Live from the picturesque Santa Monica, Ego Nwodim is gracefully sharing her remarkable career transformation. Almost four months after the beloved comedian announced her departure from Saturday Night Live, after seven enchanting seasons, she delved deeper into her reasoning at the Critics Choice Awards 2026.
"Here's the crux of it: You'll want to leave people wanting more, rather than them feeling exhausted by you," Ego candidly told Justin Sylvester of Live From E! at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on January 4th. "That's my golden advice. You want to go out on a high note. It just felt like the right time."
"I had accomplished so much there," she reminisced. "I was part of an incredible ensemble. I learned so much. Then, I wanted to take those skills I honed and explore what else I could do."
The 37-year-old certainly proved she had perfected her craft. After all, Ego is nominated in the Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category for her SNL performances at the Chelsea Handler-hosted event.
"The critics are no easy task," she emphasized. "They criticize, but they also respect what you do. And I'm so honored by that."
"I'm over the moon," she continued. "It feels incredibly meaningful and special to have my work at SNL recognized. I'm in such great company tonight. This is a dream come true."
Ego also admitted that she was in disbelief when she learned of her nomination. "I was screaming in my apartment," she recalled with a chuckle. "I'm pretty sure the neighbors called the front desk on me."
Ego, the fifth cast member to announce their exit as part of season 51's cast shake-up, first shared a heartfelt message about her decision in September.
"The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight," she wrote on her Instagram Stories. "But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL."
"I am immensely grateful to Lorne [Michaels] for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support, and friendship," she continued. "Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories, and that laughter, with me always."
