Abby Elliott confirms she is leaving 'SNL'

By Meredith Blake

Aug. 15, 2012 12 AM PT

Another one bites the dust.

In an interview with the comedy website Splitsider,”Saturday Night Live” cast member Abby Elliott made the surprise announcement that she will not be returning to the long-running sketch comedy show this fall. Elliott first joined “SNL” as a featured player during its 2008 season.

NBC declined to comment, but a person with knowledge of the situation but not authorized to speak publicly confirmed the news.

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Elliott is the latest cast member to leave in what is shaping up to be a big transitional year for “SNL.” Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg both left the show earlier this year, and star Jason Sudeikis has repeatedly hinted at his desire to move on.

But Elliott’s exit is more surprising. Known for her skillful impressions of stars like Zooey Deschanel and Angelina Jolie, Elliott was poised to fill the void left by Wiig.

Elliott is the daughter of comedian Chris Elliott, whose own stint on “SNL” was even shorter: He was a member of the show’s ill-fated 1994-1995 cast.

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Follow Meredith Blake on Twitter @MeredithBlake