US EditionBill Hader Reveals Reason Why He Skipped ‘SNL50,’ Turned Down Andy Samberg Sketch | Just Jared: Celebrity News and Gossip
NEW YORK CITY, AUG 5 – Bill Hader disclosed that his years-long anxiety, not scheduling conflicts, caused his absence from the SNL 50th special, with Bowen Yang performing his role in the digital short.
- On August 5, 2025, Bill Hader revealed that his ongoing battle with anxiety, not scheduling issues, prevented him from attending the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special.
- Bill Hader said he experienced full-blown panic attacks backstage, retreating to a bathroom stall and crying before shows, with the “we’re live” cue triggering unprecedented anxiety.
- During the 'SNL' anniversary special, Hader revealed on 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' that Bowen Yang took on his role in the 'Anxiety' digital short after Andy Samberg called him.
- Following Hader’s explanation, Seth Meyers backed his decision to abstain and praised Bowen Yang’s performance in the digital short.
- Amid his explanation, Hader revealed his anxiety may have triggered shingles and that severe migraines last week required IV fluids.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Bill Hader says he was too anxious to star in 'SNL50' sketch about anxiety
The "Barry" creator says Bowen Yang took his place after he turned down Andy Samberg's "Anxiety" sketch.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; SNL Bill Hader; Bowen Yang and Andy Samberg on 'SNL'Bill Hader is revealing the truth behind his SNL50 absence.The Barry creator and Saturday Night Live alum was among a handful of the sketch show's notable alumni who didn't attend the three hour broadcast or appear in a pre-taped cameo. At the time, a rep for the actor…
SNL star finally admits why he skipped the 50th anniversary special: ‘I don’t know if I want to do that’
After skipping the SNL 50th anniversary special in February 2025, Bill Hader finally commented on why he chose to skip the event while stopping by "Late Night with Seth Meyers."
GazetteXtra
DNyuz‘SNL’ alum Bill Hader reveals the reason behind his absence during anniversary special
Actor Bill Hader revealed the real reason that he did not attend the star-studded prime time special celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live.” Hint: It wasn’t scheduling conflicts as previously stated by his representative.
Los Angeles Times
arcamax.com'SNL' alum Bill Hader reveals the reason behind his absence during anniversary special
Bill Hader sits down with fellow "SNL" alumnus Seth Meyers to discuss the reason he skipped the primetime celebration of the late-night sketch comedy show's 50th anniversary.
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