"SNL" Finally Hired Its First Asian Cast Member, Comedian Bowen Yang

Lauren Rearick

When Saturday Night Live returns to NBC on September 28, one of its newest cast members will make (long overdue) history. As reported by CNN, the sketch-comedy show will welcome Bowen Yang, the show's first Asian-American cast member.

Bowen had been writing for SNL since 2018, and also made a name for himself as a cohost of the popular podcast Las Culturistas, appeared on television shows, including Broad City, and was a viral lip-sync sensation. Bowen is SNL's first Asian-American full-time cast member, NBC noted; also according to NBC, former SNL cast members Fred Armisen and Rob Schneider are part Asian.

After news of Bowen's casting was announced, numerous celeb supporters shared on social media the importance of his casting. "How many queer kids will be able to look up to an openly gay man being on SNL again," writer Benjamin Siemon wrote. "And how many Asian kids will finally be able to see themselves represented on a TV institution? Couldn't be more excited for someone I've never met." Mindy Kaling was also excited, tweeting, "Omg my favorite lip sync artist is now on SNL?!? 🙌🏾 congrats @bowenyang!!! ❤️❤️ PAN ASIAN PRIDE (sounds delicious?) !!!"

Others pointed out that this milestone should have happened much sooner, tweeting, "Damn, finally SNL. Congrats Bowen Yang" and "I want to be clear: I’m elated for Bowen Yang. I’m also not about giving SNL a cookie for finally coming around after ignoring Asians for nearly a half century."

As Deadline reported, in 2017, there has long been a lack of Asian-American and Pacific Islander actors on television, even with landmark shows like Fresh Off the Boat and Master of None. Ultimately, the news of Bowen's casting on Saturday Night Live is worth celebrating, but it's also important to recognize that this moment is long overdue.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue