Bowen Yang Departs “Saturday Night Live” After 8 Seasons
Bowen Yang has officially departed from “Saturday Night Live” after an impressive eight-season run. The departure was announced just hours before his final appearance, which featured a memorable holiday duet with Ariana Grande.
Farewell to “Saturday Night Live”
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Yang expressed gratitude for his time on the iconic NBC show. He reflected on his journey, stating that working at 30 Rock was invaluable, especially during challenging times. Yang emphasized the importance of showing up and finding joy in his work.
Career Highlights
- Joined in 2018: Yang began as a writer.
- Promoted to cast member: Became part of the main cast in 2021.
- Representation Pioneer: He is the first Chinese American cast member on “SNL” and one of the few openly LGBTQ comedians on the show.
- Emmy Nominations: He received multiple nominations for his work on the show.
- Podcast Host: Yang co-hosts “Las Culturistas” and created the “Las Culturistas Culture Awards.”
- Film Appearances: Featured in the upcoming “Wicked” movies.
Final Performance
Yang’s sendoff included a comedic sketch portraying a Delta One Lounge employee struggling with a faulty eggnog machine. This performance served as a poignant nod to his real-life exit from the series. In a touching moment, he remarked, “This is my last shift. It’s sad. I’m gonna miss everything about this place.”
Celebration with Ariana Grande
On his final episode, Yang was joined by Grande, who hosted the night. Together, they performed a heartfelt rendition of “Please Come Home for Christmas” by The Eagles. Cher also made a special appearance as the musical guest, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Bowen Yang leaves “Saturday Night Live” with a remarkable legacy, having broken barriers and earned recognition as one of the show’s standout performers. His future projects include a comedy film in collaboration with actor Matt Rogers, promising even more contributions to the entertainment industry.
