Skip to Content

Celebrating Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Communities

Bowen Yang Is Saturday Night Live's First Gay Asian Cast Member

Bowen Yang will be making history on SNL’s upcoming 45th season…
 
Bowen Yang is breaking new ground on Saturday Night Live. In the sketch show’s upcoming 45th season, the actor and comedian will become the first-ever cast member of Asian descent, and the fourth LGBTQ person to join the NBC sketch comedy series as a full cast member.
 
Prior to Yang, whose parents are from China, the closest the show came to having an Asian-American cast member was Fred Armisen, who is one quarter Korean.
 
Surinsingly, Yang is only the fourth openly LGBTQ person to join the NBC sketch comedy series as a full cast member. Other past openly LGBTQ SNL cast members include Terry Sweeney, Danitra Vance, Kate McKinnon, and John Milhiser.
 
Yang first joined SNL as a writer last season. He first appeared on SNL in March, when he played Kim Jong Un in a sketch alongside host Sandra Oh, and he memorably co-wrote (with Julio Torres) the show’s infamous gay porn parody starring Emma Stone.
 
SNL announced three new hires on Thursday. Alongside Yang, the cast will now include comedians Chloe Fineman and Shane Gillis, who, like Yang, will join as featured players.
 
SNL‘s 45th season will premiere on September 28 with host Woody Harrelson and musical guest Billie Eilish.
 
Congratulations Bowen!!!
 

Related Articles

April 22, 2024 / Entertainment Latest

Listen To The 8 LGBTQ+ Acts Competing In Eurovision 2024

From a Drag Race judge to a “rebel witch” to Years & Years former frontman, eight openly queer singers are heading to Malmö, Sweden to compete in the world’s largest music event. Which song will you be cheering for?

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16 Episode 16 RECAP: Grand Finale

The final three lip sync for their lives one last time and a new queen ascends to the throne

April 18, 2024 / Entertainment Latest

Kathy Griffin Is Back On The Road, And Feistier Than Ever

After six years, the award-winning comedian is back on the road for her My Life On The PTSD-List tour, which includes stops across Canada

POST A COMMENT

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *