" season 42, he landed a directorial debut featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Why We're Killing Gunther." There were speculations if it could be the reason for his departure as the publication noted that the show does not want anything going on while the season is running.
It was clear that Killam has no idea why he was fired. He still has one year to go as he signed a seven year contract with NBC. It was not the first time that cast members were fired from the show as it is known for removing actors without advice or proper exit.
Just like Killam, Pharoah's contract was not renewed for "SNL" season 42. He first joined the late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show the same time as Killam in 2010. The actor is known for his impersonation of President Barack Obama and Will Smith and former presidential candidate Ben Carson.
"SNL" featured player Rudnitsky who joined season 41 is popular for his impressions of Vladimir Putin, Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer. He hit the headlines right after joining the show when he made social media blunders that are now deleted.
"SNL" season 42 returns this fall. NBC has not aired its side regarding its decision and only informed that new cast will be introduced before the upcoming season.
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