Bowen Yang Contemplates Life Beyond SNL
Bowen Yang, the talented actor and comedian, recently shared insights into his future during an interview with People. He revealed that he is not planning to remain on Saturday Night Live indefinitely. Following the show’s significant 50th anniversary special, Yang found himself reflecting on what life might look like after his time on the iconic sketch show.
A New Perspective on Life Post-SNL
“SNL is a moving, living, breathing entity,” Yang stated, expressing admiration for many former cast members who have transitioned into fulfilling lives away from the show. He noted how beautiful it is to see individuals, regardless of their tenure at SNL, dedicating time to their families and enjoying life without letting the years diminish their experiences.
Yang’s Journey with SNL
Since joining SNL as a cast member in 2019, after a year on the writing team, Yang has participated in numerous memorable sketches, such as “Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic,” “Bowen’s Straight,” and “Weekend Update: U.S. Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon.” He explained that the dynamic nature of SNL necessitates making space for new talent. “New people come in, and that inevitably requires me to step back at some point,” he remarked, while acknowledging he is still uncertain about the specifics of his exit.
Balancing Personal Life and Production Demands
Yang’s decision to eventually leave also stems from the rigorous production schedule which significantly affects his personal life. “With the new season of SNL, I realize that my time isn’t my own. I tell my friends, ‘I won’t see you until June,'” he explained. He further noted that this hectic schedule impacts his personal relationships, saying, “It’s not a lack of interest; it’s just that my time is slipping away.”
Collaborative Creativity at SNL
Despite the challenges, Yang expressed his enjoyment in working for SNL, highlighting how the collaborative environment has encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone. “Whenever you’re not working on your own sketches, you help other cast members realize their visions, even when it requires dressing up as a drone or a Chinese spy balloon,” he shared. Such experiences have pushed him to embrace unexpected challenges without hesitation.
Embracing Fear and Enjoying the Journey
Yang reflected on how the experiences at SNL often challenge his comfort with vulnerability. “You get shot out of a cannon in so many of these situations that it breaks down hesitancies,” he explained. Although he noted that some moments might lead to embarrassment, he emphasizes that the positive experiences greatly outweigh any awkward situations he may encounter.