We're not sure how this didn't already happen back in those early days of the "Hey Girl" meme, but the time has finally come for Ryan Gosling to host Saturday Night Live for the first time. We'll chalk it up to scheduling conflicts, not the fact that Gosling just isn't funny. Especially since we already know that's completely untrue. Seriously, just check out the very flirty new promos he appears in alongside SNL cast member Aidy Bryant, who just wants to spend a little time with Gosling, maybe just making out a little. Just a little. Gosling though, proving he is the feminist the Internet wants him to be, spends his time reminiscing about Titanic and complimenting Bryant's strength, even challenging her to a bench press contest. The question of "do you want to go wail on our pecks?" never sounded so appealing.
But that's the thing about Gosling: he's sort of undercover funny. His resume is filled with dramatic roles like Drive, The United States of Leland, Blue Valentine and Half Nelson, which earned him a Best Oscar nomination at the 2007 Academy Awards. There's always been a lighter side to the actor though, even if it didn't always show it on film. His latest film The Big Short , a funny (but infuriating) take on the housing and credit bubble of the 2000s, is his first comedic take since 2011 when he appeared in Crazy Stupid Love — his only real comedic role to date. But he's not a serious brooding guy in real life; he just plays one on the big screen.
That's what makes his upcoming hosting gig so exciting. It's a side many have not seen from the actor, especially since it's been awhile since we've seen him on the late night circuit. So, for those who might have forgotten, Gosling's got some real comedic range that he shows off in all six of the moments listed below.
1. "Be Better Than The Gap!" in Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
These are the words Gosling speaks so seriously to Steve Carell's character Cal, who is going through a divorce and looking to get back out there. But, as Gosling lets him know during this shopping montage, it will not be in mom jeans or New Balance sneakers. "Are you Steve Jobs? Are you the billionaire of Apple Computers? Oh, OK. In that case, you've got no right to wear New Balance sneakers, ever." Perhaps you want to heed Gosling's advice. He does get the girl in the end, always and forever.
2. "Hey, Girl" Readings For MTV (2010)
Sure, he looks a little embarrassed over the whole thing — even covering his face while he laughs about how silly the memes are — but was quick enough to say, "I write these. It's my site" and mock his own fashion choices. Totally proving he doesn't have trouble laughing at himself. Let's hope we see more of that with his hosting debut.
3. Country Line Dancing in Remember The Titans (2000)
Back when Gosling was just a gangly teen starting out, he appeared in a little Disney football film as a nerdy country-music loving football playing teen. The story was about Virginia high school football coach Henry Boone, who came to the team in 1971 after the school decided to desegregate. So no, this wasn't a comedy, but Gosling gets to be the comic relief with his awkward dance moves. Two-stepping his way into our hearts.
4. Drunk History Christmas (2011)
In this drunken retelling of "A Night Before Christmas," Gosling is the father who sprang from his bed to see what was the matter. Usually, it would just be Santa Claus and his reindeer, but this night, it's also miming the very tipsy details the narrator throws into the story. Gosling is game though, emphasizing each word and stammer perfectly. A role playing a mime may be in his future.
5. "Knife Guys" for Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Alongside Will Ferrell, Gosling was one half of the late night QVC informercial for knives in this Kimmel sketch. He's there with more stuff for Ferrel to slice, like cookie dough, cotton candy and chocolate milk. But he's also there to berate Kimmel for stealing their time slot and blaming him for an injury Ferrell gets while slicing. "Your energy did this," he says with a look of disdain. Gosling can barely contain his laughter with all that primo slicing action going on, but manages to keep it together without breaking. A skill he'll definitely need for SNL.
6. Interview Buddy on Conan (2013)
Late night show Gosling is peak Gosling. There are so many funny moments to choose from, because he totally understands that it's a chance for him to put on the charm. When he appeared on Conan to promote Gangster Squad, he picked a fan from the crowd to be his interview buddy, allowing her to help him with his interview. This mainly meant ragging on host Conan O'Brien. It was the most hostile interview O'Brien had ever taken part in, but it gave this young woman named Linda a chance to have Gosling whisper sweet nothings in her ear.
All of these video prove Gosling has the comedic chops to play a whole myriad of characters, let's hope SNL pushes him even more to show how little fear he has. And maybe some live-action "Hey Girl" memes for good measure.
Image: Giphy
