Top 10 Celebrities Who Nailed Impossible Impressions

#10: Mark Hamill as Harrison Ford

If anybody is going to impersonate Harrison Ford, it might as well be Mark Hamill. The two spent plenty of time together on screen. Hamill can remember the filming of “Star Wars” so well that he can summon his former co-star at will. Reminiscing on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” the guest snaps into a great impression of the legend. You can easily imagine Han Solo sitting in the very same chair. It’s no wonder that the man has a knack for voices, with the man channeling his old friend. The Luke Skywalker actor really finds the gruff aspects of Ford’s voice.

#9: Martin Short as Bette Davis

He’s one of the most reliable talk-show guests ever. Martin Short’s talents include impressions, with the performer unafraid to do them in front of someone else. He took an opportunity to impersonate his fellow guest on “The Tonight Show.” Short unleashes his impersonation of Bette Davis, but she doesn’t seem to realize it at first. Much later in the segment, the Hollywood icon asks the comedian for a special request. His response is a fun and exaggerated take on the actress. Whether she likes the voice or not, her mixed reaction throws the episode for a loop. The “SCTV” star quickly recovers from the awkward moment after a brave performance.

#8: Melissa Villaseñor as Kristen Wiig

If you’ve seen this performer, you probably know that she’s a gifted impressionist. Her work as Gwen Stefani is just one highlight in a stellar catalog of characters (xref). When she was still on “SNL,” Melissa Villaseñor also did this rare impersonation. One game show sketch allowed her to do a take on Kristen Wiig’s more eccentric side. Villaseñor’s work here is especially inventive, with few people taking up the same mantle. This skit showcases the same giddy energy Wiig generates when she impersonates the likes of Björk (xref). This cast member salutes one of her predecessors, stealing the scene with her take on a bubbly personality.

#7: Billy Crystal as Yul Brynner

During an appearance at the Academy Awards, Billy Crystal showcased his skill for impressions. His riff about film genres turns into a silly tribute to Yul Brynner. While it might seem like a dated impersonation, Crystal breathes new life into it. He envisions what it might’ve been like for Brynner to play a famous baseball player. The comedian blends “The King and I” and “The Babe Ruth Story” into one brilliant cocktail. Using the target’s unique accent, the performer draws a strong reaction from the audience. He’s especially skilled at staying in character and even quoting famous lines from movie history.

#6: Tom Hiddleston as Robert De Niro & Al Pacino

Sitting on a couch during “The Graham Norton Show,” Tom Hiddleston wowed a group of all-stars. The actor is a skilled mimic that’s eager to please other guests like Robert De Niro. Hiddleston clearly loves the movie “Heat,” using it as a jumping off point for dueling impressions. He finds a way to re-enact one of the movie’s famous scenes with precision. Not only can he do Al Pacino, the younger actor also does De Niro to the man’s face. The older performer laughs along and reacts positively to the accurate impersonation. Using two distinct voices, the British star doesn’t miss a beat with this high-wire act.

#5: Jason Sudeikis as Philip Seymour Hoffman

In this “SNL” sketch, there are a slew of fun impressions. Bill Hader’s Al Pacino starts things off before Jason Sudeikis gives us a much different take on a “Peanuts” character. The latter performer plays Philip Seymour Hoffman as Linus. If that combination excites you, you’re definitely our kind of comedy fan. This character actor receives the proper treatment thanks to Sudeikis’ subtle work. The cast member goes to a place few have gone before, holding his own opposite a bold Pacino impersonation. It’s a powder keg of mixed emotions and marble-mouth tones. While it might not be pinpoint accurate, the impression does explore the spirit of Hoffman.

#4: Chloe Fineman as Julianne Moore

Known for her emotionally-layered roles, Julianne Moore is no stranger to dramatic work. “SNL” cast member Chloe Fineman uses this as a jumping off point for her impersonation. Moore comes out to witness the impression for herself, with Fineman ready to put it all on the line. This includes a performance that’s a mix between laughing and crying. Fans of the “Boogie Nights” star might recognize the go-for-broke style of bold acting. The Oscar-winner seems to be enjoying herself too, with positive reactions for the hilarious work. It’s also fun when someone nails down such a specific side of an actor’s style.

#3: Jinkx Monsoon as Judy Garland

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” fans know that Jinkx Monsoon does a phenomenal Judy Garland impression. She’s done this on TV and on her YouTube channel. During a “Snatch Game” segment, the performer became the “Wizard of Oz” lead in all of her glory. The impersonation is especially lived-in with a few quirks that are certifiably genius. She’s able to capture the natural cadence of the star, becoming something closer to the woman’s “A Star Is Born” days. This includes an ability to sing just like her. It’s a multi-faceted turn that further proves Monsoon has Broadway chops.

#2: Simon Helberg as Robin Williams

You might know him from “The Big Bang Theory,” but Simon Helberg could be an impressionist in his own right. He spends part of this “Conan” segment singing the praises of Robin Williams. During the transformation, the guest can do the softer version of Williams. This includes the more “Good Will Hunting” side of his personality. Helberg then captures the fast rhythm and improvised nature of the comedian. He works comedy wonders here, finding the nuances of a legendary performer. It’s even more impressive that he can do different levels of the real man’s voice.

#1: Jamie Foxx as Jennifer Hudson

Anybody that’s seen or heard Jamie Foxx perform knows he’s an incredible artist. For this addition of “Wheel of Musical Impressions,” the actor once again shows off his singing chops. The segment culminates with “On Top of Spaghetti” in the style of Jennifer Hudson. Impersonating his “Dreamgirls” co-star, Foxx modulates his voice like it’s just another day at the office. Jimmy Fallon looks amazed as his guest delivers on a full-throated impersonation. By the final high note, the impressionist pushes his vocal chords to the limit. It’s so shockingly good that it reminds you to never count out this man’s talent.

Did we forget a tough impression that a celebrity did to perfection? Let us know in the comments below.