Bowen Yang couldn’t hold back his tears during his final sketch on Saturday Night Live and honestly, same.
The beloved comedy diva officially confirmed on Friday that he had decided to leave SNL midseason after more than seven years on the sketch comedy show.
“I loved working at SNL, and most of all, I loved the people,” he wrote alongside a lengthy tribute on Instagram. “I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile.”
Bowen Yang’s final SNL sketch
During his final episode — hosted by Ariana Grande and musical guest Cher, no less — Yang couldn’t help but tear up in his last sketch.
The Wicked actor played a Delta Sky Lounge employee saying goodbye to his job, which was clearly a double-entendre for his SNL exit. Grande, who played his wife, Rhonda, said she “wouldn’t miss [his] last shift for the world”.
“I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here,” he said through tears. “And I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer.
“Especially the people. I’ve loved every single person who works here because they’ve done so much for me. Especially my boss.”
While fans expected SNL head honcho Lorne Michaels to walk out on stage, Yang’s “boss” was played by Cher in the sketch.
“I just wanted to say, it’s been an honour working for you and any success I have after this will be thanks to this place,” he said. “Before I go, do you have any feedback for me?”
“Well, everyone thought you were a little bit too gay,” Cher replied, before adding, “But do you know what? You’re perfect for me.”
The live-studio audience then let out a collective “aww” as Yang delivered his final line: “This place will always be home, but it’s time to go.”
The sketch ended with the trio embracing and singing along to Charles Brown’s holiday classic “Please Come Home for Christmas”.
Following the sketch, social media was flooded with comments from viewers who admitted they needed a tissue or two.
“Not me crying at an SNL skit,” comedian Dana Goldberg wrote on Instagram, while Emily in Paris star Ashley Park said, “A beautiful send-off, meaningful in so many ways”.
“The fact you got two gay icons both young and old to farewell this gentleman who’s made a lasting impact on LGBT and Asian representation in comedy… absolute beauty, cinema,” one fan wrote. “Cher and Ariana’s show, but Bowen made this moment his. Farewell and best of luck good sir.”
“If this sketch didn’t make you cry, you have no soul. What a bittersweet yet perfect send-off, onward to your next adventure Bowen!” someone else shared.
What’s next for Bowen Yang?
Yang was hired as a writer on SNL in 2018 and joined the on-air cast in 2019, becoming the show’s first Chinese American star.
He earned four Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series during his run, including in 2021 when he became the first featured player to be nominated.
Outside of the show, he hosts the pop culture podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and has appeared in the films Wicked, Wicked: For Good, Bros, Fire Island and The Wedding Banquet.
His next project will be a voice role in the animated film The Cat in the Hat and he’s also writing his debut book, The Rules of Culture, Volume 1, alongside Rogers.
He might not be appearing on your TV screen every Saturday night anymore, but it’s clear Yang’s career is only just getting started.
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