Overview
- On his Las Culturistas podcast, Yang said he left after seven seasons because it was simply time, noting he was fortunate to depart on his own terms.
- He shared that he nearly left over the summer but returned for part of Season 51 and is glad he did before making the decision official in December.
- Yang detailed his emotional farewell sketch set in a Delta lounge with host Ariana Grande and musical guest Cher, saying Cher confirmed the cameo the day of the show and the piece nearly got cut late in the broadcast.
- He described SNL as a demanding, unpredictable “dream factory” where nothing is guaranteed until airtime, recalling that he sobbed at the read-through when voicing his gratitude to colleagues.
- Addressing frequent critiques of his “range,” Yang said public perception often reduced him to a “gay Asian” archetype; the Emmy-nominated performer joined SNL as a writer in 2018, became its first Chinese American cast member in 2019, and the show returns Jan. 17 with Finn Wolfhard hosting.