Bowen Yang Speaks Out on Heidi Gardner’s Sudden Exit from SNL: ‘One of the Greats

I’m Avery Sinclair, a no-nonsense journalist with a healthy dose of skepticism, here to give you the lowdown on the latest celebrity gossip. As a seasoned writer, I’ve got my finger on the pulse of what’s really going on in Tinseltown, and I’m not afraid to spill the tea.

Bowen Yang, a star of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), recently broke his silence on Heidi Gardner’s shocking exit from the show, leaving fans wondering what really went down. During an episode of his “Las Culturistas” podcast, Yang gushed about Gardner, calling her “one of the greats” and praising her impressive writing skills. “You will go down in history,” Yang said, clearly still reeling from Gardner’s departure. Yang, who joined SNL in 2019, fondly recalled working with Gardner, noting that she always wrote exceptional sketches on her own, a rare feat in the high-pressure world of sketch comedy.

Gardner’s exit was a surprise to many, especially given her eight-season tenure on the show. According to an insider, her contract wasn’t renewed, and it seems that SNL is looking to shake things up with a new cast. Yang, however, was quick to defend Gardner’s legacy, highlighting her selfless contributions to the show. He recalled how she would write pieces for other cast members, including a heartfelt sketch for Punkie Johnson before she left the show. “It was one of the most beautiful, kindest gestures I’ve ever seen at that show,” Yang said, his voice filled with admiration.

Yang also praised Gardner for her role in helping the SNL cast and crew navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During Seasons 45 and 46, Gardner was a steady presence, encouraging her colleagues to share something that made them smile each day. “She was one of the first people who was just like, ‘Okay, just to get through this, let’s just each wake up, no rush, there’s no time limit – let’s just each text each other every day, something that made us smile today,'” Yang shared, clearly touched by the memory.

In addition to discussing Gardner’s exit, Yang also addressed the departures of three other SNL cast members: Devon Walker, Emil Wakim, and Michael Longfellow. All four comedians announced their exits shortly before The Post confirmed Gardner’s departure, sparking speculation about the show’s future. Yang, however, was quick to praise his former colleagues, calling them “fantastic comedians” and expressing his gratitude for the time they spent working together.

As for Yang’s own future on the show, he’s confirmed that he’ll be returning to 30 Rockefeller Plaza when Season 51 premieres on October 4. “I am thrilled to go back,” he said, though he admitted that he’ll miss his former colleagues. The new season promises to bring some fresh faces, with five new featured players joining the cast, including Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

While it’s unclear what sparked Gardner’s sudden exit, Yang’s comments suggest that she’s leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and exceptional comedy. As the SNL cast prepares for another season, one thing is certain: Heidi Gardner will be missed. And that leaves us wondering: what’s next for this talented comedian?

New York Post

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed