Bowen Yang, known for his recent successful projects, is set to leave Saturday Night Live during the ongoing season following tonight’s episode hosted by singer Ariana Grande, a co-star of his in the musical Wicked.
Yang began his journey on the show as a writer in 2018, then transitioned into a featured player and eventually earned a spot in the main cast two seasons later. With five Emmy nominations to his name, Yang had become a beloved figure among fans.
Although an SNL spokesperson declined to comment on Yang’s departure, the comedian himself expressed his sentiments in an Instagram post, highlighting his appreciation for the show and its people. Yang mentioned finding value in perseverance during challenging times.
This mid-season exit from SNL is not unprecedented, as Cecily Strong previously made a similar move in December 2022. Yang’s decision comes after a wave of departures last summer, which included notable cast members like Ego Nwodim and Heidi Gardner.
In a recent interview, Yang disclosed that he had contemplated leaving SNL and had discussed it with Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator. Ultimately, after receiving encouragement from Michaels, Yang opted to stay on. Apart from his work on SNL, Yang co-hosts a podcast called Las Culturistas and has been involved in various acting projects.
Born to Chinese immigrants in Australia and raised in Canada, Yang holds dual American and Canadian citizenship. In his interview with Esquire, Yang addressed the importance of not being solely defined by his identity as a queer Asian artist and emphasized the significance of personal relationships and freedom outside of work.
