Bowen Yang, the former Saturday Night Live cast member, recently shared humorous and heartfelt memories from his time presenting at the Emmys alongside fellow SNL alumni Kristen Wiig, Seth Meyers, and Maya Rudolph. Reflecting on a particular year’s ceremony during an episode of his podcast, La Culturistas, Yang recalled the chaos that unfolded behind the scenes, revealing insights into the pressure the group faced as they prepared their presentation.
Yang recounted the uncertainty surrounding their participation, noting worries about whether Maya would be able to attend due to an illness and whether Seth would also be available. “We had four versions of the presenter copy because of all the unknowns,” he mentioned, emphasizing the frantic atmosphere that surrounded their preparations.
Despite the rushed circumstances, Yang expressed just how surreal the experience was for him. He described the moment of walking on stage and presenting amidst a flurry of nerves and laughter. The bit they performed involved some lighthearted banter about Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, being nominated for too many Emmys.
In the dressing room, the duo was focused on their lines, even as actor Matt Bomer attempted to engage with them in the corner. Yang explained that they were immersed in their task, humorously asserting, “We weren’t rude, but you and I were locked in.” Wiig echoed this sentiment as she recalled the urgency of their situation, stating, “We gotta rewrite this. Show’s in 10.”
Their presentation marked a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years of SNL. The moment became even more notable when they presented the award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. It sparked a warm exchange about Lorne Michaels’ legacy. Although Rudolph initially misquoted Michaels’ Emmy history, the group quickly quipped about it, illustrating the playful banter that SNL is famous for. By the end of the night, despite the initial chaos, they all agreed that the experience had been incredibly fun.
Overall, Yang’s reflections serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live television and the camaraderie that forms in the high-pressure environment of show business.