Chloe Fineman’s SNL exit call caught Lorne Michaels at the World Cup
Fineman told Variety that Michaels was watching England vs. Argentina when she phoned to say she was leaving after seven seasons.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
3 min read
Chloe Fineman picked a busy moment to tell Lorne Michaels she was leaving “Saturday Night Live”: the longtime boss was at an England vs. Argentina World Cup match.
Fineman told Variety at Monday night’s Los Angeles premiere of Apple TV’s “The Dink” that Michaels paused the conversation because he was at the game, then called her back later for what she described as a warm conversation.
The actor-comedian said she joked that Michaels must have been supporting England because, in her words to Variety, he has a very British energy. The chat came as Fineman was preparing to end a seven-season run on NBC’s late-night sketch institution.
A tearful goodbye after seven seasons
Fineman said the public announcement hit hard. She told Variety she cried when her departure became official and said the “SNL” cast and staff had become family to her.
She also said a call from cast member Colin Jost brought on more tears the same day, adding that she was glad to leave the show “on a high note” after seven years.
Fineman announced her exit on July 16 in an Instagram post. In the post, she wrote that after seven seasons at “SNL,” she had decided it was time for what she called her next chapter.
She also wrote that leaving the show was difficult but felt like the right time, and said the people who work there are family and the workplace had become home to her. Fineman added that she expected she would not be far away from the show.
Fineman joined “Saturday Night Live” in 2019. During her run, she became known for celebrity impressions including Jennifer Coolidge, Timothée Chalamet, Drew Barrymore, Britney Spears and JoJo Siwa, according to Variety.
Netflix is next
Fineman’s first major post-“SNL” role will be on Netflix’s upcoming “Myron Bolitar” series, where she is set as a series regular, Variety reported.
The show’s regular cast also includes Jabari Banks of “Bel Air” and Jamie McShane, whose credits include “Task” and “Wednesday.” Ben McKenzie, known for “Gotham” and “Everyone is Lying to You for Money,” will appear as a recurring guest star.
Colin Woodell, KJ Apa and Diane Guerrero lead the series. Netflix announced the pickup in May during its upfront presentation to advertisers, according to Variety.
The series is based on Harlan Coben’s Myron Bolitar books, a 12-book run. Netflix’s description says Myron, played by Woodell, sees his NBA hopes end because of an injury and then remakes himself as a sports agent operating in a risky, high-pressure corner of sports.
Pickleball before the next chapter
Fineman spoke to Variety while attending the premiere of “The Dink,” a sports comedy centered on pickleball.
The film’s cast includes Jake Johnson, Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor, Patton Oswalt, Martin Kove, Mary Steenburgen and Ed Harris. Tennis figures Andy Roddick and John McEnroe also appear in the project, according to Variety.
“The Dink” premieres on Apple TV on July 24.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.