Ryan Gosling is set to grace the Saturday Night Live stage once more in a highly anticipated appearance on April 13, marking his third time hosting the iconic sketch comedy show. The Barbie actor has delivered unforgettable performances during his previous stints, showcasing his comedic talents and endeared himself to audiences with his irresistible charm.
While Gosling hasn’t reached the elite status of the Five-Timers Club just yet, he’s well on his way, leaving a lasting impression with his unique brand of humor. One of his notable sketches, “Papyrus,” showcased his ability to deliver hilarious content centered around the infamous font choice in Avatar. However, it’s Gosling’s uncontrollable laughter and breaking character that has fans adoring his authentic reactions to his costars’ performances.
Undoubtedly, one of Gosling’s most beloved sketches is “Close Encounter” with Cecily Strong and Kate McKinnon, which spawned a series of spinoffs with hosts like Brie Larson, Paul Rudd, and Natasha Lyonne. This sketch has achieved iconic status among SNL fans.
Without further ado, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of Ryan Gosling’s most memorable and hilarious sketches from his appearances on SNL.
Ryan Gosling’s “Close Encounter” Sketch on SNL
In December 2015, Ryan Gosling hosted Saturday Night Live and, along with cast members Cecily Strong and Kate McKinnon, debuted the hilarious “Close Encounter” sketch. The trio recounted their distinct experiences of alleged alien abduction.
Gosling and Strong shared stories of positive encounters with extraterrestrial beings; however, McKinnon provided a contrasting narrative that had her character undergoing bizarre experiments at the hands of gray aliens. Gosling struggled to maintain his composure throughout McKinnon’s outlandish tale, adding to the sketch’s comedic timing and overall amusement for viewers.
This “Close Encounter” sketch has become a memorable moment in SNL history, showcasing the versatile talents of its performers and writers alike.
Ryan Gosling and the “Papyrus” Sketch on SNL
Among Ryan Gosling’s most memorable performances on Saturday Night Live is undoubtedly his October 2017 “Papyrus” sketch, which has achieved fan-favorite status. In this hilarious skit, Gosling portrays a font aficionado who simply cannot accept the fact that the font used in the film Avatar is Papyrus. His portrayal of a man driven to madness by this stylistic choice is an absolute delight, as he delivers a frenzied and impassioned performance while maintaining impeccable comedic timing.
Gosling’s commitment to the bit is what truly sells the sketch, as he embodies the character of a font enthusiast with unwavering dedication. From his expressive facial reactions to his escalating exasperation, Gosling flawlessly captures the humor in the seemingly trivial yet deeply frustrating scenario. The “Papyrus” sketch has since become a beloved example of Gosling’s comedic prowess and his ability to elevate even the most mundane topics into hilarious sketches.
Ryan Gosling’s “Birthday Party” Sketch on SNL:
In a hilarious 2015 sketch called “Birthday Party,” Ryan Gosling embodied the classic image of an adorably dorky dad. The skit featured Aidy Bryant as a young girl with a not-so-secret crush on her friend’s father, played by Gosling. As Bryant’s character attempts to discreetly lick birthday cake icing from her finger, Gosling’s character struggles to maintain his composure, resulting in a delightful and awkward exchange that is sure to entertain.
This memorable SNL moment showcases Gosling’s exceptional comedic timing and transforms the stereotypical “cool dad” image into a charmingly goofy portrayal. Through his awkward yet endearing reactions to Bryant’s advances, Gosling creates a unique and entertaining character that adds a touch of humor to the show.
Ryan Gosling and “Another Close Encounter” on SNL
In a hilarious reprisal of his role as an alien abductee, Ryan Gosling once again had audiences in stitches with the “Another Close Encounter” sketch alongside Strong and McKinnon. This time, he struggled to maintain his composure as McKinnon invaded his personal space, acting out her eccentric encounter with aliens aboard their spaceship.
Gosling’s impeccable comedic timing and knack for portraying endearingly goofy characters shone through once more in this unforgettable SNL moment!
Ryan Gosling and Cecily Strong’s Hilarious “Italian Restaurant” Sketch on SNL
Ryan Gosling and Cecily Strong delivered another memorable performance as they portrayed a couple less than thrilled about dining at Pizza Hut. Once more, one of the sketch’s highlights was watching Gosling struggle to keep a straight face towards the end, adding to the fun with his contagious laughter.
This iconic “Italian Restaurant” skit showcases the dynamic duo’s impeccable comedic timing and their ability to elevate even the simplest premise into a side-splitting comedy routine. Audiences can’t help but laugh along with Gosling as he tries—and fails—to maintain his composure, making for truly entertaining television!
A masterclass in subtle humor and the perfect example of how sometimes, the simplest twist on an everyday scenario can result in pure comedy gold.
Ryan Gosling Delights in “Santa Baby” Sketch on SNL
The 2015 holiday sketch featuring Ryan Gosling and Vanessa Bayer as overeager fans of Santa Claus is a hilarious testament to their comedic prowess. At a Christmas party, their characters enthusiastically anticipate meeting Santa, creating an awkward atmosphere that will keep you laughing!
Gosling and Bayer’s infectious energy and quirky passion for the jolly old man bring a unique twist to the typical holiday gathering, leaving their friends and those around them both entertained and uneasy. This “Santa Baby” sketch from SNL is a must-watch, showcasing the dynamic duo’s exceptional talent for comedy and their ability to deliver unforgettable performances.
Ryan Gosling Brings Cheer with “Santa & The Elves” on SNL
In the December 2015 episode of SNL, Ryan Gosling delivered a hilarious performance with his holiday-themed skits. Besides portraying Santa’s biggest fan, he also took on the role of one of Santa’s elves, alongside Bayer and Kenan Thompson. The skit, titled “Santa & The Elves,” showcased Gosling’s comedic talent as he struggled to maintain his composure while his elf counterparts, played by Bayer and Thompson, relished in their punishments from Santa.
Gosling’s playful enthusiasm and escalating laughter created a contagious energy that amplified the humor of the sketch. His genuine reactions added an extra layer of entertainment, making it a memorable and delightful holiday segment on SNL.
This festive skit showcased not only Gosling’s acting versatility but also his ability to embrace playful humor and create engaging television moments. His hosting skills and commitment to character, even in the face of hilarious distractions, made this sketch a highlight of that season’s SNL.
Ryan Gosling Elevates “Weekend Update”: The Guy Who Just Bought a Boat on Dating
Unquestionably amusing is Alex Moffat’s original portrayal of the “Guy Who Just Bought a Boat” character. Yet, when Ryan Gosling hosted Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2017, he took this sketch to new heights with his uproarious performance. So spot-on was his embodiment of an overconfident boat owner that it left a lasting impression on Greta Gerwig, influencing her decision to cast him as Ken in the film Barbie.
Gosling’s comedic timing and portrayal of this self-assured character added a layer of hilarity to the sketch, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His performance not only entertained audiences but also showcased his ability to leave a lasting impression, proving that sometimes, all it takes is one memorable sketch to land your dream role!
Ryan Gosling and the “Levi’s Wokes” Sketch
Long before Ken’s fur coat stole the show, Ryan Gosling made a statement with his outrageous fashion choice during his hosting gig on SNL. The “Levi’s Wokes” sketch is memorable for Gosling’s ability to maintain his composure while donning an obnoxiously eccentric ensemble.
Gosling’s Unique Sense of Humor
What makes this skit particularly entertaining is Gosling’s commitment to the bit, as he fearlessly embraces the ridiculousness of the situation with his signature charm and a touch of mischief. It showcases his willingness to lean into the absurd, adding another layer to his already versatile career.
A Bold Fashion Statement
With the “Levi’s Wokes” skit, Gosling took on a challenge that could have easily veered into cringe territory, but his natural wit and timing transformed it into a hilarious and iconic moment in SNL history. This unique brand of humor has become a trademark of sorts for the actor, and audiences continue to be delightfully surprised by his bold choices.
Ryan Gosling and the Art of “Jazz Monologue” on SNL
In 2017, Ryan Gosling delivered a monologue during his hosting gig on Saturday Night Live that has since become an iconic, albeit unofficial, sketch. With wit and charm, Gosling recounts the success of his film La La Land and its mission to “save jazz.” The surprise cameo by his costar Emma Stone adds a hilarious twist, making this “jazz monologue” an unforgettable moment in SNL’s history—a testament to Gosling’s comedic timing and delivery.
This memorable segment showcases the show’s ability to blend humor with musical talent, creating a unique brand of entertainment that has made it a cultural phenomenon.