Matt Rogers recently expressed his admiration for Bowen Yang following his departure from “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Yang concluded his time on the iconic show during his eighth season, with his final episode airing on December 20. A deep sense of pride resonated in Rogers’s remarks as he reflected on Yang’s achievements on the show.
Celebrating Bowen Yang’s Legacy on SNL
During an appearance on TODAY with Jenna & Friends on January 5, Rogers acknowledged the surprise many felt regarding Yang’s exit. He noted, “He was such a fixture,” underscoring how Yang’s nearly eight years on SNL made a significant impact. His tenure included five Emmy nominations and a host of unforgettable characters and sketches.
Memorable Moments from the Farewell Episode
Yang’s final episode was hosted by Ariana Grande, a co-star from “Wicked: For Good,” with Cher featured as the musical guest. Rogers humorously remarked, “What was he supposed to do? Stay?” A poignant sketch included both Grande and Cher, where Yang exhibited genuine emotion as he bid farewell. Jenna Bush Hager, also present, commented, “You could feel that he was ready, but also that the show has given him so much.”
Reflection on Yang’s Journey
- Yang spent over seven and a half years with SNL.
- He received five Emmy nominations during his tenure.
- He participated in the show’s memorable 50th anniversary.
Rogers watched this historic moment unfold from a hotel room in Orlando, expressing how significant it felt on multiple levels. “I’m literally on my back watching this insane moment,” he said, indicating the occasion’s magnitude in pop culture and their personal relationship.
A Look Back at Yang’s Career
Rogers also reminisced about Yang’s early struggles to join SNL. After auditioning multiple times, Yang became a writer for a year before joining the cast. “Against a lot of odds, he became the face of that show,” Rogers remarked, adding, “You didn’t just succeed here; you thrived here.”
Yang used his exit as an opportunity to reflect publicly, expressing his love for working on SNL and his appreciation for the people involved. He noted that despite challenging times globally, his experiences at 30 Rockefeller Center taught him the importance of showing up and valuing the connections made there.
