Ashley Padilla, a rising star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL), recently opened up about the nerves she experienced after breaking character during a live sketch alongside actor Ryan Gosling. The incident took place during the show’s episode on March 7, where Gosling served as the host and Padilla featured in a sketch titled “Passing Notes.”
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In the sketch, Padilla portrayed a teacher who confronts students passing notes, while Gosling took on the role of a school principal. The comedic premise hinged on the content of the notes, which had been altered since the rehearsal, leading to unexpected laughter from both performers. This moment of levity, however, left Padilla worried about the consequences of breaking character during the live performance.
Speaking to Deadline after the episode aired, Padilla reflected on her feelings of apprehension that she might be reprimanded or even fired for her giggle fit. “I was terrified that I would lose my job entirely,” she admitted. “But I think it was celebrated.” Padilla revealed that following the performance, SNL creator Lorne Michaels reassured her, stating, “This show takes on Ryan’s spirit,” suggesting that the light-hearted nature of the incident aligned with the show’s ethos.
Padilla disclosed that she had collaborated with fellow SNL writers Streeter Seidell, Mikey Day, and Alison Gates on the sketch and had specifically requested them to create humorous notes to inspire her to break character. In this regard, she felt her wishes were fulfilled, quipping, “They succeeded.”
The “Passing Notes” sketch was not the only instance where Padilla found herself unable to maintain a straight face. She also experienced a similar situation in another sketch called “Cyclops,” where she played a treasure guardian opposite Gosling, who portrayed a dim-witted cyclops. “I was trying very hard not to break in the show because I didn’t want to get in trouble. But then ‘Cyclops’ happened,” Padilla confessed.
Since joining SNL as a featured player in 2024, Padilla has quickly become one of the standout performers of the season, earning the most screen time among her castmates. Her background in comedy includes time spent at the Groundlings, a well-respected Los Angeles improv and sketch comedy school. Additionally, she previously worked as an assistant to the late actress Diane Keaton, who passed away last year at the age of 79.
In an interview with Vulture, Padilla recounted how Keaton had provided unwavering support for her comedy career, attending shows and encouraging her from the sidelines. Reflecting on her casting in SNL, Padilla recalled the moment she informed Keaton of her new role. “She didn’t even say ‘hello’ when she answered. She just said, ‘You’re moving to New York,’” demonstrating the intuitive bond they shared.
The close relationship between Padilla and Keaton had a profound impact on the young comedian. “I learned a lot from her, and being close to someone in the business who’s so funny and has a vision was invaluable,” Padilla stated. She praised Keaton’s understanding of herself and her craft, noting that it provided her with vital insights into the world of comedy.
As Padilla continues to navigate her career on SNL, the experience of breaking character with Gosling may serve as a reminder of the joys and unpredictability of live performance. With her talent and growing popularity, Padilla is poised to leave an indelible mark on the comedy landscape, honouring the legacy of those who came before her, including her mentor Diane Keaton.
The laughter shared during the sketch with Gosling highlights the spontaneity that makes shows like SNL beloved by audiences. While such moments may incite fears of judgement, they also showcase the camaraderie and creativity that thrive within the world of comedy. For Padilla, the incident proved to be not just a memorable experience but also an affirmation of her place in the ensemble cast of one of television’s most iconic sketch shows.