‘I Ended The Call By…’: SNL Star Bowen Yang Recalls Shane Gillis’ Apologetic Phone Call Before He Got Fired

As a dedicated follower of the dynamic world of Saturday Night Live (SNL), I have witnessed the incredible journey of Bowen Yang, a trailblazer who made history by becoming the first Chinese American and third openly gay cast member. His life experience is a testament to resilience, grace, and the power of forgiveness.


As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’m thrilled to highlight the groundbreaking achievement of Bowen Yang, who made history as the first openly gay and Chinese American cast member on Saturday Night Live, following in the footsteps of only two others before him. In 2019, his addition to the show coincided with a larger discussion about cancel culture, given that he joined alongside Shane Gillis, another new member who faced criticism for using racial slurs against Asian people in his podcast that subsequently gained viral attention. Before joining SNL, Gillis’ past comments caused controversy and sparked discussions about representation and accountability within the entertainment industry.

When he began working on the show alongside a fellow comedian of Asian descent, it sparked much debate, ultimately resulting in his dismissal. In a chat with The New Yorker, Yang mentioned receiving a call from Gillis prior to their scheduled appearance on the SNL stage, before the controversy unfolded.

Despite the media whirlwind surrounding the controversy, I found myself surrounded by a few who stood by me, offering words of comfort. My mornings were greeted with messages from my agent, saying, “I’m deeply sorry.” Later on, Lorne Michaels, the SNL boss, made it clear that he didn’t expect me to be the face of racial unity.

When Gillis finally reached out to discuss the matter, I received a contrite phone call back. “Apparently I’ll catch you at work then,” I concluded before hanging up, and he chuckled in agreement. Little did I know, moments later they would announce his termination, an incident I still vividly remember.

Five years following the event, Gillis was invited as the show’s host in February 2024. This move sparked debate, but Yang, who even shared a public embrace with him on stage, is willing to move past it all. “Anytime our names are mentioned together, particularly from a journalistic perspective, it always seems damaging,” the actor from Wicked commented to Variety in an interview.

He expressed that, due to the numerous accomplishments they’ve had in their professional lives, neither of them should have that one particular event casting a long shadow on their future endeavors. The versatile celebrity also commented on Gillis’s recent hosting stint, expressing optimism that it could serve as a stepping stone for them to leave the past behind. “I was genuinely intrigued about what that program would be like and whether it would offer an opportunity to truly move on from it,” he said further.

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2024-09-16 23:08