In the golden era of entertainment, where the line between serious artistry and comedic genius is ever more fluid, few embody this duality as effortlessly as Ryan Gosling. The Canadian-born actor, known for his heartthrob roles in films like The Notebook and La La Land, has carved out a unique niche in Hollywood. But beyond the stoic characters and Oscar-nominated performances lies another Gosling—one that perhaps resonates even more with a certain generation. This is the Gosling of Saturday Night Live, where he’s not just a guest host but a cultural phenomenon in his own right.

As the lights dim and the familiar opening notes of SNL’s theme begin, the anticipation is palpable. Gosling is back, and if history is any indication, we’re in for a treat. Before we witness what new hilarity he will bring to the stage, let’s reflect on some of the iconic sketches that have defined his legacy on SNL.

The Serious Actor’s Unexpected Dive into Comedy

Ryan Gosling’s forays into the world of sketch comedy are as much about breaking character as they are about creating it. There’s an authenticity to his performances on SNL that speaks to something deeper—perhaps a longing to escape the constraints of Hollywood’s expectations. He’s not just playing a part; he’s reveling in the absurdity of it all. And it’s this joy that translates so effortlessly to the screen.

Gosling’s SNL skits aren’t just funny; they’re reflective of a broader cultural moment. They poke fun at the absurdities of life, the quirks of human nature, and the strange things we, as a society, take so seriously. Whether he’s losing his mind over a font choice or trying to suppress laughter in the face of alien abduction, there’s always an underlying commentary—subtle, yet profound.

1. Close Encounter: Breaking the Stoic

In the annals of SNL history, few skits have resonated as strongly as “Close Encounter.” It’s not just a skit; it’s a masterclass in comedic timing. Here, Gosling plays an FBI agent interviewing three individuals who have experienced something out of this world—literally. The premise is simple, but the execution is anything but.

Kate McKinnon’s character recounts her bizarre alien abduction in a way that’s both hysterical and unsettling. But the true magic of this skit lies in Gosling’s inability to maintain his composure. As an actor known for his serious roles, watching him struggle to keep a straight face is a joy unto itself. It’s a moment of pure, unfiltered humanity—a reminder that even the most polished of Hollywood stars can’t resist the pull of genuine laughter.

But beyond the surface-level humor, “Close Encounter” is a commentary on the absurdity of authority and the thin veneer of professionalism. Gosling’s character, trying to maintain order in the face of the bizarre, mirrors the human experience of trying to make sense of the nonsensical. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by the surreal, sometimes, all we can do is laugh.

2. Papyrus: The Madness of Modernity

In a world obsessed with aesthetics, where the choice of a font can make or break a brand, “Papyrus” stands out as a brilliant critique of our modern preoccupations. The skit taps into a collective frustration—one that many didn’t even realize they had. Why did the creators of Avatar, one of the most visually stunning films of our time, opt for the mundane Papyrus font?

Gosling’s portrayal of a man driven to the brink of insanity over this seemingly trivial decision is nothing short of genius. It’s a skit that’s as ridiculous as it is relatable, capturing the essence of what it means to live in an age where design and branding are everything. The humor lies not just in the absurdity of the situation but in the way it reflects our own obsessions. We live in a world where every detail is scrutinized, where the smallest choice can spark outrage or admiration. Gosling, with his deadpan delivery and intense focus, taps into this cultural zeitgeist with surgical precision.

The “Papyrus” skit is more than just a joke about fonts; it’s a mirror held up to our society. It’s a reminder that in our quest for perfection, we often overlook the beauty in the imperfect, the unpolished. And in doing so, we drive ourselves to madness.

3. Santa Baby: A Subversive Take on Holiday Cheer

The holidays are a time of joy, of family gatherings and festive cheer. But leave it to Ryan Gosling and Vanessa Bayer to take this wholesome image and turn it on its head. In “Santa Baby,” what begins as a typical Christmas party quickly devolves into something far more sinister.

As Gosling and Bayer’s characters become increasingly obsessed with Santa Claus, the skit descends into a surreal, almost nightmarish territory. It’s a darkly comedic exploration of how even the most innocent traditions can take on a life of their own, morphing into something unrecognizable.

There’s a subversive genius to “Santa Baby.” It plays on the idea that our holiday rituals, so often seen as comforting, can also be unsettling when taken to extremes. Gosling’s performance is a perfect blend of sincerity and absurdity, capturing the tension between the joy of the season and the underlying anxieties that often accompany it.

4. The Pizza Guy: The Everyman’s Struggle

If there’s one skit that encapsulates the everyday frustrations of modern life, it’s “The Pizza Guy.” Gosling plays a beleaguered pizza delivery man who finds himself caught in an increasingly chaotic situation. It’s a simple premise, but one that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever had to deal with the unpredictability of life.

The humor in “The Pizza Guy” comes not just from the absurdity of the situation but from Gosling’s physical comedy. His exasperation builds as the skit progresses, culminating in a meltdown that’s as cathartic as it is hilarious. It’s a performance that highlights Gosling’s versatility as an actor, showing that he’s just as adept at playing the everyman as he is at portraying larger-than-life characters.

But beyond the laughs, “The Pizza Guy” is a commentary on the struggles of the working class, the challenges of making a living in a world that’s often indifferent to our efforts. It’s a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, sometimes all we can do is laugh.

The Duality of Gosling: Actor and Comedian

Ryan Gosling’s return to SNL is more than just an opportunity to revisit his comedic roots; it’s a reminder of the duality that defines him as an artist. On one hand, he’s the brooding leading man, the heartthrob who’s starred in some of the most iconic films of the past decade. On the other, he’s the comedic genius who isn’t afraid to make a fool of himself, to break character, and to embrace the absurd.

This duality is what makes Gosling such a fascinating figure in the world of entertainment. He’s not confined to any one role or genre; he moves seamlessly between them, bringing the same level of intensity and commitment to each. Whether he’s playing a jazz musician in La La Land or a crazed man obsessed with fonts on SNL, there’s an authenticity to his performances that’s impossible to ignore.

In many ways, Gosling’s comedic work on SNL is just as important as his dramatic roles. It shows a different side of him, one that’s unfiltered and raw. It’s a reminder that even the most serious of actors can find joy in the ridiculous, that comedy is just as much an art form as drama.

Cultural Impact: Gosling’s Legacy on SNL

As we look back on Gosling’s most iconic SNL moments, it’s clear that his impact goes beyond just making us laugh. His skits have become cultural touchstones, moments that resonate with audiences long after the episode has aired. They’re shared, rewatched, and quoted—testaments to their enduring appeal.

Gosling’s SNL appearances also highlight the power of the show itself. For over four decades, SNL has been a breeding ground for some of the most memorable moments in television history. It’s a place where actors can break free from the roles that have defined them, where they can experiment and take risks. And in doing so, they often reveal new facets of their talent.

Gosling’s skits are a perfect example of this. They’re moments of pure, unadulterated creativity—unburdened by the expectations of Hollywood or the constraints of a script. They’re a reminder that at its best, SNL is more than just a comedy show; it’s a cultural institution, one that continues to shape and reflect the world around us.

Looking Ahead: The Return of a Legend

As Ryan Gosling prepares to take the SNL stage once more, there’s a sense of excitement in the air. Fans are eager to see what new characters he’ll bring to life, what new skits will become the stuff of legend. But there’s also a sense of nostalgia, a longing to revisit the moments that have made us laugh, that have shown us a different side of one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.

Gosling’s return to SNL is more than just another episode; it’s a cultural event, a reminder of the power of comedy to bring us together, to make us laugh at the absurdities of life. And in a world that often feels overwhelming, there’s something profoundly comforting in that.

So, as the lights go down and the familiar strains of SNL’s theme fill the air, let’s take a moment to appreciate the magic of Ryan Gosling—the actor, the comedian, the cultural icon. Whether he’s making us laugh or making us think, there’s no doubt that his legacy on SNL will endure for years to come.