Ryan Gosling has built an impressive career, not only because of his acting chops but also due to his hilarious and charming personality during interviews. Known for his quick wit, dry humor, and genuine likability, Gosling often steals the show with his spontaneous and funny remarks. Whether he’s talking about his roles in movies or revealing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, his interviews have a unique charm that captivates audiences. In this article, we’ll take a look back at five of his most memorable and funniest interview moments, showcasing his wit and the reason why fans can’t get enough of his on-screen and off-screen persona.
1. The “That’s a Good Question” Moment (Late Show with James Corden)
Ryan Gosling is no stranger to making audiences laugh with his quick wit, but one of his most iconic moments came during an interview with James Corden on The Late Late Show. As Corden asked him a relatively simple question about his role in a film, Gosling paused for a few seconds, stared directly into the camera, and then replied, “That’s a good question.” This seemingly innocuous response had an unexpectedly comedic effect because of the dramatic pause that followed. The entire room erupted in laughter, and Gosling’s deadpan delivery of this statement only added to its brilliance.
The moment wasn’t just funny because of the content of the answer; it was all about timing. Gosling’s impeccable use of pauses and his ability to make the simplest response sound both profound and hilarious is a testament to his comedic instincts. He had no intention of giving a particularly insightful answer, but by leaning into the absurdity of the situation, he turned an ordinary question into something memorable.
Key Point:
The power of a well-timed, witty response. Gosling’s use of pauses and his ability to turn an ordinary moment into comedy gold is something fans love about him. His wit is a big part of his appeal, showing that comedy doesn’t always have to be loud or outrageous; sometimes, subtlety is all it takes.
2. The “Goosebumps” Response (Live Interview, 2015)
Another standout moment for Gosling came in 2015 during an interview about his experience working on La La Land, the critically acclaimed musical in which he starred opposite Emma Stone. When asked about the most memorable aspect of filming, Gosling delivered a hilarious and unexpected response. He said the film’s musical numbers gave him “goosebumps,” but not because of the heartwarming performances or the romantic moments. Instead, he explained that it was the incredible height of the lifts in the dance routines that really got him.
Gosling, never one to take himself too seriously, joked about his own lack of skill when it came to the more physically demanding elements of the musical. In particular, he was quick to mock the complexity of the dance moves and the intimidating lifts that required him to throw Emma Stone into the air. With self-deprecating humor, he emphasized that the real fear and excitement came from the height rather than the elegance of the choreography.
His humorous admission that the dance routines left him more nervous than starstruck was relatable for many people who struggle with things like balance or public speaking. This candidness made Gosling appear not only down-to-earth but also incredibly humble about his craft.
Key Point:
Self-deprecation goes a long way in interviews. Gosling’s ability to poke fun at himself, especially with relatable experiences, makes him more approachable to his audience. Rather than trying to appear perfect, Gosling embraces the humorous side of being human, making him more endearing to fans.
3. The “First Kiss” Story (Jimmy Kimmel Live)
Ryan Gosling’s charm isn’t limited to just witty one-liners and deadpan humor—he’s also able to entertain audiences with hilarious and often awkward personal anecdotes. One of these stories came during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, when Gosling shared the tale of his awkward first kiss. As a young boy, Gosling was involved in a school play, and during a particularly memorable moment, he was supposed to kiss his co-star. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.
Gosling described the awkwardness of the situation in hilarious detail, recalling how the kiss was far from smooth. He talked about the “miscommunication” between him and his co-star and how the entire experience ended up being more embarrassing than romantic. As he recounted the story with comedic timing, the audience could hear his self-aware laughter, which only made the story funnier.
What made this story so relatable was the universality of the awkward first kiss experience. Everyone has had that moment in their teenage years where things didn’t go quite as expected. Gosling’s ability to make light of his awkwardness, and share it so openly with the audience, demonstrated his self-awareness and willingness to be vulnerable—qualities that only increased his appeal.
Key Point:
Vulnerability and self-awareness add depth to humor. Gosling’s ability to laugh at himself and share his awkward teenage memories made him feel more relatable to his fans. He proves that even the most embarrassing moments can be funny with the right perspective.
4. The “No, I’m Not Dating Eva Mendes” Moment (Graham Norton Show)
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have long been the subject of media speculation regarding their personal lives. In a lighthearted appearance on The Graham Norton Show, the host joked about the couple’s relationship, prompting Gosling to respond in a way that left everyone in stitches. He was asked whether he and Mendes were dating, to which he replied with a smirk, “No, I’m not dating Eva Mendes,” before a long pause followed by a sudden laugh. The timing of the answer, combined with his cheeky expression, made it clear that he was in on the joke.
In typical Gosling fashion, the response was perfectly delivered. His play on the question was both funny and clever, as he refused to be drawn into the tabloid speculation, instead choosing to humorously acknowledge it without taking the bait. His ability to poke fun at the public’s fascination with his private life showed how he effortlessly navigates fame without taking himself too seriously.
Key Point:
Gosling’s handling of celebrity rumors with humor and poise shows how a well-timed response can subvert expectations. Rather than getting defensive, Gosling uses humor to diffuse any awkwardness, making light of the situation and allowing the audience to enjoy the joke.
5. The “You’re Not My Type” Moment (Conan O’Brien)
During an appearance on Conan, Ryan Gosling found himself in the midst of a hilarious exchange with host Conan O’Brien. The conversation shifted to Gosling’s dating history and his infamous appeal to women. O’Brien, ever the comic foil, joked about the fact that Gosling was often considered one of the most attractive men in Hollywood. To this, Gosling responded with a deadpan “You’re not my type,” which immediately left O’Brien flustered.
The tension in the room was palpable, but Gosling’s subtle delivery of the line, paired with O’Brien’s awkward reaction, made the moment even funnier. As O’Brien tried to recover, Gosling maintained his perfectly straight face, creating a comedic contrast between his calm demeanor and O’Brien’s increasing discomfort.
Gosling’s ability to deliver such a line with such ease—and to keep the audience in on the joke—demonstrates his perfect balance of charm and wit. By saying something unexpected but not overtly rude, he was able to inject humor into a situation that could have easily turned awkward.
Key Point:
The art of unexpected humor. Gosling’s ability to throw in a line that is both surprising and hilarious without breaking character is a hallmark of his comedic genius. His effortless delivery shows how important timing and context are in comedy.
Conclusion
Ryan Gosling’s interviews have become legendary, not just for the roles he plays on screen but for the way he brings humor and warmth to the interview setting. Whether he’s delivering witty one-liners, recounting awkward personal anecdotes, or turning awkward moments into comedy gold, Gosling’s ability to make people laugh while staying true to himself is one of his most endearing qualities. It’s not just his acting that makes him stand out, but the fact that he can be funny, relatable, and incredibly charming all at once. For these reasons, Gosling’s interview moments are as iconic as his performances, and his fans will continue to cherish the unexpected humor he brings to the stage, the screen, and, of course, the world of interviews.