The 35-year-old actor and podcast host became visibly emotional during his latest sketch, in which he and the episode's host played a Delta One Lounge employee with a broken eggnog machine. Ariana Grandeand musical guest Cher.
The final sketch served as a perfect send-off for Bowen, who announced his departure mid-season December 20.
Ariana portrayed a nostalgic family member reminiscing and singing with him over the phone, paying homage to Bowen's writing and sketches.
When Ariana's character, Rhonda, eventually joined him to finish the song, that's when it became clear that Bowen was struggling to hold back tears over random jokes.
Bowen took the opportunity through his character to thank all of his colleagues for their support.
After shouting out his boss, an executive played by Cher appeared, apparently representing Bowen's real life. SNL boss, Lorne Michaels.
Bowen was on SNL about eight seasons. He first joined us as a writer in 2019 and eventually became the first Chinese-American repertory artist in SNL stories, and the third is openly gay.
As cliché as it may sound, representation matters. For me, watching someone like Bowen be so unapologetic (who is very gay and always online) was inspiring and a breath of fresh air. Thank you, Bowen.
It's easy to say that throughout SNL episode, Bowen shared moments that were definitely emotional, but the final sketch really resonated with everyone. Here's what some people said:
“This law upset me… Bowen tries not to cry at the very beginning. I hope he still appears from time to time, but I wish him all the best in his future projects.”
“If this sketch didn't make you cry, then you don't have a soul. What a bittersweet but perfect send-off, on to the next adventure Bowen!”
“Now in the Delta One lounge, crying into our eggnog. Congratulations, you have the courage to achieve your dream and start a new dream.”
“The fact that you have two gay icons, young and old, to say goodbye to this gentleman who had an indelible impact on LGBT and Asian representation in comedy… an absolute beauty, cinema… The Cher and Ariana show, but Bowen made this moment his own. Farewell and good luck, sir.”
“He's the best thing to happen to SNL in a long time. He saved this show, and every time I saw him, I smiled because I knew that even if the skit sucked, he would make me laugh. What a loss.”
“This is by far the best farewell sketch any actor has ever had. Ari, Cher?! Farewell to his favorites? So cool. Congratulations Bowen, you deserve the world.”
“An important man…Bowen represents the best in America and humanity.”
“Watching this live, I was truly moved. Bowen, you have no idea how much we will miss you.”
“It was a sweet way to pay tribute to Bowen for his work on snl. Well, it was emotional.”
“Bowen learned from Cecily that if you're alone at Christmas you'll get a decent send-off and I'm happy for him, I wish we could have a decent send-off for Ego and Heidi.”
