‘SNL’ host Ana de Armas learned English watching ‘Friends,’ calls Chandler the ‘best’ tutor

Ana de Armas went back to her roots for her first “Saturday Night Live” hosting gig.

In her opening monologue Saturday, the Cuban actress recalled her experience moving to the U.S. when she was 26.

“I learned English the way everyone who comes to this country does: by watching ‘Friends,’ ” de Armas said. “Who would have thought that the best English tutor would be Chandler Bing? I mean, look at me now. Could I be any better at English?”

The now-34-year-old star went on to recount her “magical year,” earning a best actress Oscar nomination played Marilyn Monroe in the controversial Netflix drama “Blonde,” and announced to the cheering audience that she’s three weeks away from becoming an American citizen.

More ‘SNL’: ‘Barbie’ trailer spoofed with clever American Girl doll parody

She reflected on one of her first experiences making a movie in Hollywood, 2016’s “Hands of Stone,” which co-starred Robert De Niro.

“He told me, ‘I may be going to Cuba soon. If I do, I’ll say hello to your family,’ ” de Armas said. “Then one day, out of the blue, I get a phone call from my dad. He’s hysterical. I’m like, ‘Dad, what’s wrong?’ And he goes, ‘Robert De Niro just came to visit me at work.’ That was such a kind gesture.”

She finished her monologue by paying tribute to her father.

“My dad was so proud of me and he would be proud to see me today standing on this stage. I feel very lucky to be here,” de Armas said. “I remember the first time my name was in The New York Times crossword. Everyone texted me and they said, ‘You made it!’ And I thought I did, but then a couple months ago, ‘SNL’ called me and said, ‘Ana, we want you to host.’ And I was so shocked and excited that all I could say was, ‘I beg your pardon?’ “

De Armas is best known for roles in “Knives Out” and the James Bond film “No Time to Die.” She next co-stars with Chris Evans in “Ghosted,” a rom-com action thriller out April 21 on Apple TV+.

Previously on ‘SNL’: Donald Trump crashes The Last Supper, calls Jesus a ‘nepo baby’

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ‘SNL’ host Ana de Armas learned English from ‘Friends,’ thanks De Niro