Bowen Yang on Playing JD Vance on SNL: 'There Are Better People for This'
Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang expressed his reservations about portraying Vice President JD Vance on the show, citing his struggle with the character’s accent and his belief that others could do it better.
During an appearance on ‘The View’, SNL cast member Bowen Yang shared his thoughts on playing JD Vance in a recent sketch. Yang admitted that he felt out of his depth with the role, humorously stating, “I just thought there would be better people for it.” He elaborated on the challenges of mastering the accent required for the character, which he described as a blend between Ohio and Appalachia dialects, saying, “It’s hard.”
Yang’s light-hearted comment about Vance being a ‘pope killer’—referencing Vance’s visit to Pope Francis shortly before the Pope’s death—drew laughter from the audience and co-hosts. Co-host Sara Haines affirmed Yang’s performance, saying he “nailed it,” despite his self-doubt.
The conversation also touched on other recent SNL moments, including country singer Morgan Wallen’s abrupt exit from the stage after a performance, which led to the popular phrase ‘Get me to God’s country.’ Additionally, Yang discussed the response from actress Aimee Lou Wood to an SNL skit about her, noting that while the show and Wood have reconciled, he acknowledged that comedy can sometimes cross lines.
Yang’s candid reflections provide a glimpse into the pressures and complexities of performing on one of television’s most iconic comedy shows.