Bowen Yang delivered a charmingly candid reflection on his high school years during an interview on NPR’s Fresh Air. Despite winning homecoming king—a title traditionally associated with adolescent popularity—Yang admitted he was “not successful at all” at staying closeted. He credited the freedom to be himself to attending a gay-friendly school and embracing his gregarious nature.
The Saturday Night Live star also noted a familiar pattern: many queer men who later find themselves in public-facing roles—like actors, hosts, or writers—have early roots in school performance. Yang recalled earning the label “Most Likely to Be on SNL” in his yearbook, fueled by his habit of bringing SNL on VHS tapes to school—even when there was a substitute teacher.
Yang’s journey continued with him joining SNL as a writer in 2018 and becoming its first Chinese-American cast member in 2019. His candid reflections dovetailed with emotional moments from the show’s 50th-season finale, where fans wondered if he would return for Season 51.
Yang’s story—anchored by authenticity, early recognition, and comedic passion—resonates as a reminder that being visible and genuine isn’t just brave—it’s transformative.
—
Photo Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com