Sasheer Zamata has joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) after a controversy involving the lack of diversity at SNL.

Sasheer Zamata, an actress, writer, and comedian, moved to New York in 2009 after graduating from the University of Virginia with a degree in Drama. She performed at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. Former SNL cast member Amy Poehler was also a member of the Upright Citizens Brigade. Poehler currently stars in the series "Parks and Recreation" on NBC.

The controversy involved SNL guest host Kerry Washington of "Scandal" who was asked to impersonate Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Beyonce in one sketch. A voice-over announcement by the producers of Saturday Night Live apologized to Kerry Washington following the sketch.

Sasheer Zamata has been scheduled to join SNL for the January 18 show with host and musical guest Drake. The news of Zamata's casting was posted on the Deadline Hollywood website. The website closely followed the casting of a new member to join SNL.

Zamata has been featured in The New York Times, Clutch Magazine, and Time Out New York. She performed stand up at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, the Great American Comedy Festival, and the Letterman Showcase.

Zamata appeared in sketches on "Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell" on FX, and "Inside Amy Schumer" on Comedy Central. She is slated to appear in MTV's "Hey Girl" and ABC's "Would You Fall For That?"  Zamata has also appeared in commercials for Target, Verizon Wireless, and the NY Lotto.   

Sasheer Zamata website, which features standup videos, is located at https://sasheer.com/#d0f/custom_plain