Bowen Yang will return to Saturday Night Live amid a mass exodus from cast members.
And the 34-year-old actor received words of encouragement from SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who privately told him, ‘You have more to do.’
In a conversation with People, he shared that he previously felt unsure about his position on the long-running late night comedy show.
‘I’ve always gone by the instinct of, do I have more to do? And I feel like I do,’ he told the publication.
Bowen reiterated, ‘Even Lorne and I talked about it, and Lorne was like, “You have more to do.”‘
But before the words of wisdom, the comic said he worried fans had grown tired of seeing him appear on the show.
Bowen Yang will be returning to Saturday Night Live, despite a significant departure of cast members. The 34-year-old actor recounted the supportive words given to him by SNL’s creator, Lorne Michaels; in this image, Bowen is shown on September 11.
Ahead of his return for season 51, Bowen (pictured in the first row, third from left in 2022) shared his uncertainties regarding his role on the enduring late-night comedy show.
He revealed, ‘I even confessed to him. I was like, “I feel the audience is maybe getting sick of me.” And he assured me, “That’s not true. There’s more for you to do. I need you.”‘
The Bros actor initially joined SNL as a writer on season 44. Now, he says he aims to continue to ‘honor’ Lorne’s vision.
‘That man has changed my life, and I owe a lot to that show,’ Bowen graciously acknowledged. ‘I love working there, especially with the amazing people. I truly have so much affection for every one of them.’
His comments come after Ego Nwodim became the latest comedian to announce she’s leaving the show.
Several others, including Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim will not be returning next season.
Bowen remarked, ‘I’ve always believed, and I think everyone understands, that SNL is like a boot camp, suggesting that there is a subsequent phase where you prepare for what comes next.’
‘It’s always a transitional place, and I think it is always a launching pad.’
He mentioned, ‘Even for those who remain on the show, like Kenan [Thompson], he has utilized the platform to broaden his horizons. This will also be the case for those not returning. I’m eager to see their future endeavors. I’m also thrilled about the new cast.’
Bowen’s comments come after Ego Nwodim became the latest comedian to announce she’s leaving the show
‘The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight,’ Ego, 37, wrote online this week
Heidi Gardner is also departing the series after an eight-season run; pictured in February
Ego, 37, wrote on social media this week, ‘The hardest part of a great party is knowing when to say goodnight.
‘But after seven unforgettable seasons, I have decided to leave SNL. I am immensely grateful to Lorne for the opportunity, to my castmates, the writers, and the crew for their brilliance, support and friendship.’
She continued in her Instagram Stories post, ‘Week after week on that stage taught me more than I could have ever imagined, and I will carry those memories (and that laughter) with me always.’
The actress then pointed a joke toward her loved ones: ‘Now invite me to your weddings, please!’
Bowen addressed the abrupt departures on Tuesday’s episode of his podcast Las Culturistas, which he hosts with Matt Rogers.
He said about co-star Heidi, ‘You are one of the greats. You will go down in history,’ and praised her for being a rare asset to the show — someone who could write a sketch without a co-writer.
