Top 10 Times SNL Cast Members Did Impressions of Each Other
#10: Andy Samberg Jimmy Fallon
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In a salute to an older sketch with Mick Jagger, host and former castmate Jimmy Fallon has a hilarious moment in front of the dressing room mirror. His reflection is played by Andy Samberg so you just know it’s going to be a committed performance. The two work especially well together as they try to match each other’s energy. With lots of choice catchphrases, the comedy duo really lean into the absurdity of this sketch and Fallon’s self-aware performance lends some further credibility to Samberg’s efforts. Finding the funny in the man’s relentless positivity, the Lonely Island member breathes life into this enjoyable routine. There’s also a spit take for good measure.
#9: David Spade Norm Macdonald
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On an episode of Conan O’Brien’s podcast, guest David Spade paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of the legendary Norm Macdonald. The actor recounts his friend’s inability to text back in a timely fashion and grills him about his gambling tips, too. Spade is a brilliant storyteller with great comedic timing and delivery. He perfectly sums up the enigma that the cult figure created through his odd behavior. It’s also pretty funny to imagine Macdonald being unreliable and chaos incarnate when it comes to texting because we just know it has to be true.
#8: Dana Carvey Dennis Miller
Showing off a rare impression of a “Weekend Update” personality, Dana Carvey dresses up like Dennis Miller for this segment. From the suit to the hair, he looks just like him! Miller plays along as his fellow performer ribs him with a vocal imitation that’s second to none, not to mention changing up his every word with an entertaining rewrite. Carvey uses this sketch as another opportunity to remind viewers that he’s one of the most gifted impressionists in “SNL” history. He finds the specific rhythm of the comedian with no trouble at all and manages to nail down the essentials of his personality.
#7: Fred Armisen Bill Hader
While not exactly perfect, Fred Armisen’s inspired take on Bill Hader feels like it captures the essence of the comedian. He shows off his observation to Conan O’Brien, in what is more of a revenge bit for Bill’s impression of him. The result is a caricature that’s always talking about well-known bands as though discovering them for the first time. With a few surprises, the performer’s use of his hands might be the most underrated part of this segment, but the approximation of his voice is equally funny. Perhaps the best part, though, is that imitation of Hader’s laugh. Armisen’s zany energy propels this impression to the finish line in a loving interpretation of his friend.
#6: Jimmy Fallon Adam Sandler
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For one of his finest impressions, the former cast member and “Tonight Show” host ends up nailing down the many faces of Adam Sandler. This is the kind of stuff we’re sure landed Fallon his job on “SNL” in the first place. He’s performed this routine several times throughout his career, but it especially came in handy during his “Saturday Night Live” audition. His ability to play both the silliness and anger of Sandler’s characters is almost unmatched in the comedy world. From skits to interviews, whenever the comedian brings out this pitch-perfect interpretation, we know we’re in for a good time.
#5: Jay Pharoah Multiple Cast Members
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Among Jay Pharoah’s best moments on “SNL,” this “Weekend Update” segment is all killer and no filler. He sets up a premise about a secret comedy meeting in order to unleash tributes to some comedy greats. After turning into Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle, Pharoah also salutes former cast members like Chris Rock. His added hand motions make this an especially memorable imitation. Slipping into the next person with the ease of a true genius, the comedian becomes Eddie Murphy and Tracy Morgan with complete confidence. From the former’s laugh to the latter’s attitude, the performer adds in details that do a lot to separate him from the competition.
#4: Bill Hader Multiple Cast Members
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Always eager to do voices, Bill Hader quickly impersonates his “SNL” co-stars in this interview. Small, effective impressions feel like Hader’s go-to, and we can never get enough, no matter how many he does. His version of Fred Armisen is brimming with energy and references to his trips to Portland. Considering that the two are close friends, this one feels especially precise on some level. The actor even ponders Kristen Wiig’s inability to warm up her body temperature in a cute moment. But, Jason Sudeikis might be the best of the three, full of gum-chewing and a friendly disposition. Hader really had the ability to find the funny in anyone.
#3: Eddie Murphy Tracy Morgan
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Eddie Murphy ranks high on the list of greatest “SNL” cast members, inspiring the likes of Tracy Morgan to pursue comedy. Murphy shows his love for his fellow comic with an impression of the performer. On Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show, he gives one of the most accurate takes on Morgan’s cadence and love of hot dogs. Kimmel himself pauses to recognize the greatness before him. Fans of the guest’s days on “SNL” will remember his formidable impressions of various celebrities, but this particular one ticks every box, standing out among so many other versions of the “30 Rock” star’s voice.
#2: Melissa Villaseñor Kristen Wiig
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If you didn’t think Kristen Wiig could be impersonated, well, think again. On “Late Night with Seth Meyers, Melissa Villaseñor becomes the “SNL” all-star in a transformative performance full of wonderful nuances. It’s so accurate even Meyers is taken aback. With an emphasis on certain pauses, Villaseñor could easily be a stand-in for any kind of appearance or vocal dubbing for Wiig. She has her laugh down pat, the cadence of her voice, and even her speech patterns. It’s even more impressive since this isn’t an obvious choice for imitation.
#1: Chloe Fineman Multiple Cast Members
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Since her start on “SNL,” Chloe Fineman has proven herself a versatile performer with serious skill. She uses this sketch to showcase as much, with her amazing impressions of various female cast members. Jokingly referring to herself as an understudy to them, Fineman prepares herself to copy everyone from Kate McKinnon to Cecily Strong. She can do their voices, facial expressions, and movements with unbelievable precision. Her rapid-fire imitations take down a panel of other performers without missing a beat. This comedian clearly has a strong future as one of the show’s premier impressionists.
