Writer, comedian, and performer Steven Castillo has closed the book on his time at Saturday Night Live for the second time. The offbeat voice behind some of the show’s most beloved modern sketches announced Thursday that he’s leaving the NBC institution ahead of its 51st season.
Castillo first joined SNL in 2017 during Season 43, quickly making a name for himself with sketches like “Family Dinner – Shrek” and “Dying Mrs. Gomez” (below). He became especially known for musical pretapes, including Timothée Chalamet’s “Tiny Horse” and its sequel “Giant Horse.” He also frequently collaborated with Pete Davidson on the comic’s SNL music videos.
After departing midway through Season 47, Castillo returned late in Season 49, delivering new fan-favorites like “Bowling Pins” and “Sabado Gigante.” Over his two stints, his work earned him six Primetime Emmy nominations and four Writers Guild nominations.
Castillo confirmed his second exit from SNL in an Instagram post Thursday: “I have left my old job for the second time,” he wrote, noting that he has relocated to Los Angeles. “My 2nd run at SNL was never meant to be long term. I wanted to be a part of the 50th, and I’m so glad I did.”
He went on to express special gratitude for the show’s creator and executive producer, Lorne Michaels: “I have an immense amount of love for everyone there, especially Lorne. He believed in me when no one gave me a shot, and gave me the chance to come back when there were no opportunities in the industry. I cannot thank him enough for everything he’s done. The man changed my life forever and I owe so much to him. He is the GOAT.”
Castillo is the third high profile SNL writer to announce his departure this offseason, following Rosebud Baker and Celeste Yim.
