Sebastian Maniscalco Praises Marcello Hernandez for His Impressive Parody on ‘SNL’: “I Felt Very Flattered”
Sebastian Maniscalco Reacts to Impressive Impression by Marcello Hernandez
Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, although yet to host an episode of Saturday Night Live, has received unexpected recognition in the form of a standout impression by fellow comic Marcello Hernandez. Following a recent parody of Maniscalco, the comedian expressed his appreciation, calling the sketch flattering.
In a preview clip for his upcoming appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, set to air on December 2, Maniscalco stated, “He did a great job. I was very flattered that they did that. He actually called me on Thursday before the show, said, ‘Do you want to come in and do a cameo at the end of it?’ I couldn’t do it because I was performing in Palm Springs, but I thought this kid did a fantastic job.”
Maniscalco emphasized that Hernandez’s impersonation was "absolutely all in love." Despite never having hosted SNL, he humorously noted that Barrymore, a six-time host, could assist him in securing a spot in the coveted Five-Timers Club. "I’m here today to kind of petition — and maybe you could help me,” he quipped. “You’re taking all the spots!”
In a related interview with Complex promoting his latest Hulu special, It Ain’t Right, he shared similar sentiments about the impression. Reflecting on Hernandez’s portrayal, he remarked, “The first thing I noticed: Do they think I’m that gray? I thought the gray hair was a little excessive.”
As one of the top-grossing comedians globally, Maniscalco praised Hernandez for his committed performance, particularly highlighting the physicality of his act. "He really got a kick out of his over enunciation on the physical humor,” he noted. “That was my favorite part: the whole step over, jump over. And I actually talked to Marcello via text, and I said, ‘Man I wish I could jump like that.’”
He also expressed surprise at the viral success of the impression, stating, “I’ve gotten more traction on this video than any video I’ve ever been in. If we could just have people keep imitating me, I think it’ll be fine,” while joking about the complications of appearing in such impressions himself.
The viral SNL sketch, which premiered on November 15, features host Glen Powell’s bachelor party spiraling when an old friend, introduced as the renowned standup comedian Maniscalco, joins the festivities.
Maniscalco shared his reaction shortly after the sketch’s release, commenting, “You gotta be kidding me” on his initial repost of the video.
Currently, SNL is on its holiday hiatus, with plans to return for a three-week run in December beginning this Saturday.
