Ryan Gosling initially did not want to perform his viral song “I’m Just Ken” at the Oscars but was convinced to do so by his daughters’ love for Barbie. Despite his initial reluctance and worries about things going wrong during the live performance, he eventually agreed and put on a show complete with backup dancers, musician Mark Ronson, and guitarist Slash. The performance received hundreds of millions of views on social media platforms and music streaming services. Gosling received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the Greta Gerwig film.
The actor shared that his daughters referred to him as “Ken-ning again” when he brought them to the dress rehearsal for his now-viral performance. Gosling has two daughters, ages 7 and 9, with Eva Mendes, his co-star in “The Place Beyond the Pines.” He brought his daughters to watch him play the Mattel doll-inspired character in order to give them context for what he had been working on. Their interest in Barbie and lack of interest in Ken sparked the idea for the performance, according to Gosling, who described the experience as a team effort.
Gosling’s daughters attended his performance last month, which was their first concert. He joked that they know the choreography and songs better than he does. The actor is set to host Saturday Night Live for the third time, with a previous appearance on the show leading Gerwig to offer him the role of Ken. He credited a sketch called “A Guy Who Just Joined SOHO House” for catching Gerwig’s attention and ultimately landing him the role. Gosling expressed his gratitude to Alex Moffet, who wrote the sketch, for helping him secure the job.
The actor’s appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon provided insight into his decision-making process regarding the Oscars performance. Gosling expressed his initial hesitance and concerns about the unpredictability of live performances. However, he ultimately decided to go through with it, resulting in a highly viewed and well-received moment. The performance showcased Gosling’s versatility as an actor and performer, showcasing his ability to take on diverse roles and embrace spontaneity in his career.
Gosling’s involvement in the Barbie-inspired performance highlights the influence of his daughters on his career decisions. By involving them in the process and allowing them to experience his work firsthand, Gosling created a memorable and meaningful experience for his family. The actor’s dedication to his role as a father is evident in his willingness to embrace new challenges and opportunities based on his daughters’ interests and preferences. Overall, the performance at the Oscars not only showcased Gosling’s talent but also reflected the importance of family in his life and career.
