For eleven years, Fred Armisen has tickled the funny bones of several viewers via the sketches that he graced in Saturday Night Live. He became a household name especially with American comedy fans thanks to the numerous characters that he played. However, good times do come to an end as he confirmed that he will be leaving the show via an interview in the Splitsider comedy website.

Despite the several casting changes in the show's long tenure, they often are unannounced. That's why when Armisen played his last character as the British punk rocker Ian Rubbish, he gave a clue about the inevitable. At the sketch's finale, he sang "It's Been a Lovely Night With You" as he was flanked by his co-stars and friends. Aside from Armisen, it was also confirmed that Bill Hader will not be back at SNL.

In the Splitsider interview, Armisen is satisfied with the way he ended his Saturday Night Live tenure because it gave him a chance to relive the music that he grew up with and make it into a melodic love letter to all those who supported him for more than a decade. During his tenure, he also became the link between the newer casts and the senior ones like Hader, Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg who have all left the show as well.

With SNL off his books, Fred Armisen can now focus on Portlandia which stars him beside Wild Flag vocalist Carrie Brownstein. However, he will still be tied indirectly with the highly-successful comedy for the series' producer is SNL creator Lorne Michaels. Portlandia has been on air via the Independent Film Channel since January 2011 and episodes for its fourth and fifth season are currently in the works.

Armisen's new show contributes to the resurgence of the sketch comedy show just like Louie and Inside Amy Schumer. Though it is a fresh idea, he will incorporate some of his famous SNL characters such as Fericito the Venezuelan Comedian and the impersonation of United States President Barack Obama.

Before joining Saturday Night Live, Fred Armisen appeared in shows like the Late Night with Conan O'Brien. While he was part of SNL, he also showcased his comedy on the big screen with roles in films such as European Trip, Deuce Bigelow: European Gigolo, The Ex, The Rocker and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

Aside from the Obama impersonation and the portrayal of Fericito, Armisen used SNL to give life to memorable characters like Native American Billy Smith, the European Leonard, art dealer Nooni Schoener, political commentator Nicholas Fehn, Dr. Roger Brush, saxophone player Giuseppe and the drummer Mackey.

Saturday Night Live is a live sketch comedy and variety show that was started in October 1975 by Michaels and Dick Ebersol. It is one of the longest-running television programs in the United States and it has garnered 156 Emmy Awards nominations, the most of all time. Out of these nominations, the show has won 36 Emmys and is a consistent entry on any greatest shows of all time list.