On 'WWHL with Andy Cohen', the comedian shares his experiences on 'Saturday Night Live', from the highs of Emmy nominations to the lows of backstage tension.
- Aug 13, 2024
AceShowbiz - Bowen Yang, a current cast member of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), has shed light on some behind-the-scenes incidents during his time on the show. In the Sunday, August 11 episode of "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" Yang revealed that an unnamed celebrity host had made multiple cast members cry during a Wednesday rehearsal before a table read, due to their dissatisfaction with the ideas.
Yang did not specify the identity of the host, but given his tenure on "SNL" since 2018, the potential list of culprits is extensive. The incident highlights the occasionally challenging atmosphere backstage on the show.
Despite the occasional tension, "SNL" has fostered the careers of numerous renowned comedians, including Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey and Adam Sandler. However, internal conflicts have not been uncommon. Chevy Chase, a member of the original cast, had run-ins with fellow castmates and was later accused of racism by Pete Davidson, who starred on "SNL" from seasons 40 to 47.
Yang, known for his sharp wit, has also encountered awkward moments on the show. During Dave Chappelle's appearance as the host in January, Yang was seen standing far away from Chappelle at the end of the episode, leading to speculation that Yang was distancing himself from Chappelle's past controversial comments.
While Yang has shared instances of tension, he also discussed his disappointment with a sketch that aired during Ayo Edebiri's hosting gig. The pre-taped sketch, which was originally intended to be live, did not meet Yang's expectations. However, he acknowledged the subjective nature of comedy and the importance of resilience.
Yang's Emmy-nominated performance on "SNL" stands as a testament to his comedic talent. The upcoming 50th season of the show promises to be a momentous occasion, with Maya Rudolph returning to impersonate Vice President Kamala Harris and a star-studded film, "Saturday Night", depicting the chaotic first broadcast in 1975. Despite the occasional backstage drama, "Saturday Night Live" remains one of the most iconic and influential sketch comedy shows in history.