Marcello Hernández's ESPYs Roast of Shane Gillis Has Fans Saying the Same Thing
Saturday Night Live's Marcello Hernández had one job at the ESPYs: make people laugh. But after the comedian took a shot at last year's host Shane Gillis during his monologue, many viewers found themselves talking about something else entirely - who exactly is Marcello Hernández?
Hernández, who has become one of SNL's breakout cast members, joked about Gillis' controversial past during the awards show, sparking a wave of reactions online. While some fans praised the roast and said Gillis himself would likely appreciate the joke, others were less focused on the punchline and more confused about Hernández's rising profile, asking why they were just now discovering the 28-year-old comedian.
"Did he win a radio contest or something? The only offensive thing about this joke is how generic it is. Y'all have lowered the bar something fierce. Must have Mencia ghost writing for him," one person remarked on X.
"I also want to shout out last year's host, Shane Gillis. He is watching from home like a true American- on his couch, drinking a beer, while a Hispanic guy does his job."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 16, 2026
- Marcello Hernández in his ESPYs monologue pic.twitter.com/Mcol5IYL5Z
Another person wrote, "I don't know who this Marcello fella is, but maybe I should learn, cause that s-t is hilarious!!!" Still, not everyone was impressed. Some viewers criticized the monologue, while others claimed they had heard similar punchlines before.
Hernández didn't stop with Gillis. He also took a shot at golf legend Tiger Woods, referencing Woods' past legal troubles with a joke about the "Grand Theft Auto" video game franchise. Woods was arrested and charged with driving under the influence following a rollover crash in Florida in March, marking his fourth reckless driving incident since 2009.
"I love you, Tiger," Hernández said. "I'm a big fan, man. It was just written so well."
The SNL comedian, best known for his character Domingo, also poked fun at longtime NFL coach Bill Belichick, the former New England Patriots head coach who made headlines last year for his relationship with 24-year-old former cheerleaderJordon Hudson.
During his monologue, Hernández joked about how much the sports world has changed, saying, "In 1973, hockey players didn't wear helmets. Basketball had no three-point line. And in 1973, Bill Belichick was the age his girlfriend is now."
While some viewers may not have known who Hernández was before the ESPYs, boxer Jake Paul, who was in the audience, played along with the comedian's joke about his tendency to face older opponents in the ring. "My dad and my stepdad are both here, and they're over 50, and I know that's how you like 'em," Hernández joked.
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This story was originally published July 16, 2026 at 5:29 AM.