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All the good ones end up leaving, so it comes as no surprise that it’s now Bill Hader’s turn to exit Saturday Night Live. This year’s season finale on May 18, 2013, will be his last show. But, maybe he’ll make some guest appearances like many of his predecessors. We can only hope. Have a look at these five facts surrounding Hader’s leaving.
1. Hader Felt It Was Time To Go
Here’s why #BillHader is leaving #SNL! @buzz60 youtube.com/watch?v=po2DEK…
— Kristina Behr (@KristinaBehr) May 14, 2013
In a conversation with The New York Times, Hader confessed, “It was a hard decision, but it has to happen at some point. It got to a point where I said, ‘Maybe it’s just time to go.'”
2. SNL Earned Hader An Emmy Nomination
It is indeed a rarity for a male cast member of Saturday Night Live to earn a nomination of any kind, let alone an Emmy nomination for Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series. He was actually the first male SNL member to be honored since Eddie Murphy was nominated three decades ago. Bravo, Hader.
3. Bill Hader’s Role On SNL Was More Than Just Sketch Comedy.
Joining the esteemed show in 2005, Hader made a name for himself, which led him to land roles in feature films including Adventureland, Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express, Superbad, and several others.
“Bill Hader is leaving SNL” *gasps* twitter.com/kararichmer/st…
— kara richmer (@kararichmer) May 14, 2013
4. Out With The Old And In With The New
Entertainment Tonight revealed Hader’s perspective on SNL’s current direction, feeling that it’s time for the newbies to shine:
But Hader feels he’s leaving the show in great hands as new castmembers, like Taran Killam and Cecily Strong, have really come into their own this season. “There’s a new sensibility happening,” he said, “and if it isn’t totally apparent on the show yet, I see it on Wednesdays at the table reads. I found myself looking up and watching the new people do their sketches. I like watching Kate McKinnon do something — there’s a joy in seeing a new move from somebody and going, ‘Oh, she can do that.'”
5. Hader Created Some Classic Characters
Who doesn’t love Hader’s infamous character Stefon?
Above, an inside look, behind the creation of “Stefon.”