Theo Wargo/Getty Images Will Forte, a veteran performer at “Saturday Night Live,” is departing the show.1:21 p.m. | Updated
It looks like MacGruber has accidentally detonated his last explosive device for now. Will Forte, the longtime “Saturday Night Live” cast member who portrayed that incompetent adventurer, among a wealth of other eccentric characters, will not be returning to “S.N.L.” when the NBC late-night sketch series begins its 36th season in the fall. In an email message, a representative for Mr. Forte said he offered his thanks to his colleagues and the “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels, writing, “After eight great seasons, Will has made the decision to move on from ‘S.N.L.’ to pursue new opportunities. He is eternally grateful to Lorne and all of the incredible people he worked with over the years.”
Mr. Forte, an alumnus of the Groundlings and a former story editor for “3rd Rock From the Sun” and “That ’70s Show,” joined “Saturday Night Live” in its 2002-2003 season and rapidly built a portfolio of memorably off-beat characters, including the soft-spoken political candidate Tim Calhoun; a member of the Bon Jovi “opposite tribute band” Jon Bovi, and, of course, MacGruber, a gloss on the television series “MacGyver.” Though a film version of “MacGruber” performed poorly at the box office in May, Mr. Forte has had a thriving side career as a guest performer on comedies like “30 Rock” and “The Cleveland Show.”
NBC declined to comment on any possible new hires at “Saturday Night Live,” whose deals are expected to be closed after the Labor Day holiday.