Bowen Yang Expresses Fatigue Over J.D. Vance Portrayal on SNL
Actor and comedian Bowen Yang has voiced his weariness with portraying J.D. Vance on Saturday Night Live. His portrayal of the U.S. vice president began in September 2024, just two months prior to Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election.
In a recent appearance on The Daily Show with Desi Lydic, Yang revealed he would welcome a recast of the role. “When Lorne asked me to play Vance, I pleaded with him, ‘Please, please, please don’t make me do this,'” he shared. Despite his commitment to the character, Yang admitted he often requests Lorne Michaels to consider other options.
Seeking Alternatives for the Role
Yang humorously suggested potential replacements for his portrayal of Vance, hinting at names like Zach Galifianakis and Taran Killam. “I really said, ‘Please reach out to Zach Galifianakis. Please reach out to Taran Killam,'” he noted, adding that he still carries the responsibility of the role.
Challenges in Accents and Representation
The unique challenge of Yang’s role lies not only in the comedic aspects but also in accurately capturing Vance’s distinct accent. “I worked with an accent coach to bridge the gap between Appalachian and Ohio accents. It was crucial to get it right,” he explained, emphasizing his dedication to the craft.
Yang debuted his portrayal of Vance in the 50th season of SNL, sharing the stage with an ensemble cast including James Austin Johnson as Trump, Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris, and Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz. He reflected on the uphill battle he faced portraying Trump’s right-hand man, especially considering the potential criticism he anticipated. “I was aware everyone might think, ‘This Asian guy is playing that guy?'” he mentioned, underscoring the pressure of nailing the performance.
In closing, Yang expressed his commitment to doing his best in this challenging role. “I’m just telling you guys, I’m doing my best,” he affirmed, highlighting the complexities of representation in comedy.