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Marcello Hernandez has brought a new energy to Saturday Night Live as the breakout star to join the show’s latest cast of comedians. As a result, the 26-year-old has teamed up with some of his favorite Latin music artists including Bad Bunny (who he most recently impersonated) and Karol G. In celebration of the comedy sketch show’s 50th season as well as Hispanic Heritage Month, Hernandez is raising a glass to his achievements in a new campaign with Buchanan Scotch Whiskey.
The #ComoLoDigas campaign looks to celebrate and display the various ways that Buchanan’s 200% fans pronounce (and enjoy) the beverage, while demonstrating that “what may differentiate Latinos in language unites them in community,” the brand says in a press statement.
As a fellow 200%-er, the #ComoLoDigas campaign also has a personal connection for the actor.
“One of the reasons that it’s been a really cool experience to work with Buchanan’s is the 200% campaign, which is just highlighting people that are 100% their culture or their parents’ culture, and then also 100% American,” Hernandez says in an interview with Billboard. “I think a lot of first-generation people like myself can relate to that.”
Keep reading to shop the whiskey and learn more about Hernandez’s experience as a cast member on SNL — including his secret to the perfect Bad Bunny impression as well as what he’s most excited for when Ariana Grande takes over hosting duties.
Choosing Buchanan’s Scotch Whiskey seemed like a natural choice for the comedian as it was a go-to for his family.
“You spend a lot of time when you’re younger not drinking,” he says. “When you get old enough to drink, you just want something that’s familiar. I think that this was really familiar to me because of the family parties I used to go to. It’s like a household name, if you will.”
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His preferred way to take the drink is just a simple mix that avoids sugar: a splash of soda in a glass.
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Part of the reason Buchanan’s tapped Hernandez to be the face of the campaign was through their effort to bring younger Lantino Americans into the forefront — especially as Latino culture and language in the U.S. has evolved over the years. The campaign also hopes to unite the different communities within the culture by celebrating 200% pride and uniting everyone no matter what form (or sound). Within the campaign video, the brand spotlights the various ways in which people have been pronouncing “Buchanan’s” over the years “based on their country of origin, cultural slang or even the neighborhoods they live in, ensuring the love for Buchanan’s Whisky remains, no matter the pronunciation.”
Latino culture in the U.S. and language have evolved over the years, with younger Latino Americans celebrating our nuances, not to create division, but rather to celebrate 200% pride and uniting us no matter what form (or sound) it takes. Launching during Hispanic Heritage Month, the campaign is inspired by the various ways different communities
Below, ShopBillboard chats with Hernandez more about life as a cast member on SNL, his favorite artists and what he looks forward to most when Grande takes over as host.
You just had the premiere for the 50th season. Compared to last season, what was different about this premiere experience?
Well, this year we had Maya [Rudolph] and Andy Sandberg and Jim Gaffigan and Dana Carvie, who all stopped by to play characters of the Presidential race. Having them there set the tone for what season this is going to be and show you how important it is. I just think it’s beautiful, the relationship that people that have graduated from the show still have with it.
You also did a Bad Bunny impression for the premiere. Did he know about it beforehand?
I didn’t tell him, but I did keep him in mind. I didn’t want to ruin the little relationship that we do have, but it was fun. He’s somebody that before I met him, I was just a huge fan. It’s fun to dress up like somebody that you’re fan of.
What do you think is the secret to the perfect Bad Bunny impression?
I think there’s probably different ways to do it, whether he’s on stage versus off stage. Off stage he’s definitely not like a a crazy loud person, maybe the way I am, so maybe turning myself down a couple notches and being a little more chill. He has a grace to him that is fun to watch, and it’s hard to throw him off.
And then looking forward, Ariana Grande is supposed to be hosting soon — any dream sketches with her?
I don’t know if I have any dream sketches, but I do know that when I was 12 or 13, my family and I did a trip to LA, and we were at a restaurant and we saw her. Back then, my sister and I would probably watch her on Victorious and I remember just being like, “We have to take a picture with her.”
We did. There’s this really old picture of really young me with Ariana. Any sketch that we do together will feel like a full circle moment.
Are there any musical guests you’re looking forward to seeing?
Personally, all I listen to is Latin music. I think just having any Latin artist come by would be beautiful and would definitely have me dancing at 8H.
Check below to watch the official campaign video for the Buchanan’s Scotch Whiskey.
