Who Is Heidi Gardner? SNL Alum’s Bio, Career, and 2025 Update

Who is Heidi Gardner? She is an American actress, comedian, and writer from Kansas City. She rose to national fame on Saturday Night Live, where she performed from 2017 to 2025. As of October 7, 2025, she has exited the show after eight seasons and is pursuing new projects.

Gardner joined SNL in season 43 and became a repertory player in 2019. She left after the landmark season 50 wrapped in 2025. Her run built a strong fan base and a portfolio of standout characters and impressions.

Key facts and career highlights: who is Heidi Gardner

Gardner was born on July 27, 1983, in Kansas City, Missouri. She studied at the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri, then trained with The Groundlings in Los Angeles. Before comedy, she worked nearly a decade as a hairstylist.

Her SNL debut came in 2017 as a featured player. She was promoted to repertory status in 2019. Gardner became known for emotionally charged characters and sharp impressions. Fan favorites include Bailey Gismert, Angel (the “every boxer’s girlfriend” archetype), and pop-culture parodies on “Weekend Update.”

In 2025, she concluded her SNL tenure after eight seasons. Industry trades and NBC’s roster confirmed she is not on the season 51 cast. During her run, she also appeared in voice roles and film/TV projects beyond Studio 8H. She continues to develop acting and comedy work post-SNL.

Her personal life drew attention in 2024 when she publicly confirmed a split from husband Zeb Wells, whom she married in 2010. Gardner remains closely tied to Kansas City. She is a lifelong Chiefs fan and frequently spends time in the area during SNL off-seasons.

From Groundlings to national stage

Gardner’s path is rooted in live comedy. The Groundlings experience sharpened her character work. It also prepared her for SNL’s fast pace and weekly writing load. Colleagues often praised her ability to elevate sketches with committed performances.

Her exit after the 50th season aligns with a broader SNL transition in 2025. The show refreshed its lineup with multiple departures and new featured players. For Gardner, the timing creates space to expand into scripted TV, film, and voice work. That is a natural fit for a performer with proven character depth.

Bottom line: if you are asking “who is Heidi Gardner,” the answer is clear. She is a Kansas City-born comedian who became a core SNL presence from 2017 to 2025. With eight seasons behind her, she now enters a new phase of screen projects and character-driven storytelling.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Heidi Gardner in 2025?

She is an SNL alum, actor, and writer. She left the show after season 50 in 2025. She is developing work beyond SNL.

Q2: When did she join and when did she leave SNL?

She joined in 2017 (season 43). She exited after season 50 in 2025.

Q3: Was Heidi Gardner a repertory cast member?

Yes. She was promoted to repertory status in 2019. She held that role through her final season.

Q4: Is Heidi Gardner married?

She married writer Zeb Wells in 2010. She confirmed a split in 2024.

Q5: How old is Heidi Gardner and where is she from?

She is 42. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri.