Bowen Yang Explained Why He’d Like SNL To Cast Someone Else As JD Vance: ‘You Don’t Have To Stick With Me’

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The 50th season of Saturday Night Live has been a remarkable journey for the long-standing sketch comedy series, with highlights including a three-hour anniversary special and Homecoming Concert, unexpected incidents like Morgan Wallen exiting the stage during closing credits and spectators shouting an inappropriate word during a Weekend Update segment. For cast member Bowen Yang, this season on the 2025 television schedule has been particularly significant as he was chosen to portray Vice President JD Vance in the politically-themed cold opens. However, the star of Wicked is now content to hand over that role to someone else.

In an interview with host Desi Lydic on The Daily Show, Yang reminisced about his first time playing then-VP candidate JD Vance on Saturday Night Live at the start of Season 50. When creator Lorne Michaels asked him to take on this role, Yang pleaded, “Please, please, please don’t make me do this.” Despite performing the character a few more times since then, Yang found it difficult to portray Vance, describing the experience as “challenging.

Initially, let me clarify – I truly give my best when it comes to working with him, but whenever I need to perform alongside him, I always approach Lorne and suggest a buyback option. In other words, I propose he doesn’t have to work with me anymore. I recommend he contacts Zach Galifianakis or Taran Killam instead. However, unfortunately, that’s my responsibility.

Defending Bowen Yang’s position, it seems plausible that another talented actor could step into the role of JD Vance. This could be Tyler Perry, Killam (a veteran from SNL), or any other notable performer. Remember, during the initial months of the season, Dana Carvey, Maya Rudolph, and Jim Gaffigan played Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Tim Walz respectively. Even Mike Myers continues to portray Elon Musk occasionally. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that a well-known actor might be interested in taking on the role of Vance.

However, contrary to expectations, Lorne Michaels has required that Yang continues to embody Vance. Consequently, much like any dedicated actor, he’s been putting in the effort to ensure his portrayal of Donald Trump’s running mate appears genuine. The SNL cast member went on to say:

In a different phraseology, I collaborated with an individual specializing in speech training. Our goal was to strike a balance between an Appalachian-Ohio dialect. It required a great deal of precision in finding the perfect tone. Frankly, I didn’t want to make any mistakes.

I find it particularly entertaining that Bowen Yang took on the role of JD Vance, as they don’t resemble each other physically. To me, this just adds an extra layer of humor to his performance. However, Yang was conscious that some people wouldn’t be fond of the casting choice, as he himself stated:

I find myself facing a significant challenge in this situation. People might think, ‘An Asian actor playing that role?’ But I’m determined to deliver an exceptional performance. Just wanted to let you know, I’m putting in my utmost effort here, understand?

Perhaps one day, Lorne Michaels might opt for a change and consider JD Vance for the role instead of a current cast member or invite a guest star. However, Bowen Yang is currently making the most of his position, so we can expect him to continue satirizing the vice president opposite James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump, among others. And just remember, if Yang decides to depart from SNL within the next four years, Michaels will be forced to find a replacement for him.

To fully enjoy Bowen Yang’s performances on Saturday Night Live, consider subscribing to Peacock and streaming the series. This is also where you can catch him as Pfannee, a role he will reprise in Wicked: For Good this November.

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2025-04-12 03:37