Bowen Yang, the popular, trailblazing cast member of Saturday Night Live, just dropped an exciting new project. After an inspiring seven-season run, he is departing the legendary sketch comedy juggernaut. He posted the announcement on Instagram, along with emotional remarks and cast mates photos that capture his tenure on the show beautifully. Yang’s last appearance was during the December 20th episode, hosted by Ariana Grande.
Yang originally joined “SNL” for season 44 as a writer. He became a featured player during the 45th season, becoming one of the most recognizable faces on SNL with his cutting humor and impressions. He won extraordinary acclaim during his lifetime. Most famously, he was the first ever featured player to be nominated for an Emmy, winning in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category. Yang received a total of four acting Emmy nominations and one writing nomination for his work on “SNL.”
Looking back on the impact of his “SNL” tenure, Yang said he was thankful for the experiences, friendships and self-sufficiency he discovered during his years on the show. He stated, “I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people. I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile.”
Yang afforded us a glimpse into his artistic process, detailing the fateful conversation he had with “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels. He remembered the way Michaels encouraged him when he was filled with mid-career self-doubt. “Even Lorne and I talked about it, and Lorne was like, ‘You have more to do,’ and that means a lot,” he said. “I even confessed to him. And you know, at the end of the show I was like, ‘I think the audience is starting to get tired of me.’ And he was like, ‘That’s not true. There’s more for you to do. I need you.’”
His decision to leave was confirmed after Deadline reported on his exit, indicating that Yang felt he had more creative avenues to explore outside of “SNL.” “I’ve always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,” Yang commented in a statement reflecting on his future.
