Bowen Yang exits SNL, marking end of era for first Chinese-American cast member
Yang confirms departure in Instagram post; final episode will be hosted by Ariana Grande; he joined SNL in 2018 as writer and later became a prominent cast member with multiple Emmy nominations.
In a surprise mid-season departure, Bowen Yang said he is leaving Saturday Night Live after the latest episode. In an Instagram post, Yang did not share a reason for his exit but said he is "grateful for every minute of my time there." He added, "I loved working at SNL, and most of all I loved the people." The final episode will air this weekend and will be hosted by Ariana Grande, a star of Wicked.
Yang, 35, joined SNL in 2018 as a writer and later became a cast member, making history as the first Chinese-American staff actor on the show. In recent years he emerged as one of SNL's most prominent performers, delivering recurring characters and parodies.
In his message, Yang reflected on lessons learned at SNL, saying he learned about himself "(bad with wigs)" and about others "(generous, vulnerable, hot)" and that comedy is largely about logistics. He thanked Lorne Michaels, the longtime producer, and his fellow cast members for supporting him during his time on the show.
Among Yang's most memorable sketches were a take on the iceberg that sank the Titanic and a portrayal of a disgraced ex-Congressman George Santos. His work on SNL has earned him five Emmy Award nominations, underscoring his status as a leading voice on the program.
Beyond SNL, Yang co-hosts the popular Las Culturistas podcast and has pursued acting roles in film. He has appeared in The Wedding Banquet, Fire Island, Bros and the first Wicked film. He is also expected to voice a character in an upcoming Cat in the Hat animated film set for release next year.
Yang's departure comes as SNL remains a cornerstone of late-night comedy, with Lorne Michaels continuing to steer the show through a mid-season transition. His final episode, airing this weekend, will be an end of an era for a performer who helped broaden the show's cultural reach and celebrate representation on a contemporary stage.