Bowen Yang harbors no intention of being an eternal fixture at "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). In a recent interview with People, the talented actor-comedian opened up about his future plans, highlighting that the recent 50th anniversary special—which welcomed back numerous SNL alumni—sparked reflections on what life might entail beyond the iconic sketch comedy show. "SNL is a dynamic, ever-evolving entity," he remarked. "After celebrating its 50th milestone, I've glimpsed the beauty of life post-SNL, observing how countless individuals, regardless of their tenure on the show, cherish their family time and personal lives, unfazed by the years that have slipped by."
Since making his debut on the long-standing sketch comedy program in 2019, following a year-long stint on the writing team, Yang has etched his name with unforgettable sketches like "Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic," "Bowen's Straight," and "Weekend Update: U.S. Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon," among others. He elaborated that, as SNL is "a thriving, living organism... new faces constantly emerge, necessitating room for growth and continuous self-elevation. This inevitably points to a time when I'll need to hang up my hat, though the precise vision is still unfolding."
Another compelling factor driving Yang, a star of "Wicked," to eventually bid adieu to the NBC show stems from its demanding production schedule, which significantly impacts his personal life. "With the new SNL season, I realize, 'Oh right, my time is no longer mine.' I tell my friends, 'I probably won't catch up with you guys until June,'" Yang shared. "Even with individuals I've been on a few solid dates with, I find myself saying, 'Hey, it's not because I'm not interested. My time is genuinely slipping away, and I'm truly sorry. It's not about you; it's about me.'"
Nonetheless, Yang continues to relish his time at SNL, emphasizing that the show's collaborative spirit has pushed him out of his comfort zone, especially with some of the wildest sketches over the years. "One of the finest aspects of working at SNL is that when you're assisting others—cast members—in bringing their visions to life, you find yourself being asked to dress up as a drone, a Chinese spy balloon, or pair up with Lady Gaga, and your response is simply, 'Okay, sure,'" Yang recounted. "These situations propel you out of your comfort zone, dismantling any hesitations you might have had. Sometimes, you might end up with egg on your face or make a fool of yourself, but I never weigh those moments against the incredible opportunities I've been granted," added the actor, who also starred in "The Wedding Banquet."
