Hollywood actress Ana de Armas (34) has revealed that she learned the English language with the help of a sitcom. “I came to America when I was 26 and learned English like everyone who comes to this country does: by watching Friends,” she said of her debut as a host of Saturday Night Live on Saturday.
The internationally famous series with stars like Jennifer Aniston (54) or Matthew Perry (55) ran from 1994 to 2004, but is still celebrated by fans around the world today.
“Who knew the best English teacher would be Chandler Bing,” de Armas joked. “I mean look at me now, could I be any better in English?” When she came to the US, she didn’t speak the language, the 34-year-old said. “I was born in Cuba.” That brought various difficulties, for example in an acting class: “There was this line: ‘I beg your pardon’. But I had never seen or heard this sentence, so I thought the character was literally begging.”
The “Blonde” star, on the other hand, formulated the greeting on “Saturday Night Live” in Spanish. “Gracias, gracias,” said de Armas. “He tenido un año increíble y estoy muy feliz de estar aquí presentando el programa de esta noche.” (Eng.: “Thank you, thank you! […] I’ve had an incredible year and I’m very happy to be hosting the show tonight.”)
De Armas sent a special greeting to Hollywood veteran Robert de Niro (79). She had worked with him on “Hands of Stone” – her first acting work in the USA. De Niro visited her father at work during a trip to Cuba. “It was such a kind gesture and I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful actors,” said the James Bond actress. “My father was so proud of me and he would be proud to see me on this stage today. I feel very lucky to be here.”
Ana de Armas will be available on Apple TV from April 21. In the action comedy “Ghosted” she plays alongside “Captain America” star Chris Evans (41). In the “John Wick” spin-off “Ballerina” she will also be admired in 2024 alongside superstar Keanu Reeves (58). The lead role in Blonde earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in 2023.
