Bowen Yang's SNL Screen Test: The Iceberg Moment That Almost Sank His Career

**The Screen Test Setup** Bowen Yang's journey to becoming a household name began with a screen test for SNL in 2017. This pivotal moment in his career included a crucial one-on-one meeting with Lorne Michaels, the man behind the iconic sketch show. As Yang recalls, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, but it quickly took a turn when he tried to establish a connection with Michaels. **The Vibe Killer** “I had screen tested in 2017," Yang recounted, explaining the gravity of the moment. "The final step in that process is you have a one-on-one meeting with Lorne. It was him and another producer, Erik Kenward. The first thing out of my mouth was, ‘I'm Canadian, too. I grew up in Montreal. I grew up in Quebec' — and immediately it was done, it was a vibe killer." This attempt at bonding over their shared Canadian heritage fell flat, highlighting the often unpredictable nature of personal interactions in high-stakes situations. **The Aftermath** The result of this awkward encounter? Yang left the meeting feeling deflated, ultimately leading him to believe he didn’t get the job. “I didn’t get the job,” he admitted candidly, reflecting on the experience with both humor and humility. This moment serves as a testament to the importance of reading the room and the sometimes unpredictable chemistry that exists between individuals, especially in the entertainment industry.