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Chloe Fineman, known for her ‘spot on’ Melania Trump impression, has announced she is leaving Saturday Night Live after seven seasons.
The comedian shared the news while promoting her new film The Dink, revealing that she has “decided it’s time for my next chapter,” in an Instagram post. Alongside her exit, Fineman confirmed she will be joining the Netflix series Myron Bolitar as a regular.
Fineman became a standout on SNL for her celebrity impressions, with one of her most talked-about roles being her portrayal of former first lady Melania Trump. The recurring sketch often poked fun at controversies surrounding the Trump administration, with Fineman’s impression of Melania earning praise from viewers.
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In one of her most recent appearances, which fans labeled ‘spot on,’ Fineman’s Melania addressed headlines tied to an April speech where the real-life former first lady denied any involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
“Hello Donald,” Fineman said during a phone call with James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump in the sketch. “Melania, you’re calling me? That’s not a good sign,” he quipped back.
“Listen, I decided I should do a big random speech, completely out of nowhere, and say, “I am not Epstein victim. Is that good?” Fineman asked. “Oh darling, I’ve got to admit this sounds a little insane. Who are you me?” he replied.
Fineman then continued the bit, questioning whether she should also deny involvement with the Gilgo Beach serial killer, before referencing Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was convicted of transportation for the purposes of prostitution in 2025. “Okay, Okay, what if I announce I barely partied with Diddy? Would that help?” she asked.
As she looks ahead, Fineman’s next role appears to be a major factor in her decision to leave the long-running sketch show. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at The Dink premiere, she explained that her departure lined up naturally with the end of her contract and a new opportunity.
She said that seven years felt like the typical run at SNL, and just as her contract was ending, the chance to work with David E. Kelley came in unexpectedly. After a chemistry read, things moved quickly, and the timing felt right. Fineman added that while she is proud of her time on the show, leaving is emotional because of how close she is with the cast and crew, describing the experience as bittersweet and noting she will still be around New York.
Fineman also shared that SNL head writer Colin Jost had called her earlier in the day for her birthday, adding that “everyone’s like really reaching out. It’s the sweetest show. It’s a hard show, but the people — it’s because of hours and everything. But like it really is a family, and I’ve been crying like sweet tears.”
The actress said she is looking forward to adjusting to a more regular schedule while filming Myron Bolitar, which began production this week. She added that she’s excited to take on new work while also experiencing SNL from the outside for the first time.
“I’m really excited to like watch SNL as an audience member [in person], which I’ve never done,” she said, adding that she’s ready to “just stretch the TV wings.”
Fineman’s summer also includes the release of The Dink, where she stars alongside Jake Johnson and Ben Stiller. The comedy follows a washed-up tennis pro attempting to save a club by reluctantly turning to pickleball.
Johnson said the film reflects both sides of the tennis versus pickleball debate, adding that the idea came from wanting to create something “just funny and light and kind of easy listening.”
“This kind of mid-range comedy with a nice three-act structure that’s kind of light has gone away, and they’ve either become really cool indies that are like very cool or huge franchises, and neither of those were the ones I really dreamt of making,” Johnson said. “Being able to make a mid-tier comedy that’s just got like every scene there’s a different funny person who comes in — everybody’s funny in the movie. There’s heart. There’s a real story. There’s a structure. Like I want more movies like this, so I really hope it works.”
