Top 20 SNL Impressions That Broke the Cast

#20: Bowen Yang as Saja Boys’ Jinu

Given the ubiquity of “KPop Demon Hunters”, an “SNL” skit based on the animated movie was a long time coming. It finally happened on the first episode of season 51, when Bad Bunny returned as a host. In the sketch, the famous rapper is joined by Mikey Day, Sarah Sherman, and Chloe Fineman, who play typical adults at brunch. As they’re catching up, the “La Canción” singer’s character, Thomas, brings up his love for “KPop Demon Hunters”. The ‘grown-ups’ can hardly take the film seriously until Bowen Yang shows up as the movie’s resident demon hottie, Jinu. Whipping out his mic, he starts singing “Soda Pop”, and poor Chloe cannot keep a straight face. Even Mikey, who rarely drops the act, breaks into a smile.

#19: Chloe Fineman as JoJo Siwa

Back in 2024, when the “Dance Moms” star was reinventing her image from a bow-loving popstar for kids to an eyeliner-wielding rebel, she was constantly in the headlines. Obviously, “SNL” picked up on this and sent Chloe Fineman to impersonate her on an episode of “Weekend Update”. The result is a hoot, with Chloe nailing JoJo’s voice and animated gestures, playing up the wannabe bad girl act. Colin Jost, who isn’t exactly known for being stone-faced, breaks easily. However, when Chloe herself breaks, and the realization of the impression’s ridiculousness dawns on her, it makes the skit even more hilarious.

#18: Phil Hartman as Frankenstein’s Monster

During his Emmy-winning stint on “SNL”, this comedy legend was known as “Glue”. His anchoring presence kept things from falling apart. That’s why it was rare for him to break character. When it did happen during a “Tonto, Tarzan, & Frankenstein” skit, the moment became unforgettable. In the sketch, the titular characters are on a talk show called “Succinctly Speaking” and must share their opinions on hot-button topics, such as fire, bread, and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Now, those are big words for Frankenstein’s monster, ones he doesn’t quite understand. So, when Hartman’s character has to dodge the question, his composure cracks, making everyone else break too.

#17: Dana Carvey as Joe Biden

This “SNL” great is a master of impressions. Since leaving the show in 1993, he has hosted it four times. Fans always look forward to his cameos as well. So, when he returned to Studio 8H in 2024 to impersonate Joe Biden, he worked his magic. Carvey’s bumbling take on the former U.S. president had the cast struggling to stay in character. Maya Rudolph, who was playing Kamala Harris, all but broke into a giggle. Meanwhile, Chloe Fineman, who was playing CBS News journalist Margaret Brennan, was grinning ear to ear. Near the end of the skit, Carvey himself cracked up when his character made a mess with an ice cream cone.

#16: Eddie Murphy as Tracy Morgan

Both of these incredible actors became household names as cast members on “SNL”. When the show turned fifty, they reunited for a “Black Jeopardy” sketch, where the “Beverly Hills Cop” star impersonated Morgan right in front of him. His impersonation is effortless, larger-than-life, and just the right amount of cocky to be amusing, but not offensive. Every time he speaks, Kenan Thompson slips out of character just a little. However, when Leslie Jones breaks in the most obvious way, doubling over with laughter, Tracy inevitably follows. Needless to say, Murphy stole the show with this sketch.

#15: Melissa Villaseñor as Kristen Wiig

The Oscar-nominated “Bridesmaids” actress has given us some of the most iconic celebrity impressions in the history of “SNL”. However, impersonating her is a feat only Melissa Villaseñor is capable of. In 2021, she famously did her Kristen Wiig impersonation on “Late Night With Seth Meyers”, wowing the host. Months later, she did it again on “SNL” for a “Celeb School Game Show” sketch. Not only did she nail Wiig’s cadence, but even her mannerisms were instantly recognizable. Despite her limited screentime, Melissa made viewers laugh out loud. Her comments, most of which were directed at Kenan, kept throwing him off his act, which made the whole thing even funnier.

#14: Justin Timberlake as Jimmy Fallon

Whenever these two get together on “SNL”, it’s a blast. In season 39, Jimmy Fallon was hosting an episode of the show when Justin Timberlake was the musical guest, and they teamed up for a “Family Feud” sketch. Kenan played Steve Harvey, Jimmy was Jim Parsons, and Justin came as Fallon. From the moment his character is introduced, JT brings his A game, embodying the enthusiastic talk show host to a T. It’s not surprising when this makes Kenan break, but when Jimmy and Justin are face-to-face, trying not to crack up, that’s the highlight of the skit. At one point, they even turn away from the camera, and all we see are their shoulders shaking from laughter. Seconds later, they got back into character.

#13: Will Ferrell as Harry Caray

The “Anchorman” star has impersonated the famous broadcaster several times on “SNL”, most popularly in his “Space, the Infinite Frontier” series of sketches. In one such instance, he was joined by Jeff Goldblum, who played an astrophysicist being interviewed by Caray. The “Jurassic Park” actor gets so baffled by some of Ferrell’s bits, he inevitably breaks character. In another installment, Will’s Harry is joined by Joan Allen, who plays former NASA flight director Linda Ham. The Oscar-nominated actress starts out strong, but can hardly stay in character as Ferrell’s act gets more and more eccentric. We can’t blame her, though. Few can keep a straight face in front of Will Ferrell.

#12: Billy Crystal as Fernando Lamas

The multi-Emmy-winning actor’s impression of the Argentine-American superstar was one of his signature acts on “SNL”. The “Fernando's Hideaway” sketches, where Billy Crystal’s version of Fernando Lamas hosts a talk show, were particularly riotous. So, when pro wrestlers Hulk Hogan and Mr. T hosted “SNL” in season 10, they had to stop by “Fernando's Hideaway”. Unsurprisingly, the legendary comedian gets them good, making them break hard. When the two just can’t compose themselves, Billy improvises the most hilarious jokes in character to keep them laughing. Before you know it, he has brought the skit back on track. If that isn’t proof of a genius performer, we don’t know what is!

#11: Kate McKinnon, Maya Rudolph, Bowen Yang & Kristen Wiig as ABBA

You can’t just put these four comedy icons in a sketch and not expect any of them to break. The quartet came together for the “ABBA Christmas” commercial during Kate McKinnon’s turn as host of “SNL” in 2023. At first, they look fairly normal, but as the skit goes on, things get exceedingly chaotic until it’s borderline caricaturish, but still endearing. Halfway through the act, the cast members seemed as eager to make each other laugh as they were to get the audience’s approval. Kate was making Kristen break, Maya’s expressions had Bowen struggling to stay in character, and everyone was a giddy mess by the end, even James Austin Johnson. This is exactly how we like our “SNL”.

#10: Kenan Thompson As Victor Willis from the Village People

The Village People were one of several artists who hit Trump with a cease and desist after he used their music at his rallies. So, led by Kenan Thompson as Victor Willis, the group shows up on “Weekend Update” to vent. They start off lighthearted, reclaiming their song, but then things take a dark turn, leaving Colin Jost to jump in to try to keep things from totally derailing. Yet he can’t hide his laughter. You can spot Michael Che cracking up in the background, too. Though Colin’s interruptions seem planned, it feels like he and Che might not have seen the latest version of the, uh, updated lyrics.

#9: Jimmy Fallon As Mick Jagger

It takes a good sense of humor to sit across from a comedian and watch yourself get (lovingly) roasted. Mick Jagger proved he was game when he showed up as himself opposite Jimmy Fallon, who was playing his reflection. Fallon’s version of Jagger is definitely more exaggerated and over-the-top. In fact, it crossed the border into caricature from pretty much the first moment, and you can see Jagger struggling not to break character. But Fallon’s ridiculous portrayal gets to him, and there are moments where he can’t help but crack a huge grin. Honestly, we’re surprised Fallon’s Jagger didn’t think it was worth pointing, pointing, pointing it out.

#8: Leslie Jones As Samuel L. Jackson

In the Super Bowl edition of “Family Feud,” Leslie Jones plays Jackson, a Falcons fan with some strong feelings about party etiquette. When asked what one might bring to a Superbowl Party, this Jackson shares his thoughts on the subject. After her emphatic delivery, Thompson, as Steve Harvey, just stares as if he’s trying to suppress his laughter. Meanwhile, McKinnon seemingly tries to turn her reaction into a quirky character trait, but Leslie just laughs. All we can say is, if Jackson’s coming to your party, don’t expect him to bring anything but himself—and you'd better thank him for it too!

#7: Kenan Thompson As David “Big Papi” Ortiz

Kenan has given us so many classic characters on “SNL,” and his take on David “Big Papi” Ortiz created an instant legend. Thompson goes hard, capturing Big Papi’s wild enthusiasm for everything—from his out-there endorsements to his deep love for a “big lunch.” The more Kenan amps it up; the harder Jost struggles to hold back his laughter. This is especially evident during the “Post-Retirement Plans” segment, where we find Big Papi living his best life in the most over-the-top ways. At one point, Thompson even makes himself chuckle as if the absurdity of it all had suddenly hit him. It's Biiiiiiiig laughs all around.

#6: Ariana Grande, Chloe Fineman & Dana Carvey As Jennifer Coolidge

Ariana Grande is an incredible mimic. So, now whenever she’s on “SNL,” fans are always keen for her to pull out her impressive impressions. And boy, did she deliver with her spot-on portrayal of Jennifer Coolidge. Teaming up with Chloe Fineman, she stars in a hilarious commercial for lip gloss that’s so ridiculous it’s impossible for anyone to keep a straight face. Grande loses it up first, and it doesn’t take long for Fineman to break, too. By the time Dana Carvey joins in, Grande has basically given up on hiding her laughter. Honestly, only a surprise appearance from the real Coolidge could have made this skit even better!

#5: Kenan Thompson As LaVar Ball

Another of Thompson’s more eccentric characters is LaVar Ball, the CEO of “Big Baller Brand.” If you thought Big Papi was intense, just wait until you meet this guy. He’s like the Duracell Bunny if it was glitching. We bet Che’s often glad to be off-camera during some of the more bizarre moments, though we can still often hear him chuckling. Kenan does an incredible job cranking up the character’s personality to the max, making it impressive that Che can keep it together at all—especially when Ball shows off his latest footwear investments. You know it’s a “Big Baller” impression when even the cast can’t hold back their laughter!

#4: Jimmy Fallon As Barry Gibb

Jimmy Fallon was notorious for breaking character during his “SNL” run, but in this recurring bit, he’s the one doing the breaking. He plays Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees as an angry, erratic man who switches into falsetto at the drop of a hat. Justin Timberlake plays his brother Robin, who speaks in short, deadpan sentences. The sketch is filled with hilarious moments, and it’s clear Timberlake thinks so too. As Fallon’s performance gets more unhinged, it becomes tougher for him to keep his cool. Honestly, watching him try not to break is just as entertaining as the skit itself. We loved seeing this classic return for season 49, and nothing had changed!

#3: Kate McKinnon As Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Kate McKinnon could break her castmates like no one else on “SNL” because she threw herself fully into every character. Her Billie Jean King had Seth Meyers losing it multiple times on “Weekend Update.” And don’t even get us started on her Rudy Giuliani! Especially when she tackled Trump’s election claims! Jost keeps cracking up, and even McKinnon looked like she might break a few times. But the best might be her Ruth Bader Ginsburg impression. McKinnon brought such an unhinged energy to that role; she couldn’t have had an easier time breaking Colin and even herself! Her physical comedy is incredible; it’s no wonder everyone around her can’t keep a straight face!

#2: Cecily Strong As Jeanine Pirro

There’s no limit to how many times we can watch this impression and still laugh as hard as the first time. Cecily plays the role of former judge and TV host Jeanine Pirro to perfection. From her outlandish claims to her booming voice—that sounds like someone turned up the volume to max and broke the dial—this sketch was never going to go as planned. But it’s Pirro’s love for a drink that really gets to Colin, though we can't imagine why! Cecily always keeps this recurring gag fresh, so he never knows quite what’s coming. Also, singing in a crate of wine is just iconic. Honestly, we could never keep it together half as well as they do!

#1: Ryan Gosling & Mikey Day As Beavis & Butt-Head

You know a sketch is hilarious when even Heidi Gardner—who basically never breaks—can’t hold it together. She starts strong, but the second she sees Ryan Gosling dressed as a Beavis lookalike, she completely loses it. Ever the pro, she pulls herself back… until she catches sight of Mikey Day as Butt-Head’s double, and that’s it. Gardner’s laughing fit eventually takes everyone else down, too. The premise is so simple and goofy that it seems destined to fall apart from the original plan. Watching the cast collapse into giggles only makes the sketch better. And come on, we’re all a little shocked that Gosling wasn’t the first one to go!

Should a good impression be accurate or funny? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!