‘SNL’ Season 39: Fred Armisen Confirms Series Exit, Is Jason Sudeikis Next?
By the end of this year's 'SNL' season finale (which was hosted by 'Argo' director Ben Affleck), it was obvious that series veteran Bill Hader would be depart the series. But while it's still unknown if fellow veteran Jason Sudeikis will also be saying goodbye, it's now clear that Fred Armisen's final tribute performance was meant to confirm the 'Portlandia' star's 'SNL' exit.
"I think it's clear," Armisen told Splitsider of his tributary finale-closing performance as rock alter-ego Ian Rubbish, alongside 'Portlandia' co-star Carrie Brownstein and 'SNL' players Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis and Taran Killam. "I didn't do any kind of official announcement, but I really felt like it was obvious. An ending that was a love letter to all the music I grew up with, and also to my friends and to SNL and to Lorne and to the cast. There was a lot of emotion attached to it, but it was a very positive emotion."
And while both Hader and Armisen's are officially off 'SNL,' less certain is the fate of Jason Sudeikis, who told 'The View' in May "I sincerely don't know at this point." Similarly contentious was the season 39 involvement of writer and 'Weekend Update' anchor Seth Meyers, though Meyer has since confirmed his intent to remain with the series through 2013 until his 'Late Show' gig replacing Jimmy Fallon begins in 2014.
Well, what say you? Are you sad to see Fred Armisen confirm his 'SNL' exit? Who do you think should remain with the cast until new stars enter the fray? Watch Armisen's last goodbye again below, and give us your thoughts in the comments!