Ted Lieu congratulates first Asian American cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’

Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) congratulated comedian Bowen Yang after Yang was named the first Asian American cast member in “Saturday Night Live’s” history.

“Congratulations @BowenYang!!” Lieu, who is also Asian American, tweeted. 

Congratulations @bowenyang!! https://t.co/QdkrcrMjs5

— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) September 12, 2019

Yang, who joined the show as a staff writer last year and has portrayed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was added among three new hires Thursday.

Yang told NBC News in an interview earlier this year that he was a fan of the series growing up but struggled to see himself on the staff because he did not see many people who looked liked him or shared his heritage on the show . 

But Yang said once he started writing on the show, he saw there were Asian people working “behind the scenes” and “working these very, very vital jobs in the system.”

Former cast members Fred Armisen and Rob Schneider are also both part Asian, according to NBC News.

Ronny Chieng, a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” also tweeted to congratulate Yang.

“First Asian on @nbcsnl !!!!!!!!!!!! @bowenyang you’re our Neil Armstrong,” he wrote.

First Asian on @nbcsnl !!!!!!!!!!!! @bowenyang you’re our Neil Armstrong. https://t.co/ca4hkMfXnp

— Ronny Chieng (@ronnychieng) September 12, 2019

“Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi wrote, “Finally some Asian flavor on the stage at 30 Rock! About time! Couldn’t be happier for you @bowenyang!!! @nbcsnl” 

Finally some Asian flavor on the stage at 30 Rock! About time! Couldn’t be happier for you @bowenyang!!! @nbcsnl https://t.co/UuVqScgTj8

— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) September 12, 2019

Reporter Yashar Ali also applauded the announcement. 

1. FOLKS…I was just walking down the street and started crying when I saw this news. @Bowenyang is joining the cast of SNL!!!!

I am so, so proud of you @bowenyang!! https://t.co/1Sa5bfD0Ql

— Yashar Ali (@yashar) September 12, 2019