'Saturday Night Live' Adds 3 Cast Members, 7 Writers Ahead of Season 43

Chris Redd, Heidi Gardner, and Luke Null Photo: Shutterstock/The iO Theater

“Saturday Night Live” has added three new featured performers just four days before kicking off its 43rd season. NBC’s Emmy-winning sketch comedy series also hired seven writers ahead of this weekend’s premiere, featuring guest host Ryan Gosling and musical guest Jay-Z.

The new performers are actor-comedian Chris Redd (above, left), who starred in Andy Samberg’s “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” and on Netflix’s “Disjointed,” and improv veterans Heidi Gardner (center) and Luke Null (right). They’ll be filling spots vacated by Season 42 stars Vanessa Bayer, Sasheer Zamata, and Bobby Moynihan (a.k.a. Sal Delabate) to join a cast which still includes Kenan Thompson, Pete Davidson, Colin Jost, Leslie Jones, Michael Che, and recent Emmy-winner Kate McKinnon—to name a few.

— Saturday Night Live (@nbcsnl) September 26, 2017

Despite enjoying its highest-rated season ever last year, the Lorne Michaels-created series has also reportedly shaken things up behind the scenes, too, with Sam Jay, Gary Richardson, Erik Marino, Andrew Dismukes, Steven Castillo, Claire Friedman, and Nimesh Patel all joining the writing staff.

Other previously announced big names joining Season 43 include hosts Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) and Kumail Nanjiani (“The Big Sick”), musical guests Pink and Sam Smith, and Emmy-winning guest star, recurring Donald Trump impersonator, and frequent Stern Show guest Alec Baldwin.

During Baldwin’s most recent visit to the Stern Show, the 59-year-old actor explained precisely what goes into his impression. “You’re trying to bite the face off of the person in front of you,” he told Howard, adding “the wig is everything. Once they put the wig on you, you’re home.” He also shared the story of how he became Trump in the first place. Click here for the full conversation or listen (below).