Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day Crash Red Carpet as ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’
Two weeks later, we’re still talking about Ryan Gosling’s latest Saturday Night Live hosting gig. It broke records on Peacock; Gosling is talking about it in interviews; the sketches are still gaining traction on YouTube. But the episode’s biggest cultural impact lies with one sketch, an instantly viral hit that became so massive, Gosling just reprised the character at his new movie’s Los Angeles premiere.
“Beavis and Butt-Head,” in which Gosling and cast member/writer Mikey Day play guys that just happen to look like the famous MTV cartoon characters, has been viewed more than 13 million times on YouTube. Its popularity stems not just from its inherently silly premise—how do two people look exactly like Beavis and Butt-Head without realizing it?—but also the incredible amount of breaking that happens. When SNL stalwart Heidi Gardner loses it upon the sight of Day’s incredibly authentic Butt-Head makeup, it’s impossible not to laugh along with her.
One could argue that it’s Gardner’s reaction that made the sketch iconic, but Gosling and Day’s take on the characters is certainly the most recognizable element. That’s why it immediately became news (of the best, most fun variety) when they donned the hair, makeup, and costumes once more to walk the red carpet of The Fall Guy last night.