Top > Entertainment > 2006 > September > 2006-09-24

SNL Parts With Veteran Cast Members

Every summer Lorne Michaels, the timeless producer of `Saturday Night Live`, finds himself in a sticky situation usually involving an annual axing of actors we have become so used to on the SNL segments. When the 32nd season begins on September 30th, five familiar faces will vanish from the screen, some will be off to pursue upcoming projects and some will just enjoy their endless vacation.

Prepare to look elsewhere for Chris Parnell, Horatio Sanz and Finesse Mitchell who reportedly may have suffered from a financial cutback in NBC`s budget. Two cast members who definitely planned ahead are Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey, Former head writer for SNL, who confirmed that they were leaving the show to star in the NBC comedy `30 Rock`, set behind the scenes at a SNL-like variety show produced by Michaels and costarring fellow former SNL co-star Tracy Morgan.

The 32nd season will try to open with a bang, with Dane Cook as the host and The Killers as the musical guests. Dane Cook, a past host on the show, will be at studio H8 to promote the film Employee of the Month, which guest stars Jessica Simpson. The Killers, will be performing off their new second album Sam`s Town.