heidi gardner | United States | SNL exit, net worth & family

What happened

Heidi Gardner, a familiar presence on NBC’s Saturday Night Live since 2017, is leaving the show after eight consecutive seasons. Her run began as a featured player in Season 43 and continued through Season 50, making her one of the longest-serving recent female cast members.

The departure was confirmed ahead of SNL’s 51st season, as the show undergoes a wider cast reshuffle. Gardner signalled the decision publicly after discussing creative burnout in interviews earlier in 2025.

Key details

Tenure: Gardner joined SNL in 2017 (Season 43) and was promoted to repertory status in 2019. Her last season with the show was Season 50 (2024).

Pay and earnings: Reports in 2025 list Gardner among SNL’s top earners, with an estimated USD 15,000 per episode and an overall net worth near USD 5 million, based on industry trackers.

• Not returning alongside other cast members like Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow.
• Public reason: Gardner described feeling "sketch fatigue" and a shortage of fresh ideas after many years of writing and performing.

Background

Heidi Lynn Gardner was born on July 27, 1983, in Kansas City, Missouri. Her early life included study at local schools and brief attendance at the University of Kansas and University of Missouri before she shifted career paths.

Before comedy, Gardner worked as a hairstylist and at a theatre; she later trained at The Groundlings in Los Angeles and became a company member. Her SNL break came in 2017, and she quickly won fans with impressions and original characters.

Outside SNL, Gardner has credits in films and TV series including Life of the Party, Otherhood, and voice and stage work; she has also appeared in productions such as Noises Off and Mike Tyson Mysteries.

Reactions

SNL’s production team and fans reacted to the exit as part of a broader cast transition. Industry observers framed Gardner’s decision as a mix of personal choice and the show’s wider retooling under longtime producer Lorne Michaels.

Co-stars and viewers praised Gardner’s range and recurring characters while noting that cast turnover is common as sketch shows evolve. Several exiting cast members were announced around the same time, highlighting a planned refresh for Season 51.

Analysis

Gardner’s departure illustrates two intersecting trends: the toll of sustained sketch writing and performance, and a media environment where live-comedy ensembles periodically reset. After eight seasons, the routine of weekly writing, rehearsal and live performance can produce creative fatigue even among successful performers.

From a career perspective, Gardner leaves on strong terms. Her SNL profile, combined with film and stage credits, positions her to pursue a range of acting opportunities that don’t require the weekly turnover of sketch work. Financially, an estimated USD 5 million net worth gives her leverage to choose projects selectively.

Timeline

1. July 27, 1983 — Heidi Gardner born in Kansas City, Missouri.
2. 2017 — Joined Saturday Night Live as a featured player (Season 43).
3. 2019 — Promoted to repertory player on SNL.
4. 2023 — Separated from spouse Zeb Wells (married 2010); separation reported that year.
5. March 2024 — Gardner publicly confirmed the end of her marriage.
6. 2024 — Final season on SNL (Season 50).
7. February 2025 — Discussed creative burnout on a podcast interview.
8. 2025 — Announced she will not return for SNL Season 51 (October 2025 season start).

What’s next

Gardner has not announced a specific next project as of the 2025 announcement. Public comments and interviews indicate she plans to pursue acting and comedy forms outside the constant sketch cycle, which may include film, scripted TV and stage work.

Her network of industry contacts, combined with a strong fan base from SNL, suggests she will have multiple options—agents and casting directors often seek SNL alumni for roles that leverage their character work and improvisational skills.