Bowen Yang Reveals How He and His Parents Manifested HisWicked,SNLSuccess Story 20 Years Ago (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Bowen Yang’s banner year has been more than two decades in the making.

The comedian, 34, who is celebrating his sixth seasonas aSaturday Night Livecast member, also stars alongsideAriana Grande,Cynthia ErivoandJonathan Baileyin the highly anticipated film adaption ofWickedas one of Glinda’s trusty sidekicks, Pfannee.

Ahead of the film’s Nov. 22 premiere, Yang tells PEOPLE that he first watched the final cut of the film alongside hisSNLcastmates during a special screening earlier this year, the same week that Grande, 31, hosted the show.

And though he hesitated at first, it was ultimately the most fitting group to surround him for his inaugural viewing.

Bowen Yang in ‘Wicked’ and ‘SNL.'.Universal Studios;Holland Rainwater/NBC via Getty

Universal Studios;Holland Rainwater/NBC via Getty

“I was so adamant about not going [to the screening], because I was like, I think I need to see this for the first time with other friends that aren’t professionally involved, and I just need to have a pure experience," he recalls.

However, Yang’s mind changed after he remembered how intertwined both projects have been for him since he was young.

Jonathan Bailey, Ariana Grande and Bowen Yang in ‘Wicked.'.Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures

“And then, that same day, we went to 30 Rock at NBC and did the studio tour, and I sat in the seats atSNL,” Yang continues. “So, I was like, ‘If those two things happened on the same day, I need them to intersect just one more time.’ "

The season 49 cast of ‘SNL.'.Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC via Getty

Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC via Getty

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Yang says the experience was “so special” as he was able to introduce the film to his “SNLfamily” — some of whom weren’t familiar with the show at all.

Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang at the ‘Las Culturistas’ Culture Awards in 2024.John Nacion/Getty

John Nacion/Getty

In addition to his stacked résumé as an actor, for the last eight years, Yang has also stepped behind the mic to host theLas Culturistaspodcast with best friend Matt Rogers, where they talk all things pop culture.

To get into the holiday spirit, and give back to their devoted fans, Yang and Rogers, 34, curateda special gift guide with Pinterestfilled with all of their favorite things, from celebrity memoirs to vinyls.

When it came to figuring out what exactly to include, Bowen says it took no time at all to determine what the first item would be: “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,her excellent memoir,” he says.

“And then, everything else fell into place from there, where it it was like, ‘Oh, what’s part of the lore of the podcast?’ And then, we filled that out,” Yang continues.

New episodes ofLas Culturistasdrop every Wednesday wherever podcasts are available.

source: people.com