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Taran Killam admits some 'relief' after SNL dismissal

Well-liked and versatile actor Taran Killam reflects on life after his six season run with Saturday Night Live.
Taran Killam, right, poses with actor and musician Miley Cyrus in an SNL sketch called '50 Shades of Grey Auditions.' Killam was dropped by the NBC program earlier this month. (Saturday Night Live)

In the 41 years Saturday Night Live has been on the air, the one constant has been change. Since 1975, more than 140 cast members have passed through SNL's doors.

Often, these departures are expected, but this year's kill list also included some very surprising names — like the well-liked and versatile actor Taran Killam.

Today the former SNL cast member joins guest host Piya Chattopadhyay to discuss his six seasons on the show, how he processed his dismissal, and what he misses most about the classic sketch show.

"As sad as it was to end one of the most significant chapters of my entire professional career ... there was also some relief," says Killam, who says the "high pressure, high reward" gig required long hours and incredible stamina. 

"I will always look back fondly at those 24-hour marathons, but I'm glad to have them behind me." 

The actor and new director also sheds light on his foray into feature film with Why We're Killing Gunther, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and his new Showtime series Mating.

Killam kills 'em

Unfamiliar with Killam's work? Here are five of the actor's memorable bits.