Ana de Armas paid homage to her Cuban heritage during her debut as presenter of “Saturday Night Live” on Saturday. Upon entering the stage for her monologue, the “Blonde” star welcomed the audience in Spanish before discussing her experience immigrating to the United States.
De Armas uttered “gracias, gracias” in response to a roar of acclaim. “He tenido un año increíble y estoy muy feliz de estar aquí presentando el programa de esta noche.” (“Thank you, thank you; I’ve had an incredible year, and I’m thrilled to be hosting tonight’s show.”)
“I speak English,” De Armas continued, “but when I first arrived in the United States, I did not.” I am a native of Cuba. I arrived in the United States at the age of 26, and I learned English the same way that everyone else does: by viewing ‘Friends.'”
Who would have imagined that Chandler Bing would be the best English tutor? De Armas made a jest before imitating the fan-favorite sitcom character. “I mean, just look at me now; could I possibly be any better at English?”
De Armas went on to describe the difficulties she encountered when she arrived in America speaking English as a second language. She provided the example of an acting class, “which was clearly a scam,” centred on the auditioning process: “There was this line, ‘I beg your pardon.’ However, I had never seen or heard that expression before, so I assumed the character was literally pleading.”
During her opening remarks, the Academy Award nominee also acknowledged Robert de Niro, whom she met while working on her first film in the United States, “Hands of Stone.” De Armas elaborated on the fellow actor’s visit to her father’s place of employment in Cuba.
De Armas concluded, “That was such a kind gesture, and I’ve been so fortunate to work with so many wonderful actors.” “My father was extremely proud of me, and he would be pleased to see me standing on this stage today. I am extremely fortunate to be here.”
The latest collaboration between De Armas and co-star Chris Evans, “Ghosted,” an Apple TV+ film, will premiere on April 21. In addition, the actor finished filming alongside Keanu Reeves for “Ballerina,” the fourth installment in the “John Wick” franchise.
Similar to De Armas, Karol G will later make her “Saturday Night Live” debut as the evening’s musical guest. The Colombian singer-songwriter won the 2018 Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and her latest studio album, Maana Será Bonito, has since atop the Billboard 200.
Repertory actors Heidi Gardner and Bowen Yang began the April 15 episode as co-news anchors Dana and Jace, reporting live from Central Park in New York City. The duo conducts interviews with an assortment of park-goers wearing questionable attire for the recent 90-degree weather.
