Don Roy King known for his administration duties behind the camera has retired from Saturday Night Live reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Liz Patrick, who has steered 2,100 episodes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show is expected to take King’s position during the show’s 47th season.
Don Roy King’s Awards
King has successfully directed the last 15 seasons of SNL and is also a 12-time Emmy winner. He most recently earned his 11th Primetime Emmy earlier this month for directing SNL. In 1977, he took home a Daytime Emmy for The Mike Douglas Show. Additionally, King has won seven Directors Guild Awards.
A New Direction for SNL
With Patrick stepping up to the plate, a creative change is expected. She has established a name for herself winning three Daytime Emmys for directing The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Patrick has been with the show since 2004. As part of the producing team, she adds another three Emmys to her record.
The Cast Additions/ Departures for Upcoming Season
In addition to cast departures, Beck Bennett and Lauren Holt will not return for this season. Bennett has been an active cast member for the last eight seasons, best known for playing former Vice President Mike Pence. He announces the news via Instagram. The post read: “Thank you for 8 years of remarkable people and incredible experiences that completely changed my life. I had so much fun.”
Meanwhile Holt was a “featured player” last season, a status given to new performers who must prove themselves. Fortunately, the rest of the cast will return with new faces also appearing.
SNL added Aristotle Athari, James Austin Johnson and Sarah Sherman as featured players.
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