Saturday Night Live repertory player Bowen Yang is set to miss tonight’s taping of the late-night sketch show, the comedian and actor confirmed on his Instagram Story.
He wrote, “missing the show tonight but it will be sooooo fun sab is amazing,” referencing Grammy-winning pop star Sabrina Carpenter‘s double-duty showing for the Lorne Michaels-created series.
As indicated on the Wicked star’s social media, the absence is pre-planned, as the podcast host is set to receive the Vantage Award as an Academy Museum Gala honoree in Los Angeles. “A trailblazer bringing laughter, heart, and representation to the screen. Congratulations to Bowen Yang, recipient of the Vantage Award, which he’ll receive at the fifth annual Academy Museum Gala on October 18,” the Academy Museum wrote on Instagram yesterday. (Other honorees include Penélope Cruz, Walter Salles and Bruce Springsteen.)
Yang joked at the image used for his tribute, writing online, “academy museum announcing my death,” alongside a heart emoji.
Per Entertainment Weekly, however, fans hoping to see the MVP can rejoice, as Yang was in Studio 8H earlier this week prepping for a pre-taped sketch in which he will appear. It’s unknown what that skit will entail.
Yang, a mainstay for Weekend Update, has previously portrayed disgraced Congress member George Santos a number of times on SNL, and the ex-GOP representative was just released from prison after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence yesterday. Santos was sentenced to and serving seven years in prison after pleading guilty to committing wire fraud and identity theft.
Season 51 of SNL kicked off with host Bad Bunny and musical guest Doja Cat. Last week, Amy Poehler took command of the show, featuring artist Role Model. Carpenter will be featured as a second-time musical guest tonight, marking her first time hosting and making her the first figure to pull double-duty this season.
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