'SNL' creator tried to convince Bowen Yang to stay
What's the story
Bowen Yang, a prominent cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently bid adieu to the show after seven seasons. His departure, however, was not in line with the wishes of SNL creator Lorne Michaels. A source told Page Six that "everyone tried to get Bowen to stay," but he had already made up his mind about leaving.
Departure details
Yang's departure was not sudden, but a gradual decision
The source added that Yang's decision to leave was not sudden. "You can always tell when a cast member is done," they said. Despite Michaels reportedly offering a significant raise to keep him on board, the money didn't change Yang's mind. "Bowen actually only signed up to December, but we all thought he would stay. No one thought he would go [now]," the SNL source said.
Work-life balance
Yang's busy schedule and personal issues contributed to departure
An industry insider told Page Six that Yang was "overcommitted" with work outside of SNL. His busy schedule included co-hosting the hit podcast Las Culturistas, starring in two Wicked films, and working on various TV and film projects. He also missed a show in October while accepting the Vantage Award at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Final moments
Yang's emotional farewell
Yang's last episode was hosted by his Wicked co-star and close friend Ariana Grande. He got emotional during the live show and dress rehearsal, especially when co-star Marcello Hernandez encouraged audience applause. There were rumors that his final sketch could be cut, but it aired as the last sketch of the night. In character, he said, "I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here."