Ashley Padilla Opens Up About Breaking Character With Ryan Gosling on SNL and Reveals Lorne Michaels' Reaction

During his latest appearance as host on Saturday Night Live last month, Ryan Gosling once again demonstrated his well-known tendency to lose composure during sketches, and this time he wasn't alone. Cast member Ashley Padilla found herself laughing alongside the Project Hail Mary star, raising questions about whether the notoriously strict SNL showrunner would disapprove.

Given that Lorne Michaels has earned a reputation for penalizing cast members who break character, many wondered if Padilla would face consequences for her momentary lapse. However, the SNL performer revealed a surprisingly different outcome.

Speaking at NBCUniversal's Emmy Kick-Off luncheon on Wednesday, Padilla shared her experience with Deadline. "I did not get yelled at for that," she explained. "I, of course, afterwards was terrified that I would lose my job entirely. But I think it was celebrated."

Rather than reprimand, Michaels offered encouragement. According to Padilla, the SNL executive told her: "This show takes on Ryan's spirit. Ryan shows up, and he goes, 'This is mine' in a way that's enlightening, and it made me have fun and loosen up."

The verdict from the top? "I did not get in trouble; it was celebrated."