Photo of Michael Che & Vanessa Bayer in 'Saturday Night Live,' by Will Heath
Just hours before the season 42 finale tonight, Saturday Night Live's Vanessa Bayer has confirmed she is leaving the long-running sketch comedy series.
Deadline first reported the news earlier on Saturday, with Bayer herself taking to Instagram this afternoon to reveal tonight's episode will indeed be her last. She first joined the show in 2010, making her the current longest-serving female cast member.
Bayer's run on the show has featured a number of impressions, such as Miley Cyrus and Rachel from Friends, as well as original characters like Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy, child actor Laura Parsons and Breckie, the former porn star now selling luxury items alongside co-star Cecily Strong.
"Thank you SNL for 7 years of laughs, love and incredible memories. It has been a dream come true," Bayer said with a photo of a goodbye script written by "Weekend Update" co-anchor Colin Jost, referencing some of Bayer's SNL hits.
In addition to a recurring role on Portlandia, Bayer has recently appeared on Modern Family, Drunk History and The Simpsons., as well as films Trainwreck and Office Christmas Party.
Bayer is currently the third longest-serving cast member on the show, behind only Bobby Moynihan (who is also departing tonight after nine seasons) and Kenan Thompson, who is expected to stay put after 14 seasons.