Top 10 Most Unexpectedly Great SNL Impressions

#10: Nasim Pedrad as Lea Michele

For a sketch that includes many impressions, this one remains an entertaining highlight. “SNL” parodies the James Bond franchise with a number of fun setups and acting choices. With Daniel Craig’s 007 focused on the next mission, Nasim Pedrad steps in as outgoing and out-of-place Lea Michele. The cast member summons all the theatre kid energy of the “Glee” star. She’s even wearing a beret in an extra detail, embodying the TV actor inside and out. While interrupting the hero with her songs, this version of the actress can’t help but show off. We almost want to see Michele in the next Bond adventure just because of this skit.

#9: Katy Perry as Florence Welch

When “SNL” creates a fake animated film called “Doggie Duty,” they give themselves an excuse to bring along some impressions. The soundtrack of this made-up adventure includes Randy Newman, Gwen Stefani, and Florence Welch. Katy Perry plays the latter singer, easily stepping into the role of another talented vocalist. Her impression of “Dog Days Are Over” could even be an official cover. Perry does a terrific job, showing that she can mimic another artist outside of her typical pop sound. Even in a comedic setting, she’s able to get laughs and do a solid rendition of a hit single.

#8: James Austin Johnson as Cameron Winter

If you’re not tapped into the indie rock scene, this impression might’ve confused you. James Austin Johnson appeared as Cameron Winter in this Christmas duet sketch. The impressionist managed to capture the unique tone and delivery of the Geese frontman. Johnson gives this impersonation all of its subtle glory, even if he’s only doing it for a small portion of the audience. He’s able to show off his musical chops opposite the bold energy of a Benson Boone impersonator. Winter’s band performed on the show a few weeks later, helping “SNL” watchers to understand the performer better.

#7: Jon Rudnitsky as Martin Scorsese

While he only had one season on “SNL,” Jon Rudnitsky still had a number of moments to shine. This one might be among his more underrated contributions to the show. In a “Family Feud” sketch, Rudnitsky played Martin Scorsese in a team of Hollywood directors. He was able to stand next to veteran impressionists and still do great work as the “Goodfellas” filmmaker. With a fast-talking delivery, the cast member works wonders as Scorsese. Anybody that’s watched an interview will recognize this impersonation for the costume, eyebrows, and vocal quality. We almost wish that he had as many lines as Taran Killam’s Quentin Tarantino.

#6: Mikey Day as Steve-O

Fans of the “Jackass” TV show or the movie franchise know Steve-O as an amateur stuntman. This makes him an unlikely target for this kind of “SNL” skit, but Mikey Day tries it anyway. The cast member finds the man’s gritty voice in a more laidback way. This might startle people who know the target as a gross-out entertainer, but then Day follows-up with a surprise. The impression goes to more graphic places as a stapler comes out. Capturing the nuances of this celebrity, the comedian provides an entertaining look at somebody willing to put his body on the line.

#5: Andy Samberg as Swedish Chef

In this sketch, Andy Samberg joins a large group of cast members playing Muppets. He’s all dressed up to play the Swedish Chef. When things go south in the bus, his character must act to keep Kristen Wiig’s Beaker calm after a hit and run. It’s a hilarious subversion of the happy-go-lucky ensemble with a splash of dark humor. Samberg might not be the top impressionist from “SNL,” but he’s certainly got the drive and performance skills to pull this off. The chef is such an absurd role to bring to life, but this “Lonely Island” member is the perfect goofball to make it happen.

#4: Amy Poehler as Christopher Walken

On several occasions, “Saturday Night Live” creates a fake reunion for their host to attend. These involve a celebrity like Christopher Walken meeting apparent family members that sound and act like him. For this sketch, various cast members like Amy Poehler take on the Oscar winner. The latter comedian does one of the funniest impersonations, drawing out her speech in a hilarious moment. Her character is supposed to be a younger girl that remains a Walken clone worried about ghosts. Poehler gives it her all, being funny without being super accurate. Her attempted impression might be the best part of the sketch.

#3: Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer

In one of the greatest casting decisions in recent memory, “SNL” chose Melissa McCarthy to become Sean Spicer. The choice proved that the show could think outside the box and succeed. With McCarthy as the White House Press Secretary, she transformed into a quick-tempered man. Her appearances included some condescending speeches and an antagonistic streak against reporters. Using a podium to attack people, the character allowed the guest performer to fly off the handle. Each scene contained so many funny beats of physical comedy. To many people, Spicer will be forever remembered best by this impersonation.

#2: Sarah Sherman as John Mulaney

Blending body horror and absurd comedy, Sarah Sherman might be the most unique performer to join “SNL” in recent years. She’s better known for her bits on “Weekend Update” than her impressions. For this skit, Sherman shows that she can transform into another “Saturday Night Live” alum. She puts on a suit and even uses a microphone to become John Mulaney. This includes a comedic pace, but also some references to Mulaney’s personal life. The cast member knows how to take on the specific cadence of a superstar stand-up. It’s even funnier that it’s for a skit where celebrities read the Britney Spears book.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Adam Sandler as Axl Rose

The Comedian Seems Possessed by the Guns N’ Roses Singer’s Raspy Delivery

Aidy Bryant as Hannah Gadsby

The Australian Comedian Translates Especially Well through Bryant’s Performance

Beck Bennett as Vin Diesel

It’s Extremely Funny to Imagine Going to the Movies with This “Fast” Franchise Lead

Cecily Strong as Alanis Morissette

The Cast Member Can Cover “Hand in My Pocket” without a False Note

#1: Marcello Hernández as Sebastian Maniscalco

This cast member is a breakout star from the 2020s, but he’s only had a few chances to do his strongest impression. Marcello Hernández plays the comedian Sebastian Maniscalco with all of the flair the latter performer deserves. Full of comic pizzazz, this outrageous impersonation is boldly going where few have gone before. Hernández can shake things up with both the accent work and the physical comedy. This includes crashing a bachelor party, messing with the guests, and even jumping over someone. Through it all, the younger comedian seems to be enjoying himself in this shocking tour-de-force.

Which “SNL” impression caught you off guard? Let us know in the comments below.