The most recent cover of Esquire magazine has a familiar face for Saturday Night Live fans. It’s seven-year cast member Bowen Yang, the subject of the feature article in an issue titled “The Meaning of Life.”
Among the nuggets we learn from Yang in a written interview by Michael Sebastian, is that he was influenced by Conan O’Brien and David Letterman.
But Bowen’s biggest role model among former SNL cast members was writer-tuirned-performer-turned-political-impressionist-turned-TV-series-creator-turned-movie-star Tina Fey.
“There’s no one like Tina Fey. She’s my number one,” Yang said in the interview.
Yang has now been on more SNL episodes for more seasons than Fey, who left the show after the 2005-2006 season, which was Season 30.
The six-time Emmy Award nominated Yang is known mostly for his character work as a guest at the Weekend Update desk. His performance as the iceberg that sank the Titanic is an iconic moment for recent SNL fans.
Yang has a penchant for being hilarious even from within the wrappings of elaborate costumes. He appeared as Baby Hippo Moo Deng in Season 50 to much acclaim, again off to the side of Colin Jost on the Update set.
Yang will be back on stage at Studio 8H this Saturday when Josh O’Connor hosts Saturday Night Live with musical guest Lily Allen.
