Bowen Yang tears up during his final Saturday Night Live episode

Yang joined SNL as a writer before becoming a featured cast member and later a repertory player

Bowen Yang grew visibly emotional during his final episode of Saturday Night Live, tearing up onstage during the show’s closing moments as he marked the end of his run on the long-running NBC sketch series.

The emotional moment occurred during the goodnights segment, when Yang appeared overwhelmed as the cast gathered onstage following the final sketch. Cameras captured Yang wiping away tears as he hugged fellow cast members, signaling a heartfelt farewell after multiple seasons on the show.

Yang joined Saturday Night Live as a writer before becoming a featured cast member and later a repertory player. Over the years, he became one of the show’s most recognizable performers, known for his sharp comedic timing, standout impressions, and memorable original characters.

His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for SNL, as Yang helped shape a new era of the series with his distinct voice and cultural impact. He has also made history as one of the show’s first openly gay Asian American cast members, expanding representation on the iconic late-night platform.

Fans quickly reacted to Yang’s emotional goodbye, sharing tributes and clips from his final episode across social media. Many praised his contributions to the show and highlighted how meaningful his run had been both comedically and culturally.

Yang has not yet announced his next project, but his emotional farewell underscored the importance Saturday Night Live has played in his career  and the lasting impression he leaves behind as he moves on from the series.