Bowen Yang harbors nothing but affection for his former "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) co-stars. The 34-year-old "Wicked" actor voiced his sentiments in the September 10 episode of his podcast, "Las Culturistas," addressing the wave of departures from SNL as the new season looms. "I will deeply miss those who are not returning," Yang remarked, confirming his own return for Season 51 in October.
In particular, Yang lavished praise on longtime SNL luminary Heidi Gardner, who is rumored to be bidding farewell to the show after eight stellar seasons. He hailed her as "one of the greats" and predicted she would "go down in history," emphasizing her unwavering reliability and noting, "You knew you were in good hands" with any sketch she touched. Yang also highlighted Gardner's generosity, recalling how she would craft pieces for other cast members to perform, including a "Weekend Update" segment she penned for former cast member Punkie Johnson.
"It was one of the most beautiful, kindest gestures I've ever witnessed on that show," Yang remarked. "Her heart was so vast... A true anchor on that stage." News of Gardner's departure broke in August, with multiple outlets, including Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, reporting the move after several other stars announced their exits. Unlike her fellow departing cast members, Gardner has yet to issue a statement regarding her departure. It remains unclear whether the decision to leave was hers alone.
Gardner joined SNL in 2017 and emerged as the longest-serving cast member to depart ahead of Season 51 in October. Cast members Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow also announced their SNL exits in August. The comedians, who joined the show between 2022 and 2024, with Wakim being the newest recruit, left fans reeling. Longfellow's departure, in particular, stunned many after rumors swirled that he might one day helm the "Weekend Update" desk.
On the podcast, Yang lauded Walker, Wakim, and Longfellow as "fantastic comedians." On September 5, SNL ushered in five new comedians for Season 51: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. According to Variety and Deadline, the remaining cast from last season, including "Weekend Update" anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che, is expected to return. SNL will make its grand return for the new season on October 4.
