Ashley Padilla, a featured player on Saturday Night Live, recently shared her unique experience working as an assistant to the late acting icon Diane Keaton. In her early 20s, while honing her comedic talents in Los Angeles, Padilla unexpectedly found herself in Keaton’s orbit after being hired for a one-night gig as a party favor distributor at her home. Following the event, when Keaton’s assistant invited her to help with the cleanup for additional pay, Padilla eagerly accepted.
“I was like, ‘You’re joking. Yes,’” she recalled in a recent interview with Vulture. This opportunity led Padilla to an array of tasks, from running errands to delivering Christmas gifts to Keaton’s friends, as she expressed a willingness to assist in any way possible.
Her commitment and enthusiasm ultimately earned her the role of Keaton’s assistant, and she quickly became both a friend and mentee to the legendary actress. Padilla reflected on the invaluable lessons she learned from Keaton, noting, “She taught me that you’ve got to know yourself. She knew what she likes.”
The connection between Padilla and Keaton deepened as the Oscar-winning star became involved in Padilla’s work within the comedy community. Keaton attended Padilla’s improv and sketch showcases at the Groundlings and entrusted her with the editing and design of her book, Fashion First. “I could do it because she believed I could,” Padilla said of the pivotal moment, recalling that she hadn’t taken on such a project before.
When Padilla was offered a role at SNL in 2024, her relationship with Keaton proved to be a significant influence. She recounted the moment she received the life-changing news: “She didn’t even say ‘hello’ when she answered. She just said, ‘You’re moving to New York.’”
Following Keaton’s passing in October, Padilla took to Instagram to honor her mentor, posting heartfelt tributes that expressed lasting gratitude: “I will never forget you. I will always love you,” she expressed, adding, “Thank you for everything, Diane. You changed my life.”
Padilla’s journey from assistant to featured player on SNL showcases not only her talent but also the impact a mentor can have on one’s career. As she moves forward, her story shines a light on the importance of guidance and support in the competitive world of entertainment.