Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: Bowen Yang Reflects on His SNL Fame and "Wicked" Breakthrough
Release Date: April 13, 2025
In this engaging episode of NBC's "Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist," host Willie Geist sits down with Bowen Yang, a standout star from "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), to delve into Yang's journey from his immigrant upbringing to his breakthrough roles in both comedy and film. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and heartfelt reflections, offering listeners a comprehensive look into Yang's multifaceted career and personal life.
Early Life and Cultural Heritage
Bowen Yang opens up about his unique upbringing, navigating multiple cultures and languages. Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Yang spent his early years in Australia, Montreal, and Aurora, Colorado, before moving to New York City to attend NYU.
Yang: "In Montreal, I was absorbing so many different things—French culture, Mandarin music at home, and American pop culture like the Spice Girls. It was a sponge-like experience that shaped my maximalist approach to life."
The influence of his father's humble beginnings in Inner Mongolia also plays a significant role in Yang's narrative. He shares the complexities of balancing traditional Chinese values with American societal norms, especially regarding his sexuality.
Yang: "Growing up, I had a fraught relationship with my parents because I was gay, and they weren't ready to accept it. We even went to conversion therapy, which was incredibly painful and detrimental."
Breaking into Comedy and SNL
Yang discusses his passion for comedy, which blossomed during his time in the suburbs of Denver. His early experiences performing at the Bovine Metropolis Theater, despite doubts about his acceptance, forged a resilient spirit essential for his later success.
Yang: "Bombing in front of 30-year-olds taught me to develop armor against failure. It gave me the thickest skin, which is crucial for a show like SNL where every week feels like the most important week of your life."
His journey to SNL was marked by perseverance. After four auditions, Yang initially joined as a writer before being promoted to the cast.
Yang: "I thought no one would ever hire an effeminate Asian man on SNL. But somehow, my tape slipped through the cracks. Meeting Lorne Michaels made me realize he saw potential in me that I hadn't fully recognized myself."
Transition to Acting: "Wedding Banquet" and "Wicked"
Beyond SNL, Yang has made significant strides in acting. He recently starred in "Wedding Banquet," a remake of the 1993 Ang Lee classic, and played a pivotal role in the blockbuster film "Wicked."
Willie Geist: "The Wedding Banquet is such a beautiful movie because it's funny, it's heartbreaking—it's all the things a really good movie can be."
In "Wicked," Yang reflects on the personal significance of being part of a story that resonated with his own experiences growing up.
Yang: "Watching the original "Wedding Banquet" while still in the closet was extremely resonant for me. Being part of the updated version feels like completing a personal and professional journey."
Podcasting and Building Community
Yang and his collaborator, Matt Rogers, have also maintained a longstanding podcast, "Las Culturistas," which has grown alongside his career.
Yang: "The podcast was the first time Matt and I had our stamp on something that others wanted to join. It built a community that continues to support us today."
This venture not only showcases Yang's versatility but also highlights his commitment to fostering a sense of community within the comedy world.
Balancing Fame and Personal Life
As Yang's fame from SNL and "Wicked" has grown, he shares how he manages the pressures and maintains a semblance of normalcy.
Yang: "My life is pretty much the same as it was 10 years ago. I can walk to the grocery store and buy a baguette for myself. It's all about perspective and not letting fame overwhelm me."
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal routines and staying grounded despite the expanding circles of his professional life.
Reflections on SNL's Impact
Yang expresses deep admiration for SNL's legacy and his experiences during the 50th anniversary celebration.
Yang: "Being part of SNL during its 50th anniversary was surreal and gratifying. Meeting my heroes and being surrounded by the history of the show was an awe-inspiring experience."
He recounts the significance of his first sketch as Kim Jong Un and the validation he felt from industry legends like Will Ferrell.
Yang: "After performing the iceberg sketch, Will Ferrell emailed me, saying, 'That was amazing.' It was a signal that this was something special, something cherished."
Connecting Past and Present: Visit to Gershwin Theater
In a nostalgic segment, Yang and Geist visit the Gershwin Theater, linking Yang's childhood aspirations with his current achievements.
Yang: "When I was 14, my family couldn't get tickets to "Wicked," and I pressed my face against the glass hoping to get a glimpse. Now, being part of the "Wicked" movies feels like a dream come true."
This visit symbolizes the culmination of Yang's lifelong passion for performance and his journey to fulfilling his early dreams.
Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors
As the conversation wraps up, Yang reflects on his continuous personal growth and the balance between his comedic and dramatic pursuits.
Yang: "Identity is a cobbled-together thing at any moment. Working on "Wicked" and SNL has flattened me psychologically, forcing me to confront who I am and how I value myself."
Willie Geist concludes the episode by highlighting Yang's upcoming projects and the mutual respect between host and guest.
Willie Geist: "Bowen, thank you for this incredible conversation. Congratulations on "Wedding Banquet," and I can't wait to see what you do next."
Conclusion
This episode of "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist" offers a profound and entertaining exploration of Bowen Yang's life and career. From his cultural heritage and personal struggles to his triumphs on SNL and in film, Yang provides listeners with an intimate look at what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of entertainment while staying true to oneself.
Notable Quotes:
- Willie Geist (03:21): "He's one of the funniest, smartest, and most charming people you'll ever have the good fortune to sit down with."
- Yang (25:32): "Identity is this really fickle thing... it's not something that you arrive at until much later in life."
- Geist (40:26): "Meeting people who had completely different experiences from me was something that I'll never forget."
Enjoy this insightful conversation with Bowen Yang as he navigates his path through fame, family, and personal identity, only on the Sunday Sitdown podcast.