Bowen Yang Reveals Emotional Behind-the-Scenes Moments in ‘SNL’
“Saturday Night Live” is known for evoking tears of joy from cast, crew, and audience members who watch a live taping at Studio 8H.
Longtime cast member Bowen Yang recalled a drastically different tone during one table read at the famed 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan.
At the heart of the sketch comedy’s creation, the cast brainstorms ideas just days before the episode airs. Yang vividly remembers an unnamed male guest host’s “terrible” impression during that fateful practice session. What should have been a spark of creativity turned into a moment tinged with discomfort.
“This man… this person, this host made multiple cast members cry on Wednesday during the table read because he hated the ideas,” Yang recounted during a recent episode of “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen. The vulnerability expressed in his words hints at the unfiltered emotions that often simmer beneath the dazzling surface of comedy.
The “Fire Island” star described the experience as “terrible,” opening a window into the pressures that come with making people laugh. In a world celebrated for humor, sometimes the passion for excellence can lead to poignant, draining moments. Yang, who co-hosts the beloved podcast “Las Culturistas” with his best friend Matt Rogers, chose not to name the host who incited such distress among his colleagues.
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Since joining the iconic show in 2018, Yang has carved out a unique space for himself, embodying comedy’s exhilarating highs and its crushing lows. This juxtaposition reflects the complexity of creativity itself—an inspired delight, often mixed with the harsh realities of rejection. “This man… this person, this host made multiple cast members cry on Wednesday during the table read because he hated the ideas,” Yang expressed, a sentiment echoing amidst the laughter.
During his time on air, Yang has not shied away from challenging moments. When discussing a sketch from last season featuring host Ayo Edebiri, he detailed one particularly memorable mishap in which their live sketch—a whimsically chaotic scene in a stuck elevator—was unexpectedly converted into a pre-taped segment. That conversation illuminated the unpredictable dance of live television, where inspirations can dissolve before your eyes.
“We wrote a live sketch where it took place in an elevator, and she and I were, like, telling everyone that we should all make out or something because the elevator got stuck,” Yang reminisced. As the narrative unfolded, it underwent a transformation that led to disappointment. “It just didn’t go as well as I had hoped,” he said, reflecting on the challenges inherent in their craft.
Yang’s philosophical approach resonates throughout his experiences. “Comedy’s subjective,” he remarked, conveying an understanding of the unpredictable nature of audience reception. “You never know how it’s gonna play in front of a specific audience.” It’s a powerful reminder that creating humor is often a delicate balancing act of emotions, timing, and artistry. “You just deal with it,” he noted with a grace that underscores the resilience required in the entertainment industry.
In the shadows of the spotlight at Studio 8H, where laughter often reigns, there exists a deeper story—the human condition, unfolding, hurt, and healing through the language of comedy. Whether it’s through tears or laughter, the essence of “Saturday Night Live” remains a testament to the myriad ways in which the art of performance mirrors life itself.
