Entering the Ashley Padilla Era

On a crisp Thursday morning in New York City, Ashley Padilla appears on Zoom in a soft gray quarter-zip, her auburn bob neatly tucked behind her ears. With less than 48 hours before the Saturday Night Live November 16 episode hosted by Glen Powell, Padilla, 32, is focused yet approachable as she prepares for her second season as a featured player.

At first glance, the small cylinder in her hand seems like a vape pen, but after twenty minutes of observing her gestures, its revealed to be Rhode lip balm. Padilla laughs warmly, describing her attachment to it. I do this even at table reads, on Zooms. People think Im vaping, she says with a bright, sitcom-ready smile.

Padilla joined SNL during its 50th season, alongside Emil Wakim and Jane Wickline. By the fourth episode of season 51, she had clearly distinguished herself, earning praise for sketches like Surprise and Two People Who Just Hooked Up Discuss the Government Shutdown. Her comedic style, described by Vanity Fair as masking the beating heart of a freak, reflects her Groundlings training in Los Angeles, where comedy legends such as Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy also honed their craft.

Unlike many SNL cast members, Padillas path was unconventional. She didnt grow up as a theater kid or attend college. Instead, she worked at Sephora while taking comedy classes at Upright Citizens Brigade before becoming Diane Keatons personal assistanta role that led to co-authoring the book Fashion First and left a lasting impact on her life and career.

Finding Her Voice on SNL

Reflecting on her second season, Padilla notes a shift from her first season, which coincided with SNLs 50th anniversary and its star-studded milestone episodes. Now I feel like I understand how this works. I want to try stuff, she says. She mentions being starstruck by Kristen Wiig, whose advice to just have fun continues to guide her approach.

With only two full-time female cast members remaining, Padilla emphasizes the importance of representation and camaraderie among women in comedy. Her favorite sketches are often the ones where the ensemble is genuinely enjoying themselves, like the infamous fart sketch, which blends serious characters with absurd situations.

Padillas comedic inspiration comes from human behavior. She enjoys creating scenarios where serious people face ridiculous circumstances, finding humor in the contrast. Her frequent collaboration with Andrew Dismukes has organically developed into a mom and dad dynamic, celebrated by fans for their on-screen chemistry.

Early Life and Comedy Roots

Growing up in Oakland and later Livermore, California, Padilla describes a childhood filled with humor and resourcefulness, guided by a hardworking single mother. After a brief stint in community college, she pursued work at Sephora and eventually moved to Los Angeles at 20 to study at Upright Citizens Brigade. This experience, followed by the Groundlings, became the foundation of her comedic career.

Padilla never saw herself as a theater kid but discovered her true calling in comedy, eventually becoming a writer first and performer second. Her ambitions include writing and directing, particularly projects highlighting womens humor outside the scope of romantic relationships.

Personal Style and Inspirations

Padilla recently opted for a chic bob haircut, a personal transformation that also inspired a sketch on SNL. Her minimalist Instagram reflects her focus on sharing creative work rather than personal snapshots. Her time working with Diane Keaton remains profoundly influential, teaching her to embrace authenticity, pursue clear goals, and prioritize joy.

Memorable Moments and SNL Journey

Padilla recounts the emotional impact of Keatons passing during a live rehearsal, praising the SNL teams support during high-pressure moments. Her audition for SNL was initially intimidating, but persistence from her manager and her own experimentation led to a successful five-minute test and, eventually, a full-time role. Moving to New York soon after, she embraced the citys energy and fashion-forward culture, ready to make her mark on live television.

Author: Grace Ellison