Bowen Yang shared a heartfelt message about leaving “Saturday Night Live” on Instagram before his final episode aired Dec. 20, expressing gratitude for his time on the long-running sketch comedy show.
Variety first reported Yang’s exit on Dec. 19. His final appearance featured his “Wicked” co-star Ariana Grande as host and Cher as the musical guest.
In his Instagram post published the morning of his last show, Yang reflected on what the experience meant to him.
“i loved working at SNL, and most of all i loved the people,” he wrote. “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.”
Yang joined “Saturday Night Live” as a writer in 2018 before earning a promotion to cast member the following year, Parade noted. His performances garnered multiple Emmy nominations, and he became the first featured player on the show to receive a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
In his departure message, Yang expressed appreciation for Grande, thanking her for “sending me off in the dreamiest way i could imagine.” He also acknowledged show creator Lorne Michaels, writing “thank you to lorne for the job. for the standard. and for bringing everyone at work together.”
Yang is among several cast members exiting this season, joining Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow.
“i’m grateful for every minute of my time there,” Yang wrote, closing his message with “the show doesn’t go on because it’s ready, but [expletive], i hope i am.”
