Ana De Armas says she learned English watching Friends
Ana de Armas has said that she learnt English by watching Friends when she moved to the US.
The Blonde star appeared on Saturday Night Live where she revealed that she was set to become a US citizen in the next few weeks. You can see her talk about her move to the US here:
De Armas moved to America from Cuba when she was 26 and joked that she credits the popular sitcom with teaching her how to speak English.
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Opening her SNL monologue in Spanish, de Armas said: “Gracias, gracias, muchas gracias.
“He tenido un año increíble y estoy muy feliz de estar aquí presentando el programa de esta noche.” Which, Google tells me, translates to: "Thank you, thank you very much. I've had an amazing year and I'm so happy to be here hosting tonight's show.”
De Armas then switched to perfect English to continue: “Just kidding! I speak English, but I didn’t when I first got to the US. I was born in Cuba, came to America when I was 26 and I learnt English the way everyone who comes to this country does… by watching Friends.”
She went on: “Who would’ve thought that the best English tutor would be Chandler Bing? I mean, look at me now. Could I be any better at English?”
The Oscar-nominee then shared the news that she was going to become a US citizen in just three weeks time.
"This has been a magical year. Not only [was] I nominated for an Oscar, but in three weeks I’m gonna officially become an American citizen," she said.
"I am proud to become a citizen because when I moved here, everyone was so welcoming."
After making the life-changing revelation, de Armas shared a sweet story about her Hands of Stone co-star, and legendary Hollywood star, Robert De Niro.
She said: "When I did my first movie in the US, called Hands of Stone, I got to work with Robert De Niro.
"And one day on set, he told me, ‘I may be going to Cuba soon. If I do, I’ll say hello to your family.’ He even asked me for the phone number.
"I completely forgot about it, and 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?’ He’s like, ‘Robert De Niro just came to visit me at work.’
"That was such a kind gesture, and I’ve been so fortunate to work with so many supportive actors."
Topics: Celebrity, Film and TV, Friends, Ana de Armas
Claire Reid