Live from New York…no wait…Live from John Carroll University, it’s Marcello Hernandez ’19. The Saturday Night Live star and JCU alum revisited his past during a panel hosted by University Club and head men’s soccer coach, Dejan Mladenovic ’06.
Before the panel started, an introduction was made by Vice President of Development, Mike Scanlan ‘06. On the stage was the jacket worn many years ago by Tim Russert ’76 and represented U-Club. Scanlan added that many people have come to JCU in the past, and are glad to welcome back an alumni. Hernandez was soon welcomed on stage talking with Mlandenovic while sporting the number 23 on a jersey.
The first question of the panel was how a kid from Miami ends up in Ohio. Hernandez said, “It was ultimately my mom guiding me. At the time, I wanted to play soccer. My two options were Occidental College in California and John Carroll University in Ohio. My mom did not want me to go to California, so here I am!”
The special guest talked about his soccer career. “I initially toured JCU and it felt inspiring. People go on to be successful. They have a strong work ethic. That is why I chose John Carroll. Now, when I first started soccer, I ran two miles in 18 minutes. I was racing the teachers on the track.”
Afterward, a rapid-fire Q & A started, with questions regarding everything from Hernandez’s favorite order at the Inn Between to living in Sutowski Hall.
However, the toughest part of his JCU career was quitting the soccer team after his sophomore year. “It was ultimately a decision between playing soccer and doing comedy. I was going to practice, then do shows, and repeat the same thing every day. I ended up having to tell the team that I was going to quit.”
That was very tough for Hernandez, but he kept going. During his next few years, Hernandez studied in classes both in marketing and communication, interned at a comedy club, and traveled back and forth to New York City. He noted that he would take the train since, though it took longer, it would be more comfortable.
While in New York City, Hernandez said, “I would sleep at an Air B&B for $72 a night with this lady. I would also be sleeping on the floor at NYU Tisch (New York University). Soon after, COVID hit. I went back home to Miami and was a home delivery medicine salesperson.” Later, he came in contact with a comedian who later let Hernandez open on his tour.
To get to SNL, a manager put him up for an audition at a comedy show. Soon, Hernandez received a callback, which later would result in him going to Canada for a comedy draft. There, writers and producers from the hit NBC show noticed him and he landed the job.
Hernandez had many people to thank including communication professor, Bob Noll, chair of the Tim Russert Department of Communication, Brent Brossmann, and his mother. One of the biggest quotes from his mother that the star mentioned was, “Have fun when you have money. Otherwise, don’t have fun!”
Afterward, Student Government and U-Club President Morgan Anderson ’25, had this to say, “I think that the Marcello event was a great way to engage the JCU community with an honorable alumnus that is relatively close to us in age. I really appreciated his words and think that it was a very relevant and inspirational message he sent to us.”
“Many students approached me after the event to share that they felt extremely empowered and motivated leaving the gym. I think that it was a great day and was so nice connecting with Marcello on a personal level and learning more about him and his time at JCU,” she said.
Whether you were there for fun, or to learn something, there is one main point that can be taken away. Don’t give up and follow your passion!
