Bowen Yang has been announced to be a new member of the Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast, making him the first LGBTQ Asian cast member, reported TV Line.
Yang, who joined SNL as a writer last season, will be promoted to a featured player role in the upcoming 45th season. Yang is one of only five LGBTQ cast members, along with Terry Sweeney, Damitra Vance, John Milhiser, and Kate McKinnon, and the only Asian regular cast member to ever appear on the show.
Yang will be joining returning cast members Beck Bennett, Aidy Bryant, Michael Che, Pete Davidson, Colin Jost, Kyle Mooney, Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, Heidi Gardner, Alex Moffat, Chris Redd, Melissa Villasenor, Ego Nwodim, and Kate McKinnon. Chloe Fineman and Shane Gillis have also been announced to be new additions to the cast.
The comedian made an appearance on the show in March, portraying North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.
Season 45 of SNL premieres Saturday, Saturday 28 on NBC at 11:30pm with host Woody Harrelson and musical guest Billie Eilish.