To mark his “Saturday Night Live” hosting debut on Feb. 4, Pedro Pascal had one of his best friends make a surprise appearance: Sarah Paulson. The “Ratched” actor made a cameo during the show’s “Fancam Assembly” sketch as a high school teacher named Ms. Jenny opposite Pascal’s Mr. Ben, whose Gen Z students hilariously dub the pair “mommy” and “daddy.” Although they only shared the screen together briefly, their scene was one of the episode’s biggest highlights. The moment wasn’t necessarily a reunion of sorts – in fact, the pair seem to often be together. They’ve actually been friends for 30 years.
That’s right, Pascal and Paulson go way back. Their friendship began during the early 1990s when they were just teenagers. At the time, Pascal and Paulson were both up-and-coming actors living in New York. Eventually, they crossed paths, and after hitting it off, the two became best pals who would go on to take over Hollywood together.
Of course, Paulson is known for starring in the “American Horror Story” TV franchise, as well as movies like “The Post,” “Ocean’s 8,” and “Run.” Meanwhile, Pascal has become a household name due to his roles on “Game of Thrones,” “The Mandalorian,” and “The Last of Us.”
Despite being two of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Pascal and Paulson still find time to hang out with each other whenever they can, and they’ve shared so many cute moments over the years. If you’re a fan, scroll through the slideshow to see their friendship timeline.
Getty/ Dimitrios Kambouris
2014: Their Careers Begin Overlapping
After Paulson became a series regular on “American Horror Story” and Pascal gained fame for starring on “Law & Order,” the pair began crossing paths over and over again. For example, they both attended the 2014 SAG Awards in Los Angeles, where they posed for a few pictures together during the ceremony. Afterward, they became each other’s regular dates at red carpet events like the 2014 Producers Guild Awards and Directors Guild of America Awards in Beverly Hills. That same year, they also reunited in New York City for the premiere of “The Normal Heart.”
Getty/ Jeff Kravitz
2015: They Continue Making Public Appearances Together
Pascal and Paulson kicked off 2015 by making several public appearances together. Days after attending the Los Angeles premiere of “Togetherness,” the duo were pictured hanging out at the Golden Globes afterparty. They also snapped a few photos with Amanda Peet at the SAG Awards that year.
Getty/ Jeff Kravitz
January 2016: They Attend the SAG Awards Together
After running into each other at the SAG Awards two years in a row, Pascal and Paulson officially attended the 2016 ceremony together. The stars were all smiles on the red carpet while posing for photos.
Getty/ Will Heath/NBC
2023: They Appear on "Saturday Night Live" Together
Three decades after meeting as rising actors in New York City, Pascal and Paulson’s friendship came full circle when they appeared on “Saturday Night Live” together. The Feb. 4 episode marked Pascal’s first time hosting the show, so it was only natural he would want his best friend by his side for the special milestone.
