Ben Affleck’s ex Lindsay Shookus announces she will be leaving SNL after 20 years of work

Lindsay Shookus has announced that she will be leaving Saturday Night Live after twenty years with the program. 

The news about the program’s 42-year-old producer and head of its talent department was revealed by Deadline, and it was reported that, although she was offered a promotion, she felt as if it was the right time to depart from the program.

The news about the entertainment industry figure was announced during the second wedding weekend of her former partner, Ben Affleck. 

Shookus had remained with Saturday Night Live for 20 years, 10 of which were spent as a producer.

She created a Diversity Scholarship at SNL in 2020, and she will remain involved with the program.

The entertainment industry figure also provided a statement to Deadline where she expressed that she was looking forward to stepping away ‘wild late-night life’ and focusing on raising her daughter Maddie, nine.  

She stated: ‘When I started in 2002, I was a baby from Buffalo, NY who didn’t know anything about the business, except that I so badly wanted to be somehow part of it.’

Recent event: The news about the entertainment industry figure was announced during the second wedding weekend of her former partner, Ben Affleck; they are seen in 2017

Shookus went on to state that she was grateful for the opportunity to have worked on the long-running sketch comedy program.

‘I found my place at SNL and I’ve spent the past two decades developing the most incredible friendships and memories alongside some truly brilliant and talented people,’ she said.  

She then wrote that she was grateful for the help and support that she had received from her collaborators over the years. 

‘There are so many of you – too many to name – but please know that I will always be thankful for each and every one of you and never take for granted how special those moments and lessons have been.’

Ecstatic: Shookus went on to state that she was grateful for the opportunity to have worked on the long-running sketch comedy program; she is seen in 2018

Shookus concluded her statement by expressing that she was optimistic about her near future. 

‘I don’t know exactly what else the future holds for me, but I’m a big believer in letting the universe unveil itself to you, and allowing that goodness in. It may not be perfectly written yet, but I know I’m headed someplace good,’ she said.

Saturday Night Live’s creator, Lorne Michaels, also issued a statement to speak about the producer’s achievements.

‘Lindsay’s contributions to SNL over the past twenty years have been immeasurable. Her impact on the show, including her commitment and loyalty to the show’s cast and crew, will always be valued,’ he said.

Doing well: Shookus concluded her statement by expressing that she was optimistic about her near future

Shookus was previously in an on-again-off-again relationship with Affleck, whom she began seeing in the mid-2010s.

The pair remained together until 2018, when it was reported that they had broken up.

The former couple gave their romance another shot the following year, although they went their separate ways for the final time that April.

The actor later rekindled his romance with Jennifer Lopez, and the pair are set to say their vows for a second time in Georgia on Saturday evening. 

Back on: The actor later rekindled his romance with Jennifer Lopez, and the pair are set to say their vows for a second time in Georgia on Saturday evening; they are seen in July