Cecily Strong Lands ‘Weekend Update’ Gig, Seth Meyers Congratulates New Anchor
Saturday Night Live named Cecily Strong its newest “Weekend Update” anchor Sunday night.
Creator Lorne Michaels confirmed that Strong will co-anchor with Seth Meyers until he moves to Late Night next year. Strong will transition to a solo role when the 39-year-old leaves, but Michaels hoped Meyers would stay even after his departure.
Meyers congratulated the 29-year-old on her new gig Sunday. He wrote on Twitter, “Very excited about the new Weekend Update co-anchor @cecilybecily.”
Meyers also revealed the fate of one of Strong’s most popular characters.
“As for The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with, it’s prob safe to assume that she died somewhere, mid-conversation,” he wrote.
Cecily Strong, who joined Saturday Night Live last season, said The Girl is a favorite character of hers.
NBC also confirmed that six cast members will be featured players next season: Mike O’Brien, Beck Bennett, Kyle Mooney, John Milhiser, Noel Wells and Brooks Wheelan.
The new additions come after veterans Bill Hader, Fred Armisen, and Jason Sudeikis left the sketch comedy in May. Seth Meyers will be leaving in February to replace SNL alum Jimmy Fallon as the new host of Late Night.
Very excited about the new Weekend Update co-anchor, @cecilybecily! http://t.co/kEgF8RvwfG
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) September 15, 2013
As for The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with, it’s prob safe to assume that she died somewhere, mid-conversation.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) September 15, 2013
Meyers said that he was well aware of the show’s legacy.
“I am aware of the history. Each chapter of my life has sort of been spent enjoying each of the guys who had the job,” he said. “Letterman was sort of my first introduction to late-night television. And Conan was all through college and postcollege years. Jimmy, obviously, I think, does it as well as anyone could ever do it.”
NBC Entertainment boss Bob Greenblatt said Meyers was a perfect fit for Late Night.
“We think Seth is one of the brightest, most insightful comedy writers and performers of his generation,” he said. “His years at SNL‘s ‘Weekend Update’ desk, not to mention being head writer of the show for many seasons, helped him hone a topical brand of comedy that is perfect for the Late Night franchise.”
Cecily Strong will start her “Weekend Update” co-anchor duties when season 39 premieres on September 28 with host Tina Fey.
