Where is Bowen?
It’s not typical for Bowen Yang to miss an episode of Saturday Night Live, especially during Season 51. But that’s exactly what happened.
Earlier on Saturday, the 34-year-old shared on his Instagram Story, “I’m not going to be on tonight’s show, but I’m having a lot of fun.” He went on to compliment the evening’s host and musical guest, Sabrina Carpenter, saying, “Sabu is amazing.”
Yang opted out of the live broadcast at New York’s Studio 8H to attend the 2025 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles.
At the gala, the “Wicked” star received the Academy Museum’s Vantage Award, which recognizes emerging artists who push the boundaries of storytelling in film and television.
The Academy Museum praised Yang, stating, “A pioneer in bringing laughter, heart, and expression to the screen. Congratulations to Vantage Award winner Bowen Yang, who will receive his award at the 5th Annual Academy Museum Gala on October 18,” in a post before the event.
Other notable honorees at the gala included Bruce Springsteen, awarded the Legacy Award, and Penelope Cruz, who received the Icon Award.
Even though Yang wasn’t live on the show, he still contributed to the most recent episode of “SNL.” Entertainment officials confirmed that he helped write and pre-record segments for the episode, including a sketch titled “Grind Song” with Carpenter.
Yang joined “SNL” as a writer in 2019 and was elevated to a main cast member later that same year. He managed to stay with the show through a significant cast shakeup in Season 51, which saw the departure of four cast members: Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim.
Reflecting on his career, Yang mentioned last month that SNL creator Lorne Michaels played a role in convincing him to remain with the show. “I’ve always acted on my instincts of, ‘Is there more I should be doing?'” he explained. He continued, sharing a moment where he confessed to Michaels about feeling like the audience might be tired of him. Michaels reassured him, saying, “No, that’s not true. There is still work to be done. I need you.”
Yang expressed gratitude for Michaels’ support, noting, “That person changed my life. I owe so much of my life to that show. And I love working there. The people are the best. I truly love each and every one of them.”
Looking ahead, Yang said he wouldn’t approach the new season with a specific game plan. “I let it go, and I think it worked for me,” he shared. “I like not having a roadmap. If there’s any place to do that, it’s on SNL every week. Sometimes you’re willing to take on the challenge, and sometimes you’re in it even if you’re not. That’s where interesting things happen.”
