When "Saturday Night Live" returns for its 36th season on September 25, one of its long term castmembers will no longer be with the show.
Will Forte is exiting the series after eight seasons, according to The New York Times. The split was reportedly amicable between the two sides.
In a statement released by Forte's representative, it says that "Will has made the decision to move on from ‘S.N.L.’ to pursue new opportunities. He is eternally grateful to Lorne [Michaels] and all of the incredible people he worked with over the years."
Prior to joining "Saturday Night Live," Forte was a writer on "The Late Show With David Letterman," "3rd Rock From The Sun," "Action" and the "MTV Movie Awards." Once Forte signed on to "SNL," he quickly built a fanbase thanks to his quirky characters including the soft-spoken politician Tim Calhoun and his turn as one of the members of the Bon Jovi “opposite tribute band,” Jon Bovi.
However, Forte's greatest contribution to "SNL" may be “MacGruber,” an incompetent adventurer inspired by Richard Dean Anderson's "MacGyver." The enduring popularity of "MacGruber" led to a feature film version which was released earlier this year to disappointing box office returns.
Regardless, even if Forte is unable to move on to movie stardom, he has already amassed an impressive list of television credits, including appearances on "American Dad!," "30 Rock," "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" and "The Cleveland Show."
"Saturday Night Live" is expected to finalize its current cast by Labor day.
