Fernando’s Hideaway and My Emcee Gig

Back in 1984, Saturday Night Live wasn’t just a television show—it was an event. I planned my Saturday nights around it. That cast was pure magic, but my favorite was always Billy Crystal.

Every character he created was hilarious, but none made me laugh harder than Fernando Lamas, the overly charming host of Fernando’s Hideaway. Picture a swanky 1960s lounge with tufted black leather booths where Fernando would interview celebrities. He’d shower his guests with compliments, barely listen to a word they said, and then flash that grin before delivering his unforgettable catchphrase:

“You look marvelous, dahling.”

It was ridiculous. It was brilliant. And to this day, when I need a good laugh, I still find myself watching those old clips on YouTube.

Tonight, though, Fernando unexpectedly made an appearance.

I found myself sitting in a director’s chair in front of about fifty people on the seventeenth floor of a New York City gallery with a microphone in my hand. My sister was hosting another Leadership Salon to celebrate her new book, and she had asked me to emcee the evening.

I was honored…and if I’m being truthful…a little jittery.

I reviewed the evening’s agenda, studied my conversation cues, and silently wondered if I could pull this off. Then I reminded myself that this wasn’t about me. It was about Kathy, her message, and the years of wisdom she had poured into helping people become better leaders.

And then, out of nowhere, Fernando showed up in my head.

Suddenly I wasn’t sitting in a director’s chair beside my sister. I was back in Fernando’s Hideaway, tucked into one of those famous black leather booths with my guest beside me. I looked over at Kathy and had to stop myself from blurting out, “Kathy…you look marvelous. Absolutely marvelous.”

Just like that, the nerves disappeared.

The conversation became exactly that—a conversation. I interviewed Kathy about why she wrote the book and how our dad influenced the leader she became. She later welcomed two fellow CEOs to discuss the human side of leadership in an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. The audience leaned in, asked thoughtful questions, and became part of the discussion. The entire evening simply flowed.

Afterward, I had the chance to meet so many wonderful people. Some were just beginning their careers. Others were preparing to close one chapter and head off to retirement in Florida. Different ages. Different professions. Different journeys. Yet every conversation was warm, genuine, and memorable.

Watching my sister share her heart and her experience with that room filled me with enormous pride. Her message isn’t just for corporate America. It’s for every organization, every team, every family, and every person who has the privilege of influencing someone else’s life.

And somewhere along the way, I realized Fernando had taught me something I never expected. Sometimes confidence doesn’t arrive because you’ve rehearsed enough or because the butterflies disappear. Sometimes it comes from finding one familiar thought that makes you smile, reminds you not to take yourself too seriously, and allows your authentic self to take over.

So thank you, Billy Crystal. Thank you, Fernando, for years of laughter…and for unknowingly sitting beside me in that director’s chair. You didn’t just make me laugh all those years ago.

You helped me remember that the very best hosts aren’t the ones with the perfect questions or the cleverest lines. They’re the ones who make someone else feel comfortable enough to tell their story.

And Kathy…

You looked marvelous, dahling. Absolutely marvelous.

******The image included in this 07/22/2026 blog was created with Chat GPT for entertainment purposes only.*****************

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Author: KikiFikar

Kiki Fikar is a native New Yorker who is passionate about taking the day to day life we all experience and sharing it in her tales from Suburbia. She will often be found at the gym, writing snippets each day for future story lines, listening to her two children create their lives, and building the perfect beachfront home and writing retreat in her mind.

42 thoughts on “Fernando’s Hideaway and My Emcee Gig”

  2. Writing a book about leadership is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations to your sister. You were very supportive of her and very helpful, which is very nice. Love between sisters is a wonderful thing.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. i’m so happy that you were able to draw up on the confidence of Fernando Lamas and make it a memorable night for your sister and the people that you drew into the discussion.

    Oh, it would be quite the crossover if Fernando Lamas and Christopher Walken’s The Continental could ever do a skit together. Or maybe even Matt Foley lol 😀

    have a great night Karen!
    Mike

    Liked by 1 person

  4. OMG Kiki…this is awesome!!!! What a great opportunity to help your sister and the whole SNL thing. Billy was always a favorite of mine too. And you are marvelous Dahling!!!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. I love the entire show and history of it. Admittedly I haven’t watched these past few years but the talent is so good. I just miss the Billy Crystal days! Hope you are doing well my friend! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Thank you my friend!! Were your ears ringing last night? I was talking about blogging with a few people and I mentioned your blog too. I was explaining that the talent in our group is beyond belief. I’ll post some pics on IG once Kathy sends them. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  8. I just spit out my coffee!! OMG yes!!! I quote each of them too. Matt Foley is a big deal in my house. lol ok now I’ll laugh for the rest of the day. Thanks Mike! ❤️😊😂

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Thank you so very much! It was truly a special night. We’ve spent years talking about her dream. Watching it grow now that it’s literally on paper is incredible.

    Hope your week is going great. I’m loving your work. 😊

    Liked by 2 people

  15. What a wonderful and fun post… Joy and humility can open the door to meaningful moments. God often uses the little memories and gifts He places in our hearts to give us courage when we need it most. 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Your writing brought to mind something Larry King once said in an interview. He was asked how he prepared to interview such a wide variety of guests. His answer was essentially, “I just ask the question the average person on the street would ask.” I’m paraphrasing, but that has always stayed with me.

    As I read your post, I realized that’s very much how your MC’ing came across. It felt comfortable, conversational, and authentic. Nothing seemed forced or scripted—you let the moment breathe, and the questions flowed naturally. I think that’s one of the hallmarks of a true professional. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. This was a wonderful reminder that confidence often comes from embracing who we are rather than trying to be perfect. I love how a simple childhood memory and a favorite character helped transform a stressful moment into an authentic connection. The best storytellers and leaders are the ones who make others feel seen, heard, and valued. A great example of how humor, humility, and heart can make a lasting impact.

    Liked by 2 people

  26. Oh my friend. Thank you!! Those clips… I could watch them all day and sometimes I do… When he interviews Ringo Starr and says to him “the Beatles thing really took off, didn’t it? Do you get residuals for any of those songs?“ I howl. Genius stuff.

    Liked by 2 people

  27. Of course, girlie. I got you. I’ve been brain stuck in school work. So I’ve been writing much. But i have been ghostwriting songs lately for what I do outside of the writing world. So I’ve been using some of them in my edits on my TikTok. However, I am always present for your content.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. Kiki, top shelf. I remember Billy with the Fernando bit… so iconic. That and the “I HATE when that happens…” (nail gun in the eye; foot flattened by a fork truck; a brick on the head from three stories up) 😂

    Great icebreaker/way to lighten the room for your emcee duties. You’re a great sister 😎❤️👏

    Liked by 1 person

  38. Oooooh Twinnie. Yes the I hate when that happens sketch… Wasn’t that with Joe Piscopo? Oh my God that was so funny too now I have to watch this one lol Piscopo as Sinatra too…😂😂😂

    Liked by 1 person

  39. JP was also hilarious as Johnny Dangerously with all his mangled speech “You forkin’ bastiges!” 😂 SNL during college was must-see TV. Had to get there by 10:45 to get a seat or be stuck in the doorway on tiptoes wondering what the laughing was all about. Fortunately, the UF Rathskellar was right next to the dorms, so we had an hour (with a few pitchers) to hash and rehash that night’s show. Glory years, my friend! 😎👌

    Liked by 1 person

  40. My goodness. Those were the days. My sophomore year was in a new condo with a great living room/common area. After that was Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert. Don’t know if you had that programming in FL after SNL. We usually headed out to a bar afterwards.

    Good times!!

    Liked by 1 person

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