Melissa Villaseñor is one of the most popular members of the sketch comedy show ‘Saturday Night Live‘ (SNL). She joined SNL in the 42nd season in 2016 and left at the end of the show’s 47th season in 2022. Villaseñor was known for playing a variety of characters in the show.
The 35-year-old comedian recently opened up about her reason to leave the much-loved show. Her decision stemmed from her mental health problems and frequent panic attacks that she suffered. Let’s find out what more Melissa said on this matter.
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Melissa Villaseñor Talks About Leaving ‘Saturday Night Live’
Melissa is easily one of the most popular SNL members. She was known for her celebrity impressions (like Britney Spears, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lopez, etc) and great comic timing.
In the recent episode of Last Laugh podcast, the comedian talked about why she left the show at the end of the 47th season this year. “I gave myself a lot of time in the summer to think on it and kind of play it out in my head if I go back,” she said.
She continued, “It was, I think, at the end of the day, about my mental health. Last season I had a couple of panic attacks. I think it was I was struggling and … I always felt like I was on the edge of a cliff every week.”
The comedian quickly realized that “I don’t want to be doing that to myself anymore.” Melissa’s departure from the show came at a time when several other comedians were also on their way out. For example Pete Davidson, Chris Redd, and Aidy Bryant.
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Melissa Said She Didn’t Leave SNL Because Of Any Workplace Issue
While Melissa was explaining how she wasn’t happy doing the sketches. “It’s not like the show was mean towards me or anyone,” she said.
She added, “I think I’m an introvert. I think when I’m in a big group of a lot of amazing people and everyone’s speaking over [each other], I think I tend to get small and I get nervous, like where do I fit? What am I supposed to do?”
The comedian then pondered on whether she should stay or just quit. “I was like, ‘I think I’m OK. I feel there’s nothing else I feel like, Oh, I need to be sharing this“, she added.
“I want to do this on the show. I think I’m ready,’” she recalled. “There was just something telling me I think I could part ways.” Villaseñor said it was still “super hard” to leave the SNL team. “I’m so grateful to all of them for having me. This was my kid dream. This is what I only wanted as a kid and I’m going to carry that forever.”
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