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Cuban mom jokes fuel SNL star's rise
15 Sep
Summary
- Marcello Hernández's parents inspired his comedy career.
- His mom, an immigrant from Cuba, shaped his SNL sketches.
- Hernández's mom appeared in a T-Mobile ad with him.
Saturday Night Live comedian Marcello Hernández draws heavily from his upbringing for his stand-up material. Born in Miami, his parents hail from Cuba and the Dominican Republic, respectively. His mother's experiences immigrating from Cuba have significantly shaped his comedic voice and many of his jokes.
Hernández's mother, Isabel, a Cuban immigrant, has been a major inspiration. Her journey to the U.S. and her strong parenting style are recurring themes in his comedy. This influence was notably seen in his viral SNL sketch, "Protective Mom," co-developed with Pedro Pascal.
His mother's support extends beyond inspiration; she has appeared with him in a T-Mobile commercial released in October 2024. She also accompanied him to the 2026 Emmy Awards, expressing immense pride in his hard work and success.
Hernández frequently shares anecdotes about his parents' differing levels of English proficiency and their unique perspectives, often highlighting his mother's philosophical questions and sharp wit. He first appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers in October 2023, where he emotionally thanked his mother for her sacrifices.
