Exclusive Interview: Bowen Yang Shares Thoughts on His Future with Saturday Night Live
- Bowen Yang shared in an exclusive interview that he plans to leave Saturday Night Live “at some point” in the future.
- The actor and comedian reflected on how the recent 50th anniversary special of the NBC show provided insight into what life is like after leaving the program, showcasing a beautiful experience for former cast members.
- He also conveyed “one of the best parts” about being part of SNL.
Bowen Yang is considering a future without Saturday Night Live.
In an exclusive interview, the actor, comedian, and podcaster discussed the possibility of ending his long tenure on the late-night sketch comedy show. So far, Yang, 34, has appeared in over 100 episodes since joining the cast in season 45 in 2019, after being hired as a writer in 2018.
“To me, SNL is this dynamic, living entity,” he remarks, sharing how the recent 50th anniversary special—which featured the return of numerous former cast members—allowed him to envision what life might be like after he departs from the show.
“Especially following the 50th, I’m realizing how beautiful life after the show can be, and how many former cast members, regardless of their time on the show, are happily spending time with their families and embracing their lives without letting those years diminish their experiences,” says Yang.
“With SNL, as I mentioned, it’s a growing and evolving process where new talents come in, and at some point, I will have to step aside to allow them to flourish and elevate the show,” he continues. “That inevitably means I will need to find my exit—though I don’t yet have a clear vision of when that will be.”
He acknowledged that the show’s demanding production schedule often leaves him with little personal time. “When the new season of SNL starts, I quickly remember, ‘Oh, right. My time isn’t my own.’ I often tell my friends, ‘I won’t really be available until June,'” he explains.
This busy schedule also impacts his dating life. “For those I’ve gone on a few solid dates with, I find myself saying, ‘It’s not that I’m not interested; it’s just that my time is slipping away from me, and I sincerely apologize—it’s not about you, it’s about me,'” Yang adds.
Outside of his work on SNL, Yang is currently starring in a remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 film, The Wedding Banquet. In his role as Chris, a commitment-phobic nature guide, he navigates a complex relationship with his boyfriend, Min (Han Gi-chan), who struggles with being in the closet due to his conservative family’s views. In a bid to avoid returning to Korea, Min proposes to finance additional IVF treatments for Chris’ best friend Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) and her partner Lee (Lily Gladstone) if Angela agrees to marry him.
Yang also has a nude scene in the film and jokingly revealed that he hasn’t given his mother a heads-up about it. When she recently inquired about when she could see the movie, he told her it would be released on April 18.
“And then it hit me, ‘Oh, she’s going to see my ass.’ But I think it’s going to be great,” he adds.
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