If you’ve watched Saturday Night Live even infrequently during Season 51, you’ve no doubt noticed a certain second year cast member has been in a lot of sketches. Ashley Padilla has emerged as the biggest star amongst the newer additions, and you could probably take it a step further and say she’s turning into one of the biggest stars of the entire cast. So, why is she still just a featured player and not a full repertory player?
That’s the question a lot of SNL fans have been asking themselves throughout this season. She’s gotten more screentime than any other cast members, and it hasn’t just been as a key support in sketches. She’s often the lead or co-lead in whatever she’s doing. It’s clear she’s earned the trust of the writers who are starting to build concepts around her. So, once again, why is she still considered a lesser or secondary cast member?
