Bowen Yang Gets Emotional in Tearful SNL Farewell Sketch
The beloved cast member delivered a heartfelt goodbye during his final appearance on the comedy show, sharing touching moments with Ariana Grande and Cher in an airport-themed sketch filled with music and memories.
Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang became visibly emotional during his farewell appearance on the long-running comedy series. The performer, who has emerged as one of the show's standout talents in recent years, made his unexpected departure official on December 19th, with his final episode airing just one day later on December 20th.
Yang took to social media to address his mid-season exit, explaining his feelings about leaving the iconic show. "I loved working at SNL, and most of all, I loved the people. I was there at a time when many things in the world started to seem futile, but working at 30 Rock taught me the value in showing up anyway when people make it worthwhile," he wrote.
A Christmas Special Send-Off
The holiday episode featured Yang's Wicked co-star Ariana Grande as host, with musical guest Cher adding star power to the festivities. The show packed in plenty of Christmas-themed comedy bits and musical performances throughout the night.
Yang's goodbye came in the form of a touching sketch where he portrayed an airport worker finishing his last day on the job. The scene mixed humor with genuine emotion as Yang's character reflected on his time at the fictional workplace.
An Emotional Airport Goodbye
In the sketch, Grande played Rhonda, Yang's character's wife, who wanted him to come home for the holidays. The setup allowed for both comedy and heartfelt moments as Yang delivered his farewell speech.
"I'm closing my station; this is my last shift. I will miss everything about this place; the way it smells, the celebrities who come through," Yang said in character. Grande's Rhonda responded with praise: "I'm so proud of you… All of the eggnog you've made over the years!"
The sketch played with the idea that Yang's airport character had been serving eggnog to travelers. "Some of it was great, some of it was rotten," Grande reflected, while Yang added, "And a lot of it got cut!" - a clear reference to the reality of sketch comedy where not every idea makes it to air.
Touching Final Moments
When Grande expressed surprise about his retirement, Yang explained, "I just wanted to go out on top," prompting Grande to joke back, "Oh, everyone knows you're a bottom, honey."
The most emotional moment came when Yang embraced Grande and shared his genuine feelings. "Oh, Rhonda, I should have come home earlier. I just feel so lucky I ever got to work here. And I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer. Especially the people; I've loved every single person who worked here, because they've done so much for me, especially my boss," he said through tears.
Cher made a surprise appearance as the CEO of the fictional eggnog company. When Yang asked for feedback on his years of work, she delivered the final punchline: "Everyone thought you were a little bit too gay." The sketch concluded with all three performers singing a sweet version of 'Bells Will Be Ringing (Please Come Home for Christmas)'.