In brief
Bowen Yang, the show's first Chinese-American cast member, is leaving Saturday Night Live after a memorable stint. In an emotional Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for the experience, highlighting lessons learned in comedy and collaboration. Yang's final episode will air soon, featuring special guest Ariana Grande.
Bowen Yang, comedian and influential cast member of Saturday Night Live, has announced his departure from the show, bringing an end to his historic run as its first Chinese-American actor.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Yang reflected on his time at SNL, saying, 'I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people.' His departure comes unexpectedly during the ongoing season, leaving fans surprised and appreciative of his contributions.
Yang first joined SNL in 2018 as a writer before stepping into his acting role, quickly becoming a fan favorite through memorable characters and sketches that included parodies of political figures. His last episode is set to air this Saturday, with pop star Ariana Grande hosting.
In his Instagram message, Yang emphasized the personal growth and lessons he learned during his tenure, sharing insights about comedy and the collaborative spirit of the show. He also expressed gratitude towards the cast, crew, and Lorne Michaels, SNL's long-time producer, for their support.
Throughout his time on the show, Yang has been nominated for five Emmy Awards, showcasing his remarkable talent in the comedy world. Beyond SNL, he has hosted podcasts, engaged in film projects, and is set to lend his voice to an upcoming animated film adaptation of the beloved children's book, 'The Cat in the Hat.'
