Marcello Hernández
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler hosts SNL star Marcello Hernández, joined remotely by fellow castmate Sarah Sherman, for a lively conversation about his comedic journey and
Key takeaways
- Marcello Hernández explains how growing up with a Cuban mother and Dominican father shaped his communication style and comedic perspective on family dynamics.
- Sarah Sherman describes Marcello's generous 'puppy dog energy' and highlights his impressive physical athleticism during SNL sketches, including performing backflips in character.
Main topics
- SNL cast dynamics and writing process
- Cuban and Dominican cultural heritage
Notable quotes
"My deal is that I was not given the opportunity to be soft in my house."
Conclusion
The episode delivers a warm, humorous exploration of Marcello Hernánde
Transcript preview
Speaker 3 (0:00) you Speaker 3 (0:05) everyone. Welcome to another episode of Good Hang. Very excited about our guest today. It is Marcelo Hernandez. You know Marcelo from SNL. He is a great stand-up. He's a real charm machine. And we love Marcelo. We have so much fun in this interview. We're going to talk about so many things today. We're going to talk about soccer. We're going to talk about summer school. We're going to talk about the fact that his mom decides who cuts his hair. We're going to talk about he's bad at texting. And he's going to try to cut his hair. constantly and consistently compliment me through this thing. And I'm going to really, really fight back. So we're going to have a good time today. But before we talk to Marcello, we always find somebody who knows our guest, who wants to speak well behind our guests back and give me a question to ask them. And we are back with our friend Sarah Sherman. Sarah, a fellow cast member with Marcello at SNL and a real peach. And we're going to get her on Zoom. See what she thinks I should ask him. Look! Wow, some interesting Photoshop. Speaker 3 (1:14) This episode of Good Hang is presented by PayPal. Brighten up the start to the festive season by getting ahead of the holiday rush. Shop your favorite online stores with PayPal this holiday, like Sephora for gift sets, Target for toys and electronics, and TikTok Shop for fashion, apparel, and gadgets. Check out with the flexibility to pay now or pay later and split your payments with pay in four with no interest. No late fees. Shop now with PayPal. Pay in 4, subject to approval. Learn more at paypal.com slash pay in 4. PayPal Inc. NMLS 910457. Speaker 3 (2:02) Wow. For people that are listening and not watching, Sarah just popped up on her Zoom with a Marcello screensaver. She's in between two gorgeous pictures of him. Speaker 4 (2:12) What's up, lady? Can we buy you a drink? Speaker 3 (2:16) Look at that punim, as one would say. Speaker 4 (2:19) Isn't he so cute? He Speaker 3 (2:21) really does have a real puppy quality. Do Speaker 4 (2:24) we have the same hair, by the way? He would, by the way, kill himself if I said that. Speaker 3 (2:29) Sarah, you know that I like to compliment you and you like to deflect. I want it. I want Speaker 4 (2:36) it today. That's what I want. Speaker 3 (2:38) You have great hair. Thank you. Speaker 4 (2:42) I do go into getting a haircut and I say, do your worst. Speaker 4 (2:48) So I'm glad it comes out good. Speaker 4 (2:51) Sherman, it is really good to see you. I miss Speaker 3 (2:55) you guys. We miss you. Our time together on the pod was so fun. We still talk about it, but Marcelo is probably the cast member I feel like I kind of know the least about. Speaker 3 (3:13) Tell me when you guys first met. You were already at the Speaker 4 (3:20) show? I met him on the show. This fucking brat shows up. He is going to be so fucking mad that you guys got me for this. He's going to be like, could have gotten Kevin Hart, Sebastian Maniscalco, Adam Sandler, and you got fucking Sarah. Our relationship started because I'd be up all night on writing night, like writing like a maniac. And he would be like, chill, dude, relax. You're good, man. Because I feel like I'm a very, I'm like a homework girl. Yeah. And, you know, having someone reflect that back, having like a fun guy. Yeah. Like major puppy dog energy being like, you can relax. You can take it easy, sis. It's Speaker 3 (4:03) funny that you say that. That is like when I was thinking about what I want to talk to him about. Like he definitely always looks like he's having fun. It's very like little. little brother energy. Like you guys, let's not forget that this is fun. Speaker 4 (4:15) I would die without him there because he, he's always having fun. Like writing night at 3am. He's him and Cam Patterson will be like doing like backflips. So they'll put like all the chairs in on 17 together in like a big tower on top of like the writing table and like do like backflips over them. But he's really, um, he's very menchie. Like he's very, you know, like he's He's really tight with his mom. You know, he's like such a good guy because of how well he takes care of his family. And like, you know, the little brother energy is like, because he cares. Like he'll call me like on a Wednesday at 8 p.m. like during a hiatus when we're like, you know, I'm like lying on my couch, like rotting. And he'll be like, all right, bro, what clubs are you doing tonight? Like you're getting up there. What are you doing? Come on. I'm lying down watching X-Files. And he's like, let's hit the cellar. Put your avails in. Do some shows. Like, he's, like, weirdly, like, encouraging. And he, like, he'll, like, telepathically feel if I'm, like, feeling kind of, like, shitty and, like, activate. Do Speaker 3 (5:26) stand-ups do that for each other? Where they kind of, like, encourage each other to keep getting up and trying new stuff? Speaker 4 (5:32) Marcelo does. I feel like most standups are such fucking bloodsuckers that they're like, hope nobody else is getting up. Totally. So they can hog all the stage time. I Speaker 3 (5:40) want to talk to him about the fact like he was a really good soccer player, like really cares about sports, like has a good connection with a lot of like he's hosting the ESPYs, all this stuff like is a is like a jock. He's a Speaker 4 (5:52) jock. In a way where I think I can't believe I'm going to be complimenting him so much. Speaker 4 (6:01) I'll get you. He, um, he's a, it's really great at SNL because he is like kind of like a team player in like a real way. Like he's really good at like involving people in bits and like, and sketches and like he, you know, he gets everyone's voice really well. And he's really good at including other people in his bits. And in a way that's extremely generous in a very team player way, even though he is a standup and because he is a jock, he's really athletic and his like physicality, like. Is unbelievable. He did. He did a Sebastian Maniscalco sketch where like Sebastian is like a lawyer. He does like a back flip. He does like a back handspring, like a Russian teenage gymnast. He did a backflip in like a Jack Black sketch too. He's like, he's physically unbelievable and like light on his feet and like doing backflips. So many Speaker 3 (6:59) backflips. I Speaker 4 (7:01) can't explain it. Like that's what he does. He is like a newborn puppy who just like popped out of the womb, did a backflip. But then like, you know, he'll come to my office at like 10 p.m. He's like, I'm ordering Thai food. You want anything? And I joked like. Yeah, give me a Beats pill. And he got me one. What's a Beats pill? A little speaker. Speaker 4 (7:28) He's just generous like that. It was like four minutes ago he was giving me a wedgie and now I have like a $300 speaker in my office. When I was kidding, by the way. Speaker 3 (7:39) Okay, what question do you think I should ask Marcelo today? I have like three Speaker 4 (7:44) questions. Okay, great. One, what's your fucking deal, dude? Two, oh, are you going to stay not answering my texts? Speaker 4 (7:54) Look at your phone, Marcelo. I have experience with that. Marcelo is really bad at texting. Well, I have his location on, so I'll be like, why isn't he fucking texting me back? And then I'll look at his location, and he's doing a children's fundraiser in Costa Rica. I'm like, okay. Respect. Respect. Respect. And I always know where he is at all times, so he can never betray me. My question is, he's a very inherently social person and he gets very energized by other people. He literally can't be alone for more than five seconds, which is why he's so fun. But legit, he's an amazing joke writer and he's extremely productive and prolific. He just put out an hour of stand-up. He already has another. He's constantly touring. And I just like, don't understand when and where he has the time to do that. Speaker 3 (8:54) So Speaker 4 (8:54) I'm like, it's kind of a bad question, but I'm like, I literally want to know when and how is he writing jokes? Cause also he, I have a feeling cause I've asked him this before and I think he was just like, shut up, you know, whatever. But it is like a serious question because I have a feeling he writes a lot on stage because he's so like physical and like gets really energized by an audience. But his jokes are actually good and well-written. You're Speaker 3 (9:20) making a good point, right? Which is that sometimes when someone's not always, but like when someone's doing physical stuff, it's like a vibe. And if you read it on a page, it wouldn't really feel like a like a crafted joke. But you're saying he can do both. He Speaker 4 (9:34) has legit well-written jokes. you know, and he always kind of makes this joke like at SNL, you know, he's like, you know me, like, you know, I'm like a bad sketch writer or whatever. Cause you know, you just get into like a way at SNL where you're like, you've decided you've called yourself something like, you know, when you did therapy on me, like crazy when I was like, I'm not a good actor or performer, you know, whatever, but he'll be like, Oh, you know, like I can't write it. But it's like, then when he actually puts his fingers on a keyboard, and writes it's like he is a really good writer and all this stand-up it's like really tight good he's set up punchline jokes so in my head I'm like so he's writing it down but I'm like when where I love this question because Speaker 3 (10:22) it it I think that there's a underneath it there's just this idea of like figuring out what we're like allowed to say about ourselves like what do we actually what would we dare to say we're good at basically right Speaker 4 (10:38) that's good yeah come to think of it i did ask a good question Speaker 3 (10:46) Now, the Gen Xer in me wants to know, how did you get his face in the Zoom screen and how do you do that? Speaker 4 (10:52) Listen, I'm a professional and I'm also a magician as well. So magician never reveals the secrets that she does really well. Speaker 3 (10:59) Shermie, I love talking to you. I wish we could do it every week. It's so fun. Thanks for doing this. I think he's going to be so happy. Are you guys seeing him now? Yeah, he's coming in in like, he'll be here in like a half an hour. Speaker 4 (11:14) Tell them I said up yours. Thank Speaker 3 (11:16) you Speaker 4 (11:17) so much Speaker 3 (11:17) for doing it. Okay. Love you too. Speaker 1 (11:20) Talk to you soon. Bye. Speaker 3 (11:25) Folks, it's officially fall, which means we've entered the season of change. Changing leaves, refreshed wardrobes, and new routines. But the one thing that doesn't need to change? Your phone. The smartest upgrade this season isn't a new phone, it's a better wireless plan. Switch to Visible, the ultimate wireless hack. You get unlimited 5G data and unlimited hotspot, powered by Verizon for just $25 a month. That means keeping the phone you already love, ditching your overpriced phone bill, and saving enough to give yourself a pumpkin spice all season long. All the perks of big wireless for half the cost. Switch today. at visible.com. The visible plan starts at $25 a month or get our premium visible plus plan and save $10 on your first month with promo code hang. Terms apply. See visible.com for plan features and network management details. Speaker 3 (12:20) Wow, Marcelo is here and he has a gorgeous... Speaker 3 (12:24) Do Speaker 1 (12:25) you have a... Speaker 3 (12:26) Gorgeous flowers. Do Speaker 1 (12:27) you have like a huge vase? Marcello! I can maybe put it in here. This is for you. They remind me of you. Speaker 3 (12:40) Sunflowers? Yeah, Speaker 1 (12:41) you brighten so many people's lives. Speaker 3 (12:43) Wow. Speaker 1 (12:44) And I think it's the least I can do. Speaker 3 (12:47) Well, let's get started. Why is Marcello bringing me flowers? Why do you feel the need to bring me such... Thank you for these Speaker 1 (12:54) gorgeous flowers. Of course, of course. I'm sensing a weird energy. Like you're not so happy about the flowers or... Speaker 3 (13:03) Put them on Speaker 1 (13:04) the floor. I Speaker 3 (13:06) feel like this is some kind of mea culpa. What's happening? No, Speaker 1 (13:09) no. Mea happy. Mea grateful to be here with you. And so many people, they give people their flowers. You know what I mean? Oh, you're Speaker 3 (13:22) giving me your Speaker 1 (13:23) flowers. Speaker 3 (13:24) They're beautiful. You came in very shy. Speaker 1 (13:27) I know. Dude, it's so good to see you. And yes, I do have a mea culpa, if people are wondering. Do you? I do with you, yes. What is it? Because you texted me and I didn't answer. I took too long. Speaker 3 (13:41) What did I text you about? I Speaker 1 (13:42) don't even want to think about it. It's Speaker 3 (13:44) a Speaker 1 (13:44) big mistake. It's one of my largest regrets. No, Speaker 3 (13:47) I'm getting to know you. And what I'm realizing is that. You're not a great texter. No. That's okay. Speaker 1 (13:53) No, but I'm working. Yeah. I'm doing the work and I'm big on a cat. Wait, Speaker 3 (13:59) did you just catch a fly? Not a fly, Speaker 1 (14:01) no. I did not kill an animal. That Speaker 2 (14:03) would Speaker 1 (14:03) be amazing. It was a flurry, something. Like a fuzzy. Yeah, fuzzy, yes. But no, it's so bad. Does Speaker 3 (14:15) it bother you to be a bad texter? Yes. Do you actually care? I Speaker 1 (14:18) care a lot. You do. Especially when like, especially when it's somebody like you that I'm like, I can't believe I, you texted me. Like I, I think about it often of like, you worked your whole life. To get to a place where an Amy Poehler could or would text you, and then you have the balls. Speaker 3 (14:40) Ghosted. Ghosted. Speaker 1 (14:42) The gonads to go, sorry, I didn't see. Who are you, a friend from college? Sorry. I didn't see this in time. Also, your Speaker 3 (14:50) response months later was like, oh, I was so tired. It was something like, I haven't had any sleep. I Speaker 1 (15:00) haven't. Speaker 3 (15:00) I know. It's tough. But Speaker 1 (15:03) I apologize. And I got here on time. I Speaker 3 (15:06) really appreciate it. I Speaker 1 (15:07) rode a bike. Speaker 3 (15:07) Wait, you rode here? Speaker 1 (15:08) I rode here on a bike. It saved me nine minutes on the commute. Speaker 3 (15:12) People should know it's very hot out today. With Speaker 1 (15:14) the flowers. One hand. I risked my life. That's a lie. But. Speaker 3 (15:20) Wow. Thank you for that. I sent them in Speaker 1 (15:22) a car. I didn't want to get them in trouble. They're beautiful flowers. Yeah. Shout out to my assistant, Maddie. Speaker 3 (15:26) You made your assistant. She's Speaker 1 (15:28) in the car. Speaker 3 (15:28) You made your assistant ride a bike with the flowers. No, she's in Speaker 1 (15:31) the car. She's in the car with the flowers. When Speaker 3 (15:35) you're riding a bike in New York City, do you have people be like, hey, they recognize you? I like that. That's my Speaker 1 (15:39) favorite time of interaction. Hey, hey. Speaker 1 (15:45) Marcelo, yes. Speaker 3 (15:46) You can ride away. Marcelo, there's so many good things happening for you. First of all, congratulations on being like almost a vet at SNL. I Speaker 4 (15:55) know. Speaker 3 (15:56) Like you now, you know, like you're in that sweet spot. Oh, God. Right? Where you know how it works. Like you're not terrified anymore. Right. There's people that are newer than you. Yes. Like it's a nice, nice place to be in. It's Speaker 2 (16:10) also, yeah, I'm not so confused anymore. Yeah. I know the schedules and stuff. Yeah, because it is a Speaker 3 (16:14) weird place to work and it has its own set of rules. And like now you kind of know it and you like people know you. This is so Speaker 1 (16:20) surreal to be talking to you like this. Is Speaker 2 (16:22) it? Speaker 1 (16:22) It is crazy. You have to understand it. All Speaker 3 (16:24) right. I know Speaker 1 (16:25) that for you. You're like, I'm just Amy, but you're not. Speaker 3 (16:28) Well, you. You Speaker 1 (16:29) are a force of nature. Dude, I was watching all of your, every award show that Amy. Dude, you are, you're so funny. You had a guy massage. you, then you kissed him. That guy Speaker 3 (16:42) was Bono. Yeah, Bono. Speaker 1 (16:43) Bono's massaging her and kissing. I'm very Hispanic. And then you had the thing with George Clooney where you're like flirting with him. Oh, man. So freaking good. The hoodie, one of the great gifs in Speaker 3 (16:58) history. Is that how we say it? Because I never know. Gif, Speaker 1 (17:01) gif, doesn't matter. Great. Speaker 3 (17:02) Okay, well, this leads me into my first question. Okay, Speaker 1 (17:04) great. Speaker 3 (17:04) Because... What I got from your special is so funny. You watched it. So great. You crammed Speaker 1 (17:09) it yesterday. I crammed it. Speaker 3 (17:10) Loved it. Thank Speaker 1 (17:11) you. Speaker 3 (17:12) You are like a product of like a matriarchy. You have grown up around women's sisters, your mothers. Yes. It's Speaker 1 (17:19) a Speaker 3 (17:19) huge part of your life. Yes. And your comedy. Oh, Speaker 1 (17:21) yeah. I don't know what it is. I think it's the hang with the boys is so funny. I laugh so much with my boys. But like a hang with women is just so. It's funny, but it's also like mentally challenging and emotional. You're learning about yourself. Speaker 3 (17:42) Yeah. I Speaker 1 (17:43) have a lot of lesbian friends too that I really connect with. Speaker 3 (17:46) Yes. They like you. Because I'm a Speaker 1 (17:48) lesbian in many ways. Speaker 3 (17:49) Say more. What do you mean? You know what I mean? Because Speaker 1 (17:50) I grew up around women, so I'm kind of a woman in some ways. I get jealous. I get petty. I do. I get jealous and petty. Speaker 3 (17:56) Yeah. My Speaker 1 (17:57) girlfriend has to deal with that. I do. I get weird. I go, I didn't like that. I say that sometimes. I go, I didn't like that. I go, when you did that, I didn't like that. Oh, Speaker 3 (18:09) I love that. And it made me Speaker 1 (18:10) feel bad. And I hope that in Speaker 3 (18:13) the future, Speaker 1 (18:14) when you are in a situation where you could do something like that, that you'll act differently for my sake. I talk like that sometimes. That's really good Speaker 3 (18:22) communicating, by the way. Speaker 1 (18:23) My mom has really trained me. Have you Speaker 3 (18:25) ever been to therapy? Speaker 1 (18:26) A little bit. I've experimented. Okay. Sports psychology I liked. Speaker 3 (18:31) Oh, yeah. I want to talk about that because you are a big, you're a jock. Speaker 1 (18:34) I'm a jock, yeah. Speaker 3 (18:36) And, you know, I can tell from the way that you like, like you love a team. Oh, Speaker 1 (18:41) yeah. Speaker 3 (18:41) And like that is the thing I have to say like in figuring out like what to talk to you about today. Like, when I was around you and got to be at SNL when you were there, you can tell right away the people that like to have fun. And I know that sounds so stupid and simple, but it's easily forgotten at any job. It's like, okay, I got the job now. And then all you think about is, like, losing the job or the job sucks or the job's hard or whatever. You forget the fun part. And there's something about you that... really radiates a lot of fun. Oh yeah. And you love being part of a team. Oh Speaker 2 (19:13) yeah. Like you like Speaker 3 (19:14) the team to win. Speaker 2 (19:14) Yeah. And I don't like to work like in a, in like, in a very positive way. I work very hard in my life, but I don't like to work. Working is Speaker 1 (19:24) bad and weird. So everything but work is always usually my goal. When I'm working, I got a scooter. My girlfriend had a foot injury. She had a scooter. I got her a new scooter. And then the old scooter, I took it to work. Now there's Speaker 2 (19:37) a Speaker 1 (19:37) scooter at work. Now, if you got to go to the bathroom, you jump on the scooter. That's fun. You're there in a couple of minutes. Now people are scooting up and down the halls. That's fun. Speaker 3 (19:45) That's fun. God, I love that. Sometimes I Speaker 1 (19:47) do seal. Do you know seal? With that long table that we do table read in. I do seal. I run through that hallway and then I seal and see if I can get fully across. Speaker 3 (19:56) Okay. You know who did