NYT Hails Up-and-Coming 32-Year-Old Comedian as 'Saturday Night Live's Next Breakout Star: 'She is Carrying the Show'

Ashley Padilla might have first caught audiences’ attention through a fart-centric sketch on Saturday Night Live, but already the 32-year-old comedian is becoming the next big thing to debut on the long-running NBC comedy series.

As audiences pay closer and closer attention to Padilla’s natural comic abilities on the show, many critics are singling her out as SNL‘s next breakout star, a rare designation reserved for only a few hallowed legends who have stepped foot on Saturday Night Live‘s soundstage.

In particular, critics like those at The New York Times were quick to highlight Padilla’s effective comedic timing, most especially her dramatic pauses that help make the punchline of every joke that much sharper and more rewarding.

“Such scene-shifting patience has become a hallmark of the breakout season of Ashley Padilla, who in only her second year on SNL has become a hilarious new comic voice, someone likely to define the sensibility of the show for years to come,” The New York Times said of Padilla.

“Cutting her teeth at the Groundlings in Los Angeles, Padilla brings an actorly nuance and subtlety to her goofy sketches, specializing in ordinary types (teacher, office worker, suburban mom, girl who just had sex) performed with oddball lovability,” the newspaper continued by saying.

In addition to the prestigious publication, average viewers were quick to agree with The New York Times‘ glowing assessment of the 32-year-old, with many writing complimentary words on Facebook emphasizing Padilla’s gifted comedic presence.

“She was freaking hilarious in yesterday’s episode,” wrote one fan. “The one with the mashed potatoes made me laugh so hard my sides hurt. She’s the next Tina Fey.”

“She is elevating her level and is quickly becoming a very vital cast member,” added another account. “The passing notes skit with Ryan Gosling was beyond hilarious.”

“Why is she still a ‘featured player’? She is carrying the show!” added a third user.