Who Played George Santos on SNL’s Latest Episode? Who is Bowen Yang?

Uncover the comedic genius behind George Santos on the latest SNL episode. Dive into the hilarious portrayal by the talented actor and explore the side-splitting antics that unfolded on the Saturday Night Live stage.

Who Played George Santos on SNL’s Latest Episode?

In the latest episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), Bowen Yang played the character George Santos in a cold open sketch. George Santos, a Republican congressman, was formally expelled from the House of Representatives in a 311-114 majority vote on December 1, 2023. SNL has been featuring Bowen Yang’s impression of the disgraced politician since Season 48, taking Santos’s real-life controversies to comedic extremes.

In the cold open for Emma Stone’s December 2 episode, Bowen Yang’s portrayal of George Santos involved a press conference where Santos addressed reporters, claiming to be a victim of bullying and insisting on his innocence. Despite facing numerous federal charges, including identity theft and fraud, Yang’s Santos remained unapologetic, stating, “If I’m guilty of anything, it’s for loving too much slash-fraud.”

The sketch concluded with a memorable moment as Bowen Yang, in character as George Santos, sang a reworked version of Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” as a farewell tribute. The lyrics humorously referenced Santos’s scandalous actions and eccentricities. The performance added a comedic touch to the real-life political drama, showcasing SNL’s satirical take on current events.

Who is Bowen Yang?

Bowen Yang, born on November 6, 1990, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, is an actor, comedian, writer, and podcaster currently based in New York City. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from New York University. Yang joined the writing staff of the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL) in September 2018, ahead of its 44th season.

A year later, in September 2019, he was promoted to on-air cast status for SNL’s 45th season as a featured player, making history as the first Chinese-American, first Australian-American, third openly gay male, and the fourth-ever cast member of Asian descent. Notably, Bowen Yang became the first SNL featured player to receive a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2021.

He was later promoted to repertory status before the 47th season of SNL. Aside from his work on SNL, Yang co-hosts a comedy pop-culture podcast called Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers. He has also appeared in various television series, including Girls5Eva, Ziwe, The Other Two, and Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.

Additionally, he’s known for his roles in LGBTQ romantic comedies Fire Island and Bros, both released in 2022. Bowen Yang’s diverse talents and achievements have made him a notable figure in the entertainment industry.

Bowen Yang Career

Bowen Yang is a multi-talented individual known for his career as an actor, comedian, and writer. Before entering the entertainment scene, he taught himself Adobe Photoshop and worked as a graphic designer at One Kings Lane, a luxury interior and home design website, from 2013 to 2018.

Yang’s journey into comedy included performing improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade and designing graphics for his own and friends’ comedy shows. He co-hosts the podcast “Las Culturistas” with Matt Rogers, gaining popularity for its unique and humorous content.

His breakout moment came in 2018 when he joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a staff writer for the 44th season. He quickly made an impact with his creative contributions, earning writing credits on various sketches, including the critically acclaimed “The Actress.” In September 2019, Bowen Yang was promoted to a featured player on SNL, making history as the show’s first Chinese-American cast member and the third openly gay male.

Yang’s versatility extends beyond SNL; he has appeared in TV series like “Girls5Eva,” “Ziwe,” “The Other Two,” and “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens.” Notably, he has received praise for his outspokenness on issues, such as addressing violence against Asian Americans during a Weekend Update segment in 2021.

In addition to his SNL success, Yang has ventured into writing for the Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon!” and has taken on roles in films like “Isn’t It Romantic,” “Bros,” and the upcoming “Wicked” adaptation. His dynamic career showcases his talent and significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a popular American late-night live television show known for its sketch comedy, political satire, and variety segments. Created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Dick Ebersol, the show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, originally titled NBC’s Saturday Night. It has become one of the longest-running network television programs in the United States, with 49 seasons and 954 episodes as of October 2023.

Each SNL episode features comedy sketches that often parody current American culture and politics. The cast, made up of a diverse group of repertory and newer members, performs these sketches. Celebrity guests host each episode, delivering the opening monologue and participating in sketches alongside the cast. The show is well-known for its opening catchphrase, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”

Over the years, SNL has been a launching pad for the careers of many comedians and actors. The format of the show has been replicated in different countries, and successful sketches have even been adapted into feature films. SNL has received numerous awards, including 93 Primetime Emmy Awards, making it one of the most celebrated television programs. The show’s live nature has led to occasional controversies and memorable moments, contributing to its cultural significance.

Where to Watch Saturday Night Live?

Viewers can catch Saturday Night Live (SNL) on NBC and Peacock. The show airs on NBC every Saturday, and the next day, it’s available for streaming on Peacock. SNL, a renowned sketch comedy and variety show, showcases celebrity hosts, musical performances, and a diverse cast delivering humorous sketches that often satirize current events and pop culture.

The iconic phrase, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” marks the start of each episode. Audiences can tune in to NBC or stream on Peacock to enjoy both the latest episodes and timeless moments from this cherished comedy institution.