A night to remember: Marcello Hernández’s rise to fame

A fateful evening in New York City

It was a Friday evening in November 2022, and Marcello Hernández, a fresh face on the “Saturday Night Live” cast, was about to experience one of the most significant nights of his career. Fresh off a rehearsal with the week’s host, Dave Chappelle, Hernández was set to open for Jo Koy at Madison Square Garden. However, as he reached for his phone to order an Uber, he realized he had no idea how to get inside the iconic venue.

“Hey, Dave, do you know the entrance to Madison Square Garden?” he asked. Chappelle, surprised, responded, “You’re gonna take an Uber to Madison Square Garden? There are 22 entrances. You’ll never get in.” With a quick call, Chappelle arranged for Hernández to be driven to a special entrance, one not available to the public. “Fricking loading dock, ba-by,” Hernández recalls with a snap of his fingers, still thrilled by the memory.

The journey to “Saturday Night Live”

Hernández’s rapid rise on “SNL” is a testament to his unique talent and the changing landscape of comedy. For over 50 years, “SNL” has been a launchpad for stars like John Belushi, Adam Sandler, Gilda Radner, and Tina Fey. Today, breaking out on “SNL” means creating sketches that resonate both live and online. Hernández has achieved this multiple times in just two seasons.

His breakout moment came with the sketch “Protective Mom,” where he plays a son introducing his white American girlfriend to his disapproving Latina mother, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. The sketch, which humorously explores cultural and generational differences, became one of the top five most-watched live sketches of Season 48. Its sequel, featuring Pascal and Bad Bunny, was equally successful.

Crafting comedy from personal experiences

Hernández’s comedy often draws from his interactions with his mother, whom he describes as his “muse.” His style blends Jerry Seinfeld’s observational humor with Eddie Murphy’s physical charisma. After discussing the sketch idea with Pascal, Hernández wrote “Protective Mom” using material from his stand-up routines.

His journey to “SNL” began at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal, followed by a series of auditions and meetings with the show’s writers and executive producer, Lorne Michaels. Michaels recognized Hernández’s “remarkable talent,” noting that he continues to improve and is well on his way to becoming a significant figure in comedy.

A colorful Miami upbringing

Hernández’s mother fled Cuba at age 12, eventually immigrating to the United States alone. She worked her way through college and graduated while pregnant with Hernández. “A lot of the jokes I say and the stuff that I write has to do with our relationship growing up,” he says, expressing deep respect for his mother’s journey.

Growing up in Miami provided a vibrant backdrop for Hernández’s adolescence. “In Miami, you grow up fast,” he says, recalling the city’s clubbing culture and the frequent use of fake IDs. These experiences inspired his “SNL” sketch “Nightclub Line,” where he plays a promoter teaching a bouncer, played by Jason Momoa, the ropes.

Collaborations with celebrity hosts

Each week on “SNL” brings a new celebrity host, giving Hernández the chance to work with globally famous names. One memorable collaboration was with Timothée Chalamet, where they performed a rap titled “Baby Face” during Chalamet’s opening monologue. “We gotta give Timmy his flowers,” Hernández says. “He rapped well. He can flow.”

Navigating the comedy world

Hernández received valuable advice from comedian Sean Patton while in college: “Go to New York once a season. Make sure they remember you.” On one of these trips, he met Bill Murray, who was gracious despite not remembering their first encounter.

During the pandemic, Hernández moved back to Miami, where he posted videos on TikTok and hosted a web series. These videos, featuring his stand-up bits and commentary on Miami life, garnered millions of views. His mother even created a burner account to defend him against online haters.

Looking ahead

Hernández aspires to be as successful as comedians like Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Kevin Hart, and Bernie Mac, but with a Hispanic twist. He aims to avoid “super vulgar comedy,” preferring to keep his material light and positive. As “SNL” gears up for a polarizing presidential election, Hernández steers clear of politics, focusing instead on spreading joy.

His work with Chappelle, despite the comedian’s controversial remarks, has been a significant part of his journey. “I love everybody: I love Dave, and I love anybody that’s mad at Dave,” Hernández says, navigating the complexities of fame with grace.

As Hernández’s star continues to rise, he remains grounded, drawing strength from his family and his Miami roots. With a few famous friends to call for help, he’s well-equipped to navigate the road to success.

For more on Marcello Hernández’s journey, check out the Protective Mom sketch and other highlights from his career.