IC News

The IC Student Activities Board (SAB) hosted comedian Bowen Yang in a Zoom Webinar for students. The “Saturday Night Live” cast member shared his insight on everything from breaking into comedy writing to his dream podcast lineup.

Although he enjoyed improv and sketch comedy from a young age, and even performed on the improv team at New York University, Yang originally envisioned himself entering the medical field, and he graduated from NYU with a degree in biology.

“I really did believe in my heart of hearts that I would be a great physician and that I would follow through, but in the back of my mind I was always like ‘man I do really love this comedy thing,’” he said. “I remember reading this Steve Carrell interview where he talked about applying to law school, and that when he got to the short answer portion on his application, he realized he needed to be a comedian. When I got to the short answer portion of my MCAT, I said ‘I can’t do this.’ I voided my test and walked out of the testing center.”

That decision has proven to be a good one, as Yang has made a name for himself in comedy. He is the co-host of the acclaimed comedy podcast “Las Culturistas”, and has a recurring role on the Comedy Central show “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.” 

During the past few years, he rose through the ranks at “Saturday Night Live.” He was hired as a staff writer in 2018, and a year later was promoted to cast member. He is the first Chinese-American and the third openly gay male cast member in the show’s history.

Brynn Smith ’22, executive director of the SAB, said that Yang’s perspective was valuable to hear. 

“I think that his experiences in comedy and in his career are particularly inspiring and interesting to hear about,” said Smith. “[His being] cast was groundbreaking for diversity at SNL and students were interested in learning about what it was like for him. I think hearing about his experiences really benefited the community.”

Sarah Borsari ’22 moderated the evening’s conversation. She incorporated games and personal stories into the panel, keeping the tone of the event relaxed and intimate in a way that suited Yang’s persona. The two discussed Yang’s dream podcast lineup, a list that included Oprah, Mary Queen of Scots, and Sandra Bullock.

As a member of the student organization IC Stand Up and an aspiring comedy writer herself, Borsari was grateful to speak with such an up-and-coming figure in her field. 

“It's exciting to get to speak to someone who’'s made it in the industry that I dream about joining,” said Borsari. “Every time a comedian visits, it’s great to see them work with students. Hearing them give advice is always awesome.”