If you thought Bowen Yang was done being emotional about leaving “Saturday Night Live,” think again. The former cast member recently opened up about his experience on the popular show during an episode of “Las Culturistas,” the podcast he co-hosts with Matt Rogers.
In a light-hearted moment, Rogers joked that anyone unaware of Yang’s departure must be living under a massive rock. Yang shared that after seven and a half years, it felt like the right time to move on. He noted that before the pandemic, seven years was often the typical stint for cast members.
Reflecting on his time, Yang expressed gratitude for being able to leave on his terms. He compared his last appearance to successfully landing a rover on Mars—there were no guarantees about how it would turn out. He learned valuable life lessons at “SNL,” including that many things are beyond your control, especially audience reactions to jokes.
Yang emphasized gratitude as a focal point of his experience. His co-host Rogers contested his assertion that this feeling was meaningless, suggesting that not all cast members leave with such a positive outlook. Each person’s journey at the show is unique, with their own challenges and successes.
Joy was also a big part of Yang’s story. He relished the thrill of creating a sketch within a week and the unique format of not needing to memorize lines, thanks to cue cards. He revealed that he cried during the table read of his final sketch, where he bid farewell to his character—a moment many before him hadn’t experienced.
With a tearful reflection, Yang spoke about the support he received from friends and colleagues during his last performance. He felt blessed to have worked with such talented people and wanted to express his love for them through his farewell.
Yang isn’t the only cast member to contemplate leaving “SNL.” Ego Nwodim recently exited after her seven-season run, expressing her gratitude for being part of the ensemble. She emphasized the importance of the skills she gained and her desire to explore new opportunities.
As the landscape of “SNL” evolves, the experiences of former cast members continue to resonate. Yang’s emotional farewell reminds us that while he’s moving on, the memories and lessons he took from the show will stay with him forever.
For more insights on the ever-changing world of “SNL” and its cast, check out E! News.
