Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim Reunite Emotionally After ‘SNL’ Departures

Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim have reunited emotionally following their departures from Saturday Night Live (SNL). Both former cast members have expressed fondness for their time together on the iconic NBC sketch comedy series.

Rekindling Friendship After SNL

Gardner appeared on Nwodim’s podcast, Thanks Dad, where they reflected on their friendship. Nwodim joined SNL in 2018, a year after Gardner, and the two quickly became close while sharing a dressing room.

• Nwodim remarked on their bond, saying, “To have to share such an intimate space together… made us close quick.”
• Gardner emphasized the effort they both put into maintaining their friendship amidst the challenges of the show.

Memorable Moments

During their discussion, Gardner highlighted a standout episode featuring Nwodim’s viral “Miss Eggy” sketch. This segment aired on April 5, 2025, with Jack Black as the host.

• Gardner described that week as “everything to me” and revealed her emotional reaction to Nwodim’s success.
• She expressed feelings of vulnerability, admitted her initial selfishness, and recognized the beauty of their friendship.

Challenges and Reflection

Nwodim echoed Gardner’s sentiments, noting the competition within SNL. She said there were times they wished to “be winning together” instead of feeling overshadowed.

Despite the challenges, both comedians praised each other’s positive impact in an environment that can often feel competitive. Nwodim called Gardner “such a light” in what can sometimes be a difficult workplace.

Farewell to SNL

Nwodim recently announced her departure from SNL on social media, stating, “The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight.” After spending seven transformative seasons on the show, she expressed gratitude to her colleagues and reflected on the lessons learned during her time there.

While Gardner has not publicly addressed her exit, both women’s emotional reunion showcases the strength of their friendship and the impact of their shared experiences on SNL.