Marcello Hernandez: Comedy Inspired by Family

Marcello Hernandez, the rising star of Saturday Night Live, draws much of his comedic inspiration from his multicultural family background. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Hernandez’s life story reflects an American immigrant experience that has become central to his comedy identity. His mother Isabel, originally from Cuba, fled her homeland at just 12 years old, making stops in Spain and the Dominican Republic before finally settling in America. Meanwhile, Hernandez’s biological father hails from the Dominican Republic, creating a rich cultural tapestry that provides endless material for the comedian’s performances.

Hernandez’s parents divorced when he was very young, with his mother remarrying when he was around 4 or 5 years old. The comedian often jokes about his parents’ split in his routines, once quipping during a 2022 performance at Montreal Just for Laughs that they “came to America with the same idea, just a little bit different.” He explained that his mom arrived and saw opportunities for growth, while his father viewed America as “the land of opportunities” but not necessarily “a place to be married.” Despite the divorce, Hernandez maintains strong relationships with both his biological father and his stepfather, whom he credits as being supportive throughout his life. “I have two dads and a mom,” Hernandez shared on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast. “I got lucky with a good stepdad. I think it’s also a difficult position to be in.”

The path to comedy wasn’t immediately obvious for Hernandez, who initially excelled as a soccer player in his teen years. When he decided to pivot toward comedy, he found varying levels of support from his parents. His biological father, having witnessed Hernandez’s athletic talent firsthand, was initially skeptical about abandoning a promising soccer career for the uncertain world of comedy. “My dad had gone to a few tournaments and seen me play really well,” Hernandez explained. “I think he had that always in his mind, like, ‘You’re really good. I’ve seen you excel. I don’t think you should drop this for something that you’re not so good at yet.'” By contrast, his mother and stepfather embraced his new direction with enthusiasm, telling him, “If you want to do this, we’re in. Go for it.” This blend of cautious concern and unconditional support from his family has helped shape Hernandez’s approach to comedy and life.

Hernandez speaks with particular reverence about his mother, Isabel, whom he describes as “truly an example” of moral character and resilience. “Someone that is moral, that takes care of her family, that is nice to people, that is respectful, gives her time back. She’s just a beautiful human being,” he shared on “Armchair Expert.” The comedian often reflects on his mother’s difficult journey and how meaningful it is that she can witness his success today: “When you grow up like that and then something good happens to you and you feel like you’ve made it, the first thing that has come to my mind all the time, whenever I’m doing an interview or somebody’s asking me, all I can think of is like, ‘I can’t believe that she gets to see this.'” This deep appreciation for his mother’s sacrifices fuels much of Hernandez’s work and public persona.

Isabel has become not just an inspiration but also a collaborator in Hernandez’s career. She has accompanied him to various red carpet events and even joined him for a January 2026 interview on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle. Their relationship reached new professional heights when they appeared together in a T-Mobile commercial in 2024, showcasing their natural chemistry and shared sense of humor. More significantly, Isabel’s personality and parenting style have directly influenced some of Hernandez’s most successful comedy. His viral “Protective Mom” sketch on Saturday Night Live, which featured Pedro Pascal playing an overprotective Latina mother meeting her son’s new girlfriend, drew heavily from Isabel’s real-life characteristics. Hernandez revealed on Late Night With Seth Meyers that one of the sketch’s lines—”My son don’t have ADD, he just like to jump”—sounded remarkably like something his own mother would say.

The influence of Hernandez’s multicultural upbringing permeates his comedy, giving it an authenticity that resonates with diverse audiences. By weaving stories about his Cuban mother, Dominican father, and American stepfather into his routines, he creates humor that feels both personal and universal. His willingness to mine his family experiences for comedy gold has become a signature aspect of his work, whether on the SNL stage or in his stand-up performances. As Hernandez’s star continues to rise in the comedy world, his parents remain his most profound muse—providing both the foundation for his success and the rich material that fuels his unique comedic voice. Through laughter, he honors their immigrant journeys and celebrates the complex, loving family that shaped him into the performer he is today.