Bowen Yang Shares Theories Behind Ryan Gosling Breaking Character on ‘SNL’ (Exclusive)

Bowen Yang Has Theories on Why Ryan Gosling Broke Character on ‘SNL’

In the SNL 'Doctor' sketch on April 13, 2024, Andrew Dismukes, Heidi Gardner, James Austin Johnson, Ryan Gosling as Jeffery Thank You, and Bowen Yang as Dr. Please were featured. It was a memorable moment from the show.

Ryan Gosling returned to Saturday Night Live and couldn't stop laughing again. Bowen Yang shared his experience working with him and why Gosling was so nice. Yang mentioned how they first met during Kristen Wiig's episode and Gosling immediately apologized for a missed opportunity to work together in a Barbie movie. Despite the scheduling conflict, Gosling suggested they collaborate on something in the future.

The comedian shared, "I felt a lot of pressure to come up with something good for him. A skit with two actors would have been perfect. Luckily, I had many ideas that made it to dress rehearsal, some made it on air, and some didn't."

Yang mentioned that the SNL episode on April 23 was a great fit for Gosling.

"He was able to bring a lot of joy and energy to the set, making everything more exciting for everyone, including the cast. We were all thrilled to have him there," he shared.

The tone was set early on in the show, but Gosling, 43, really started to let loose later on. Memorable moments included the skit "Beavis and Butt-Head," where Gosling and Mikey Day portrayed characters from the iconic TV show, causing chaos at a NewsNation livestream event on AI. Another standout was the skit "Doctor," where Gosling and Yang break difficult news to a family. Throughout both sketches, Gardner, Gosling, and their laughter tied everything together.

"I was surprised by how well he performed in the ‘Doctor’ sketch. It seemed like the ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ sketch paved the way for it," shared Yang with Us. "We hadn't seen the wig until the actual day of filming. Our talented hair department, led by Jodi Mancuso, came up with the crazy blonde look. It was inspired by my previous doctor appearance on the Nate Bargatze episode. They had a blast creating it, and he even joked around by blowing on the bangs during rehearsals, making everyone burst into laughter."

Yang jokingly called out Gardner again, saying, "Heidi, I’m going to single her out again. I think she was just giggly all week and she lost it. But it was so much fun."

Us caught up with Yang before the Oatly x Barry’s x Bowen Yang Classtacular on Monday, April 22. Yang cohosted a workout featuring Oatly shakes served at the Fuel Bar. Yang expressed his love for the Fuel Bar, calling it a necessary stop for him. He mentioned that many others also find the Fuel Bar essential to the Barry’s experience. After a workout, Yang believes that having something substantial from the Fuel Bar is important for your body's recovery.

Editor's P/S:

Bowen Yang's experience working with Ryan Gosling on "Saturday Night Live" was a delight, as Gosling brought an infectious energy and professionalism to the set. Yang praised Gosling's dedication to the craft, his ability to bring joy to the cast and crew, and his willingness to collaborate and take risks. The memorable "Doctor" sketch, in particular, showcased Gosling's comedic range and willingness to embrace absurdity, thanks in part to the hair department's inspired blonde wig.

Yang also acknowledged the contributions of other cast members, especially Heidi Gardner, whose infectious laughter added to the skit's overall hilarity. Overall, Gosling's appearance on "SNL" was a resounding success, proving once again his versatility and talent as an actor and comedian.