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Marcello Hernandez just revealed the unexpected story of how he met his girlfriend at a charity event in New York. The 28-year-old SNL star opened up on a podcast about a fan request that sparked something far bigger. Here’s the full scoop on their serendipitous connection.
🔥 Quick Facts
- How They Met: Charity event in New York through a friend’s request for a video
- Timeline: Met late 2024, started dating January 2025, red carpet debut July 2025
- Ana’s Background: Dominican-American architect based in New York with Yale education
- Recent Update: Revealed meeting story on Jake Shane’s Therapuss podcast February 25, 2026
The Serendipitous Charity Event Meeting
Marcello spilled the romantic origin story on the Therapuss podcast hosted by Jake Shane earlier this week. He explained that Ana’s friend approached him at the charity event with a specific request. Her dad was apparently a huge fan of the SNL comedian, and she wanted Marcello to film a personalized video message. What seemed like a simple fan interaction turned into something much more significant for the young comedian.
The initial approach was slightly awkward, Marcello revealed, with Ana accompanying her friend to make the request. “The uncomfortable friend that comes with the friend to do the asking,” he joked during the podcast. Despite the awkwardness, something clicked between them in that moment at the charity event in New York.
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The Year-Long Wait Before Dating
The path to romance wasn’t immediate. After exchanging information at the event, Marcello managed to get Ana’s Instagram handle. However, he didn’t immediately ask her out. Instead, a full year passed before the two finally went on their first date. The SNL cast member described the timeline as a classic case of missed timing and hesitation, but eventually, he took the leap.
“And then I just saw her and I got her Instagram and a year later, we finally went out,” Marcello explained to Shane on the podcast. The long wait between their initial meeting and their first date makes their relationship feel all the more genuine and earned. Once they did start dating, however, things moved forward smoothly for the couple.
A Timeline of Their Relationship
| Milestone | Date |
| Charity Event Meeting | Late 2024 |
| Started Dating | January 2025 |
| Red Carpet Debut | July 21, 2025 (Happy Gilmore 2) |
| Public Appearances | Multiple events through 2026 |
“We met at a charity event in New York, and a friend of hers wanted me to make a video for her dad because her dad was a fan. And then she was like, the uncomfortable friend that comes with the friend to do the asking for a video thing. And then I just saw her and I got her Instagram and a year later, we finally went out.”
— Marcello Hernandez, SNL Cast Member and Comedian
Who Is Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral?
Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral is a talented architect based in New York City with impressive credentials. The Dominican-American professional attended Yale University, where she earned her degree before establishing herself in the competitive architecture field. According to Marcello’s own praise, she’s an accomplished woman making waves in her industry.
During an appearance at the 2026 Grammys, Marcello couldn’t stop raving about his girlfriend. “I’m in a relationship with a Dominican girl. She’s an architect. She’s unreal. She went to Yale,” he told reporters. The couple made several public appearances together, including red carpet events and award show sightings, solidifying their status as an official celebrity couple. Their relationship has captured fans’ attention for its genuine, down-to-earth vibe.
What’s Next for Marcello Hernandez and His Girlfriend?
Marcello’s career continues to flourish with his role on Saturday Night Live, where he’s been a cast member since 2022. In November 2025, exciting news broke that he joined the voice cast of Shrek 5, playing one of Shrek’s sons. With Ana by his side, the couple seems to be building a strong foundation together while both advancing their professional goals.
The story of how Marcello and Ana met proves that sometimes the best things in life come from unexpected moments. What started as a fan request at a charity event ultimately led to a year of wondering, finally asking her out, and now sharing a thriving relationship. Fans of the SNL star continue to root for the couple as they navigate their relationship in the public eye.
