Bowen Yang

Bowen Yang, born on November 6, 1990, in Brisbane, Australia, is an actor, comedian, and writer best known for his vibrant presence on Saturday Night Live (SNL). As the first Chinese-American and one of the first openly gay cast members in the show’s history, he has made a lasting impact with his sharp wit and fearless humor.

Yang’s early life was shaped by movement—his family emigrated from China to Australia before eventually settling in Aurora, Colorado. Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, he developed a unique comedic perspective, blending personal experiences with sharp social commentary.

His journey with SNL began in 2018 when he was hired as a writer. A year later, he was promoted to a full-time cast member, making history in the process. Beyond SNL, Yang co-hosts the popular podcast Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers, where they hilariously dissect pop culture moments.

Expanding his career in film, Yang starred in the 2022 LGBTQ+ romantic comedies Fire Island and Bros, showcasing his range beyond sketch comedy. In 2024, he joined the cast of the Wicked film adaptation as Pfannee—a full-circle moment for him, as he once toured NBC Studios as a teenager while dreaming of a future in entertainment.

With his fearless comedic voice and dedication to representation, Yang continues to push boundaries in Hollywood. His journey from a young theater-loving kid to a major entertainment figure proves that being unapologetically yourself is the greatest strength of all.