Ashley Padilla named to TIME 100 Next list of emerging leaders

Comedian Ashley Padilla has been named one of the three cover stars for the 2026 TIME 100 Next list. She is part of a group of 100 emerging leaders recognized as the world’s most influential rising stars.

To mark the recognition, Bob Odenkirk wrote an essay praising Padilla’s ability to create human comedy through precision and joy. Padilla, who has worked on Saturday Night Live, described the environment as collaborative and focused on making people laugh.