Following His SNL Exit, Devon Walker Recalls The Keen Advice Adam Sandler Gave Him

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For Season 51 of “Saturday Night Live,” set to air on TV schedules in 2025, there are some noteworthy changes taking place before its October 4 premiere. While cast members departing from SNL is nothing out of the ordinary, this time around, several have left at once, which marks a shift in the show’s dynamics. One of the four who have moved on is Devon Walker, and he recently shared some insightful advice he received from former SNL alum Adam Sandler before his departure.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Walker reminisced about his stint on ‘Saturday Night Live’, which began in 2022 as a featured player during Season 48. He later graduated to a repertory role for their 50th season. Despite his tenure being brief and his earlier remarks about SNL being “incredibly challenging,” there were some positive experiences. He revealed that working at SNL could sometimes feel like being part of a family or a fraternity, and this unique camaraderie is something that not many people can claim, with Adam Sandler being one of them.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d liken “Saturday Night Live” to an enduring fraternity – a unique brotherhood spanning decades. You might find yourself sharing the screen with a familiar face like Adam Sandler, and despite time gaps, there’s an immediate camaraderie. It’s as if we’ve all gone through the same initiation rites, sharing inside jokes and unspoken bonds that only those who’ve worked on this iconic show can truly understand.

Prior to making waves in the comedy film world, Sandler spent five years (from 1990 to 1995) as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL). During this time, he created some of the show’s most iconic sketches and characters. Despite being let go during the ’90s, Sandler has maintained strong ties with many of his former castmates, fostering an enduring bond within the SNL family. He came back to host in 2019 and more recently appeared on the SNL50 anniversary special.

With extensive experience under his belt, Sandler undoubtedly possesses deep insights into the field. Given his stint on Saturday Night Live, it’s no wonder that the wisdom he shared with Walker was exceptionally insightful.

He essentially advised that during the off-season, it’s important to maintain your performance style, the one that helped you reach the show, as when you join SNL, your approach might change. In essence, Sandler was suggesting I should return to performing in a way that feels most natural and free for me.

According to Walker’s statement, the Saturday Night Live (SNL) team comprises comedians, improvisers, writers, and more, with the show consuming a considerable amount of their time each week. Given that they’re busy working on episodes almost every day, it seems ideal for them to focus on other projects during the off-season. What makes Sandler’s encouragement towards Walker to continue his earlier work even more heartwarming is that he wants Walker to maintain his roots rather than losing himself in the grind of SNL, which can be especially meaningful for someone like Walker who juggles stand-up comedy and may not have much free time during the season.

Walker has shared insights about his departure, expressing a belief that the show was moving on without him. However, it appears he’s now focusing on the future. He’s spilled some exciting projects he’s keen to be part of, including shows like “Industry,” “The Bear,” and “Severance.” Despite these ventures being quite distinct from “SNL” and stand-up, he seems eager to explore new territories, mirroring Adam Sandler’s willingness to diversify.

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2025-09-06 21:21