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2 'SNL' Cast Members Won't Be Returning This Season

By Angely Mercado | August 9, 2016 2:14pm
 Jay Pharaoh (R) is one of the two comedians leaving
Jay Pharaoh (R) is one of the two comedians leaving "SNL" this fall before the start of its 42nd season.
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Getty Images/ Jamie McCarthy

Two members of "Saturday Night Live" will not be returning for the upcoming season of the late-night NBC show. 

Jay Pharaoh and Taran Killam will not return to reprise their recurring roles, some of which included significant political figures bound to show up in the run up to Election Day. Killam often portrayed Sen. Ted Cruz and House Speaker Paul Ryan, while Pharaoh has played President Barack Obama and Ben Carson. 

Killam had one year left on a 7-year contract with "SNL" and told the New York Times that he'd expected to appear in the 42nd season. He said he was not given a reason why he was dropped. 

Pharaoh has yet to comment publicly on his departure from the show.

Though the two beloved comedians won't be part of "SNL" anymore, fans who want to experience the show in person can enter a lottery to watch the dress rehearsal or the live taping. You've got until Sept. 1 to put your name in the pool.

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