Ryan Gosling is set to return as the host of Saturday Night Live this Saturday, marking his fourth appearance on the iconic sketch comedy show. Ahead of the live broadcast, Gosling reflected on the advice he received from former cast member Mike Myers before his very first hosting gig, highlighting an unforgettable piece of wisdom from original SNL star Gilda Radner. This visit coincides with Gosling promoting his new movie, Project Hail Mary, which opens in theaters on March 20.
Remembering a Legendary Warning from Gilda Radner
Gosling’s initial experience hosting SNL dates back to December 2015, during the promotion of The Big Short. Recounting his preparation on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Gosling shared a vivid memory of a late-stage pep talk from Mike Myers, who was part of the SNL cast from 1989 to 1995. Myers, described by Gosling as “a huge hero,” stopped by his dressing room just before the show to pass along a caution from Gilda Radner.
“Right before I went on, [Myers] came into the dressing room, and he poked his head in, and he said, ‘I’m going to tell you what Gilda Radner told me on my first day.’”
Ryan Gosling recalled.
“He said, ‘The show is a monster, and it needs to eat every Saturday night, and tonight, it’s having you for dinner.’”
Gosling added that the feeling Myers described still resonates with him.
“It kind of feels like that.”
Gosling’s On-Sketch Laughs and Viral Moments
During his interview with Fallon, Gosling also addressed his habit of frequently laughing during sketches—an aspect that has drawn both attention and some criticism. Fallon highlighted a standout moment from Gosling’s previous hosting in 2022, where he and cast member Mikey Day took on the characters Beavis and Butt-head in a sketch involving a livestream disrupted by artificial intelligence. The duo’s costumes and performances caused Heidi Gardner, playing a news broadcaster, along with other cast members, to break character and burst into laughter, creating a viral moment celebrated by fans.
Upcoming SNL Episode and Related Appearances
This weekend’s SNL episode will feature Gosling as host alongside the musical guest Gorillaz, airing live at 11:30 pm ET on NBC and Peacock. The timing aligns with the nationwide release of Project Hail Mary, a movie adaptation of Andy Weir’s bestselling novel about a science teacher, Ryland Grace, undertaking a daring mission to save humanity and Earth.
Additionally, Gosling’s appearance on The Tonight Show also involved discussing his film’s positive critical reception and a personal moment involving a birthday serenade for his wife, Eva Mendes.
Significance of Gosling’s Return to SNL and Project Hail Mary
Ryan Gosling’s recurring role as an SNL host continues to cement his status as a beloved fixture on the show, known for his engaging presence and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of live comedy. The advice from Gilda Radner, delivered through Mike Myers, encapsulates the intense and sometimes overwhelming dynamic that SNL imposes on those who step onto its stage. Hosting the show while promoting Project Hail Mary allows Gosling to showcase both his acting range and his comedic talents, likely attracting viewers eager for a mix of humor and drama on the broadcast.
As audiences anticipate the upcoming live show, Gosling’s reflections on humor, vulnerability, and performance highlight the challenges and excitement inherent in SNL’s demanding environment. Meanwhile, the release of Project Hail Mary may further bolster his reputation, blending blockbuster appeal with thoughtful storytelling inspired by Andy Weir’s writing.
