"Saturday Night Live" has made several personnel changes in the last week, and Lorne Michaels has made another addition and subtraction to his season 40 cast.
Stand-up comedian, Pete Davidson, will join "SNL" as the only new featured player, according to Deadline. He fills one of the now four spots left vacant by last year's departed newbies Noël Wells, John Milhiser, Brooks Wheelan and just-announced Mike O'Brien, who will now claim a role solely as a writer for the show.
The 20-year-old Davidson began his career at age 16. The Staten Island native used comedy as a "therapeutic outlet" after the loss of his father, a New York City firefighter who died on Sept. 11, 2001.
Nick Cannon discovered him on the New York City comedy circuit. Davidson then appeared semi-regularly on MTV2's "Nick Cannon Presents: Wild 'N Out" improv comedy series last year. He then landed a leading role on MTV2's "Guy Code."
The comedian made his first television appearance on Fox's "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" last season and performed his stand-up routine on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in April.
Mike O'Brien will return to his full-time writing gig on "SNL" after his one season on screen last year, according to Deadline. He joined the writing staff in 2009.
Davidson is the second cast addition to the NBC sketch comedy show this season. Michaels appointed writer Michael Che to the "Weekend Update" desk to join Colin Jost. He also replaced Cecily Strong, who will return to full cast member status.
"I don't see this as me leaving update, just as me being on update in a looser, goofier way that is a lot more fun for me and in a way I think I'm better at," Strong posted on Instagram, explaining her feelings on the move. "And now I get to do features with the very funny and wonderful Michael Che!"
Che becomes the first black cast member to anchor "Update." He and Jost also make up the first all-male pairing to anchor the faux-news segment.
"Saturday Night Live" season 40 premieres on Sept. 27 with host Chris Pratt and musical guest, Ariana Grande.
