Top 10 Hilarious Kristen Wiig Impressions on SNL
#10: Suze Orman
Wiig played CNBC’s Suze Orman, a financial guru who empowers people to take control of their money, on numerous occasions. If you’re familiar with Orman, you probably found Wiig’s impression absolutely hysterical. She’s got her voice and mannerisms down, and she’s so convincing that we’re almost tempted to follow her financial advice! Of course, Wiig puts her own spin on the role, turning the comedy up to the max. We’d even say this is one of her most underrated impersonations, but more people need to know about it because it’s comedy gold. Do you know who else is a big fan of Wiig’s work here? Yep, you guessed it, Suze Orman!
#9: Kim Cattrall
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While Kim Cattrall has been on the scene pretty much since the mid to late 70s, there’s one character that most of us would likely associate her with the most. Indeed, Wigg’s impression is inspired more by Samantha Jones than the woman who plays her. While parodying movies like “Valentine’s Day” and “New Year’s Eve,” this skit brings together a whole new group of celebs for an upcoming film called “The Apocalypse.” Wiig’s Cattrall brings all the sass and confidence that made the “Sex and the City” character a fan favorite. Naturally, no Samantha-esque impression is complete without some cheeky innuendos. Needless to say, Wiig nails the delivery.
#8: Kathie Lee Gifford
Anyone familiar with Kathie Lee Gifford from “Today” knows she’s a powerhouse of energy, like a shot of espresso first thing in the morning. Now, imagine adding at least ten more shots, and you’ve got Wiig’s hilarious take on the TV personality. This version is ever bolder and more direct and doesn’t hold back, especially when it comes to enjoying a drink or two. Wiig takes the host’s lively personality and amps it up to ridiculous heights, resulting in plenty of uproariously funny moments. Her chemistry with Michaela Watkins, Jenny Slate, and Nasim Pedrad as Hoda Kotb perfectly captures the show’s essence. Unfortunately, not everyone saw it as a flattering tribute.
#7: Gloria Swanson
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Wiig’s comedic prowess truly shines when she takes on the personas of Hollywood legends from the golden era. Take, for example, her portrayal of Gloria Swanson, known for her role in “Sunset Boulevard.” If you know Swanson’s work, Wiig’s portrayal in this “Vincent Price” skit will give you chills – it’s that spot-on! Close your eyes or squint a little, and you might just believe Swanson is haunting Studio 8H. Wiig impressed us yet again in another “Vincent Prince” sketch, this time playing Judy Garland. She goes beyond mimicking the actress’ most famous character, Dorothy Gale, from “The Wizard of Oz.” Instead, she captures a more multi-faceted version of the star.
#6: Ann-Margret
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Remember that hilarious sketch where Wiig plays Liza Minnelli trying to turn off a lamp? What a classic! However, let’s not forget this other gem where Wiig takes on the role of the legendary Ann-Margaret. In it, something as mundane as throwing away trash turns into a full-blown dance routine. Wiig captures Ann-Margret’s famous physicality with amazing attention to detail. The energy she brings to the performance is off the charts, too. Wiig throws herself into the character so completely that you can’t help but get caught up in the fun. Whoever’s at the door might peer through the window and wonder, hey, when did Ann-Margret move in?
#5: Jennifer Tilly
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Jennifer Tilly’s unique voice is just begging to be parodied on “SNL,” and Wiig was the perfect choice for the job. In this skit celebrating the 25th anniversary of “Back to the Future,” we’re treated to a series of auditions by different actors doing screen tests. From the moment Wiig appears on screen, it’s as if Jennifer Tilly herself has traveled through time to participate in this bit. Indeed, Wiig doesn’t just copy Tilly’s voice; she transforms into her, catching every quirky rhythm and lively personality trait. She does such a stellar job that if someone tried to convince us that it really is Tilly, we’d probably believe them.
#4: Kris Jenner
Wiig totally nails Kris Jenner’s whole vibe, not just by looking like her, but by fully embracing her role as a “momager” – always craving the spotlight. It’s not just about getting her look right; Wiig captures Jenner’s relentless chase for fame, which makes her portrayal super funny. Wiig’s comedic timing is perfect, delivering jokes that hit home and bring all the extra laughs. Her deep understanding of Jenner's character shines through, guaranteeing sniggering from anyone who watches, no matter how much they know about the Kardashian-Jenner clan. Her knack for blending character depth with humor makes her Kris Jenner impression a crowd-pleaser for sure. Definitely one of her finest!
#3: Drew Barrymore
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When you think of “SNL” parodies of Drew Barrymore, Chloe Fineman’s spot-on impression might spring to mind. However, you might argue that Wiig’s impression walked so Fineman’s could run. Wiig really zeros on the actress-turned-talk-show-host’s subtle quirks, from her speech patterns to how her mouth moves when she speaks. Plus, she captures Barrymore’s sunny disposition and laid-back demeanor flawlessly. In a lineup of fantastic impressions, Wiig’s Barrymore still shines bright. It’s so good that if Drew ever needed a break from her talk show, Wiig could easily just put on a brunette wig and step in. We’re pretty sure that many of us would probably be none the wiser.
#2: Björk
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Icelandic singer Björk is just as famous for her eccentricities as her music. Whether she's being interviewed or starring in a music video, you can't help but feel like she's straight out of a surreal dream. And that's precisely what made her prime material for the comedic genius of Kristen Wiig. Wiig flawlessly channels Björk's voice and quirks, adding her own hilarious twist with some seriously off-the-wall dialogue. Whether she's visiting the “Update” Desk, sharing the screen with Abby Elliott's Zooey Deschanel, or even having dinner with Kenan Thompson's Charles Barkley, Wiig dives headfirst into the impression, capturing all of Björk's wild energy and enthusiasm. She's always a riot!
#1: Katharine Hepburn
Wiig pretty much nails any impression she tries, but her Katharine Hepburn is not only spot-on, it's downright hilarious. She captures the actress’s bold persona, unique speech patterns, and that unmistakable accent. Still, what really sets this one apart is her impeccable timing; she could make a stone statue crack a smile with her delivery. Add in her physical comedy chops, and you get a delightful twist to the impression that keeps you laughing. Sure, it might seem a bit out there, and who knows what the real Hepburn would have made of it, but we can't get enough. These over-the-top moments define Wiig's iconic impression, spotlighting her unmatched comedic prowess. What’s your favorite Kristen Wiig Impression? Let us know in the comments.
