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Amy Schumer, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa are just some of the celebrities paying tribute to a departing Saturday Night Live veteran.
After 20 years working with Lorne Michaels and the SNL cast, producer Lindsay Shookus announced on Instagram that she'd be leaving the show. The comment section of her posts was a who's who of comedy royalty with former SNL hosts and cast members sending messages of support and congratulations.
Shookus joined SNL as producer Marci Klein's assistant in 2002 and before going on to become a producer in her own right, as well as head of the show's talent department. This role involved booking hosts, musical guests and scouting for potential cast members.
In recent years the hosts have included Kim Kardashian, Elon Musk and Donald Trump, to name just a few.
Shookus confirmed on Saturday that after 20 years and 415 shows, she was moving on.
"I found my place at SNL and I've spent the past two decades developing the most incredible friendships and memories alongside some truly brilliant and talented people," Shookus said on Instagram.
"I also met the man with whom I would have my beautiful daughter Maddie with—and what could be a greater gift from my time at the show than my sweet, funny girl who makes every day brighter."
She also made a point to thank SNL's creator Michaels.
"I will be forever grateful to Lorne for this once in a lifetime opportunity…thank you for your support, encouragement and freedom to bring my voice to this legendary stage," she wrote.
The comment section was filled with blue-tick talent sending their best wishes to Shookus.
"What a phenomenal, impactful and wildly successful run, Linds!" five-time host Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson wrote. "Congratulations and you're gonna crush your next ventures. Always rooting you on."
Longtime cast member Kenan Thompson shared a quote to express his feelings over Shookus' departure.
"It's been a pleasure of a journey my friend!!! May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past. Cheers!" he wrote.
Stranger Things actor David Harbour, who hosted in 2019, also weighed in.
"I feel sorry for all the future hosts who won't have you to greet them on day 1 and guide them seamlessly towards Saturday night," he said. "You really are a marvel."
Insecure star Issa Rae called Shookus "incredible" and thanked her for all she is and all she does.
Momoa, a host in 2018, wrote: "Love you mama. Congratulations on the next chapter, now we can go to brunch in Hawaii. Come over."
Cast members Kyle Mooney, Chris Redd, Ego Nwodim as well as former cast members Vanessa Bayer, Casey Wilson and former hosts Dan Levy, Schumer and Natasha Lyonne wrote supportive messages to Shookus too.
Former baseball star and occasional SNL cameo Alex Rodriguez wrote: "You are a rockstar. Best producer ever!! Can't wait to see where you will go next to bring your championship ways!!!"
Oscar winner and recent host Ariana DeBose was effusive with her praise for Shookus.
"The show was all the better for you having been part of it. I personally can't wait to see what you do next," she wrote.
Shookus dated frequent SNL host Ben Affleck in 2017 but they broke up in 2018.
The departing SNL producer helped create a diversity scholarship at the show and co-founded the organization Women Work F***ing Hard to help women navigate their careers and build their businesses.
About the writer
Jamie Burton is a Newsweek Senior TV and Film Reporter (Interviews) based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on ... Read more