Presto Chango! Maya Rudolph Quits SNL

Maya Rudolph by Dana Edelson/NBC Universal Photo

Well, isn't this embarrassing.

Less than a week after I reported that Maya Rudolph had re-upped with Saturday Night Live — an item that was confirmed by well-placed insiders both within NBC and Rudolph's camp — those same sources now confirm that the funny lady abruptly changed her mind and is now not returning to the show. Rudolph notified NBC of her about-face late yesterday — just five days before SNL's 33rd season premiere.

What the frak happened? No one (save for Maya herself) knows for sure, although a Peacock source says it was a "personal, family-based decision" and had nothing to do with money or screen time.

Even more depressing than me getting plastered with egg on my face is the harsh reality that SNL is down to just two female knee-slappers: Amy Poehler and Kristen Wiig.

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Posted by

Michael Ausiello

Sep 25, 2007 10:03 AM

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Don't feel embarrassed Mike! Who could've known that Maya would just up and quit so ubruptly, especially after all her fans were rejoicing that she was staying on board for at least another season. Sigh. I was never really a fan of hers, but she is an excellent comedian and will be greatly missed on the show.
Posted by thursdaymorning Sep 25, 2007 10:24 AM Report Abuse

yes! now tina fey just has to lure her to 30 rock...word is they want will arnett to stick around as long as he's willing
Posted by maclapp Sep 25, 2007 10:56 AM Report Abuse

Only two women? What is SNL going to turn into Kids in the Hall or The Whitest Kids u know??
Posted by whennow Sep 25, 2007 10:57 AM Report Abuse

Eh. Her decision. It's sad though. But maybe this will mean more air time for Kristen!
Posted by unscrewed Sep 25, 2007 10:58 AM Report Abuse

Her Whitney Huston impersonation was one of the best things to come from SNL lately. What a pity.
Posted by houseofasher Sep 25, 2007 11:24 AM Report Abuse

Go Maya! I hope everything works out for her and I like the suggestion of her appearing on 30 Rock.
Posted by Guest Sep 25, 2007 11:28 AM Report Abuse

Is this really that interesting? No one really watches SNL anymore any way. It's not a big deal.
Posted by kennedydc Sep 25, 2007 11:45 AM Report Abuse

No, it was her interpretation of Beyonce as Prince's co-host that was dead on.

For me she was the best of both worlds she was black but could pass as white so she got a lot more air time than is normally given to blacks on that show.

She has the best voice, of course being the daughter of Minnie Ripperton and the Goddaughter of Teena Marie you would expect no less than that.

Also, any thing she did on Deep House Dish was too funny. B'ohKay.

Posted by igboal

Sep 25, 2007 11:54 AM

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Gee, that IS depressing. Maya is one of my favorites. She's so talented and versatile. And it's terrible that they're now down to two women. I've never understood why they always have had a lot more men than women. It's not right. Best wishes to Maya. I hope to see her in other TV shows and in movies. Judy
Posted by sketchgrrl Sep 25, 2007 11:55 AM Report Abuse

It's too bad for those of us who really enjoyed her work on the show. She is a real talent and will be sorely missed. And yes, it should be noted, she is the only Black woman in SNL's history to have an impact on the show through her recurring characters (Donatella, Oprah, Whitney Houston). [Sorry, Ellen Cleghorne and Denitra Vance.]

But at least her leaving was by choice and not because she was unhappy on the show. I wish Maya all the best and hope this won't be the last we see of her.

Posted by ygstarr

Sep 25, 2007 12:02 PM

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Just watch MADtv instead. Much better.
Posted by Quarkz Sep 25, 2007 12:08 PM Report Abuse

Wow. It's like the ~~cancellation~~ extended hiatus of Gilmore Girls all over again. Except like, without the ~~cancellation~~ extended hiatus. -- Rob PS: SNL should have ended when Tina Fey left. OTOH, as long as it keeps Amy Poehler and Will Forte employed . . .
Posted by ShutUpRob Sep 25, 2007 12:09 PM Report Abuse

At least we won't have to sit through any more of those AWFUL Donatella, Nuni or Whitney Houston skits (and hopefully the painfully awful Prince stuff will go away too)!
Posted by kylenolan Sep 25, 2007 12:31 PM Report Abuse

> Rudolph notified NBC of her about-face late
> yesterday — just five days before SNL's 33rd
> season premiere.
>
> What the frak happened? No one (save for Maya
> herself) knows for sure, although a Peacock source
> says it was a "personal, family-based decision" and
> had nothing to do with money or screen time.
>
> Even more depressing than me getting plastered with
> egg on my face is the harsh reality that SNL
> is down to just two female knee-slappers: Amy Poehler
> and Kristen Wiig.

No need for being embarrassed Michael, how could you have known she'd do an about face just days later? - She'll definitely be missed. I am concerned that she's left citing a "personal, family-based decision." Is there a death in her family or medical emergency or the like? I hope that she makes a statement soon to stop any rumors and/or gossip.

I certainly look forward to seeing her not only on shows like '30 Rock' but maybe her own show! She's soooo deserving of it. She's earned it. Period.

As for SNL, she was one of the last reasons that I watched. With her gone now, I won't be. Maybe after 33 years it's time to say bye-bye. Hardly anyone watches anymore anyway.

I wish you well Maya!!!

Posted by mateohaynes

Sep 25, 2007 12:32 PM

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