Bowen Yang Opens Up About the Challenging Environment on SNL and the Mystery Host Who Made Cast Members Cry

Bowen Yang, a prominent cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently opened up about a particularly challenging experience with a celebrity host that left multiple cast members in tears. During an appearance on ‘Watch What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen, Yang was asked about the worst behavior he had witnessed from a host during his tenure on SNL. He revealed that this particular host had made several cast members cry before a table read because they disliked the ideas presented. This revelation has sparked considerable interest and speculation among fans and the media alike.

Yang elaborated on this incident during an episode of the podcast ‘Fly on the Wall,’ hosted by former SNL cast members David Spade and Dana Carvey. According to Yang, it wasn’t just the celebrity host’s behavior that caused the issue but also the overall high-pressure environment of the show. He explained that after staying up late to write a sketch, being told by the host that they hated it could lead to a strong emotional reaction. However, Yang clarified that he was not one of the cast members who cried during this incident, highlighting the resilience required to navigate such a demanding workplace.

Both Spade and Carvey, who have their own experiences with challenging hosts during their time on SNL, sympathized with Yang’s account. Spade shared that he had previously faced backlash for calling Steven Seagal the worst host to work with on SNL during a 2015 interview on ‘Watch What Happens Live.’ He defended his comments, stating that difficult hosts were a common topic of discussion among SNL cast members. Spade also mentioned that Seagal was tough to work with and did not like to play along with sketches, which added to the stress and tension on set.

Yang first joined SNL as a writer in 2018 before being promoted to part of the on-air cast in 2019. Since then, he has become known for his memorable sketches, including playing a talking balloon in reference to a suspected Chinese spy balloon and skewering celebrities like Elon Musk, Kanye West, Joe Biden, and Chris Pratt. In 2021, Yang made history as the first Chinese American cast member to receive an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, an achievement that came after appearing on only two seasons of the show.

The conversation about the difficult host continued on Spade and Carvey’s podcast, where Yang provided more context. He emphasized that the emotional response from his colleagues was due to the ‘environment of the place’ rather than solely the host’s actions. Yang gave an example of staying up until 4 a.m. to write a sketch, only to have the host reject it, which can be demoralizing and lead to tears. Despite the challenging circumstances, Yang expressed his respect for the mystery celebrity host and acknowledged the difficulty of navigating hosting duties on SNL.

Yang also touched on the broader challenges of working on SNL, including facing criticism for portraying Asian characters on the show. He discussed the importance of figuring out how to portray diverse characters and his desire to add more diversity to the show. Yang is proud to have representation on SNL as an Asian American and is aware of the responsibility that comes with being a visible minority on such a high-profile platform. He hopes to use his position to bring attention to important issues and showcase diverse talent.

Creating comedy in today’s politically charged climate is another challenge Yang highlighted. He believes that comedy can still be used to address important issues while also providing entertainment. Yang expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from his colleagues and fans, which has helped him navigate the complexities of working on SNL. His ability to turn difficult experiences into comedic gold is a testament to his talent and resilience.

Yang’s insights shed light on the often emotional and challenging experiences that cast members may face when working with difficult celebrity hosts on SNL. The high-pressure environment, long hours, and the need to constantly generate fresh and funny content can take a toll on even the most seasoned performers. However, Yang’s resilience and success in the face of these challenges highlight his significant contribution to the show’s legacy and his role as a trailblazer for diversity in comedy.

In addition to discussing the mystery host, Yang also reflected on his journey on SNL and the progress being made in terms of diversity and representation. He mentioned that while there has been some progress, there is still a long way to go. Yang is committed to using his platform to advocate for more diverse voices in entertainment and to ensure that future generations of comedians have the opportunities to succeed regardless of their background.

Yang’s conversation with Spade and Carvey also touched on the emotional toll that working on SNL can take. He mentioned that his nerves were often frayed from working long hours and putting effort into writing sketches that were ultimately rejected. This relentless pace and the constant pressure to perform can lead to emotional outbursts, which is why the incident with the difficult host resonated so strongly with him and his colleagues.

Despite these challenges, Yang remains optimistic about the future of SNL and his role within it. He is excited about the upcoming 50th season of the show, which promises new hosts, musical guests, and the return of beloved cast members like Maya Rudolph. Yang is particularly looking forward to the new season’s premiere and the surprises and performances that are in store for the milestone season. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to pushing boundaries in comedy make him a vital part of SNL’s ongoing success.

Overall, Bowen Yang’s candid discussion about the challenging environment on SNL and the mystery host who made cast members cry provides valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of one of television’s most iconic shows. His experiences underscore the resilience and talent required to thrive in such a demanding setting. As SNL continues to evolve and celebrate its milestones, Yang’s contributions will undoubtedly remain a significant part of its legacy, paving the way for more diverse and inclusive comedy in the future.