Leslie Jones hilarious mix-up with Pedro Pascal at SNL50: Who is Pedro?

The Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary celebration brought together a galaxy of comedy legends and Hollywood stars. But amid the glitz, laughter, and nostalgia, comedian Leslie Jones found herself in one of the event’s most comically awkward situations — forgetting Pedro Pascal’s name and calling him “Pablo” instead.

The former SNL star, known for her bold humor and infectious energy, shared the story on Vulture’s Good One podcast, recalling her unforgettable first meeting with The Last of Us actor. “And Pedro, is it Pedro?” she began, laughing at her own memory. “Let me tell you, I called him Pablo until he told me his name is Pedro. I kept saying ‘Pablo, Pablo,’ and he kept correcting me — ‘Pedro!’ I finally said, ‘Who the heck is Pedro?’ and he goes, ‘That’s my name!’”

Leslie burst into laughter as she recounted the moment, later admitting, “I told him, ‘Okay, I’ll call you Pedro, even though Pablo’s better.’ He’s so cute, too.”

A Star-Studded Night of Nostalgia

The SNL50 anniversary, which aired in February 2025, was nothing short of a Hollywood reunion. Dozens of past cast members — including Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, and Kenan Thompson — returned to Studio 8H for the grand event. Jones herself joined the trio for a hilarious Black Jeopardy sketch that reminded fans of her golden run from 2014 to 2019.

Pedro Pascal, who hosted SNL in 2023, made his return to the stage that night as a non-cast performer. He appeared in the “Domingo: Vow Renewal” sketch alongside rapper Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, Andy Samberg, and other SNL favorites.

However, Pascal later confessed that his night wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, he revealed he missed his cue multiple times during the musical skit. “I was the first record scratch of the night,” he admitted. “I missed my cue three times in a row. I was so nervous I couldn’t even hear properly. Singing on live TV? Absolute terror.”

Fans Imagine a Leslie–Pedro Sketch Duo

For many fans, the thought of Leslie Jones and Pedro Pascal sharing a sketch has “comedy gold” written all over it. Both actors are known for breaking character with laughter and bringing raw energy to their roles. Though they never overlapped during their SNL tenures — Jones left in 2019, while Pascal first hosted in 2023 — their off-screen chemistry is undeniable.

Online, fans joked that Jones’ “Pablo moment” should be turned into a full SNL sketch. “That bit writes itself,” one fan commented. Others called for Pascal to return as a host soon — hopefully with Jones making a guest appearance.

While Jones has stated in past interviews that she doesn’t “miss the show,” her participation in the anniversary special may have rekindled her fondness for live sketch comedy. And if the audience gets lucky, perhaps one day she’ll team up with “Pablo” — sorry, Pedro — for another round of laughs.

Until then, Saturday Night Live continues its legacy every Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET, streaming on Peacock.

FAQs

Who is Leslie Jones?
Leslie Jones is a comedian and actress best known for her five-year stint on Saturday Night Live (2014–2019) and her roles in films like Ghostbusters (2016).

Why did Leslie Jones call Pedro Pascal “Pablo”?
Jones admitted she simply mixed up his name when they met at the SNL50 anniversary special — leading to a hilarious exchange.

Did Pedro Pascal really perform on SNL50?
Yes, Pascal joined as a performer in a comedic sketch alongside Bad Bunny and other celebrities.

What happened during Pedro Pascal’s performance?
He missed his singing cue several times, which he later described as one of his most nerve-wracking moments on stage.

Will Leslie Jones return to SNL?
While she has previously said she doesn’t miss the show, her appearance at the anniversary event has reignited fan hopes of a comeback.