Top 30 SNL Hosts Who Parodied Their Famous Characters

#30: Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins

Just before “The Return of the King’s” wide release, Elijah Wood hosted “SNL,” reflecting on the years he spent making the trilogy. Wood isn’t out of Middle-earth yet. Chris Kattan, who had recently left the sketch series, returned as Gollum during Wood’s monologue. Gollum is still trying to get a failed sitcom off the ground, centering on him, Frodo, and their misadventures in Denver. “A Hard Hobbit to Break” comes with a classic sitcom intro, recreating shots from “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley.” Is it a hot take to say that this looks better than “The Rings of Power?” In any case, the show goes nowhere, but it gives Wood another chance to play Frodo and even try out his Gollum impression.

#29: Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison

Of course, Jim Morrison was a real person, but in terms of cinematic portrayals, the late Val Kilmer gave a career-best performance as the equally gone-too-soon rock legend. Almost a decade after “The Doors” hit theaters, Kilmer revisited the role, showing what happened after Morrison died and went to heaven. Somehow, “Behind the Music” gained access beyond the pearly gates, chronicling Morrison’s attempt to form a musical supergroup of other deceased musicians. The sketch is as absurd as the band’s name, The Great Frog Society. Even under the ludicrous circumstances, though, Kilmer still nails Morrison’s vocals. Death might not befall this band, but reincarnation does, with Morrison coming back as a little girl who puts her own spin on “The End.”

#28: Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman / Diana Prince

What if instead of Steve Trevor, Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon landed on Themyscira, meeting Diana Prince and the other Amazons? You’d get a sketch that’s only a little goofier than “Wonder Woman 1984.” Gal Gadot returns as Diana, although she isn’t the fish out of water in this scenario. Bryant and McKinnon’s castaways believe they’ve hit the jackpot, finding an island of powerful women. It’s not quite what they assume. The two find the island to be a huge tease, not only because of the female population, but the queerbaiting is off the charts. Diana opens herself up to experimentation, sharing an extended kiss with Kate. Sparks don’t fly, but Diana may need to kiss a few more women before fully embracing her bisexuality.

#27: Gerard Butler as King Leonidas

Whether intentional or not, “300” is another film plentiful with queer overtones. Once again playing King Leonidas, Gerard Butler prepares to lead an army into battle. Before they head out, Leonidas’ Spartans wish to address his “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Leonidas doesn’t see the urgency, figuring that none of his men are gay anyway. The King is oblivious to what’s right in front of him, however. With the rule repealed, Leonidas’ men all come out to him, suddenly reframing some of the signs that, in retrospect, he should’ve picked up on. While the production values are definitely a step down from Zack Snyder’s film, Butler naturally brings the charisma, finding a balance between commanding warrior and playful boss.

#26: Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele

Although the “Fifty Shades” trilogy put her on the map, Dakota Johnson has never tiptoed around the fact that they aren’t exactly considered high art. She got in on the joke during this sketch, which was cut for time. An HBO First Look takes us behind the blindfold of “Fifty Shades Darker,” seeing Johnson as Anastasia Steele and Kyle Mooney as Christian Grey. Christian takes Anastasia to the updated playroom, although it’s still under construction. What was supposed to be a private space quickly gets more invasive as the contractors casually converse about their kinky exploits. It’s a little embarrassing for Anastasia, but honestly, it’s far from the most awkward position that Christian has ever put her in.

#25: Glenn Close as Alex Forrest

To some, Alex Forrest is the most horrifying villain Glenn Close has ever played. To others, Alex is a tragically misunderstood soul. Either way, there’s no denying that Alex is an unsettling screen presence, even on “SNL.” The sketch sees Alex seek help from a support group, which sounds like progress for the character. Alex opens up about vandalizing Dan Gallagher’s car, kidnapping his daughter, and what she did to the rabbit. Arguably, this is when someone should’ve called the police, but since this is a safe space, everyone is surprisingly understanding. Jon Lovitz even gives her some good advice. That doesn’t mean they aren’t afraid for their lives, although they should be more concerned for Dan’s wife, whom Alex plans on visiting.

#24: Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister

Macaulay Culkin became one of the youngest “SNL” hosts ever a year after “Home Alone” broke box office records. Despite being the host, Culkin still gets about as much respect as Kevin McCallister. Chris Farley pulls a Buzz, eating Culkin’s cheese pizza. Culkin doesn’t get Farley a plate, but he gives him a taste of the table. Lorne Michaels thus sends Culkin to his dressing room, making him wish he could do the show alone. Culkin gets his wish, as Michaels takes the cast to Paris, forgetting one thing. As Michael realizes his mistake, Culkin holds down the fort until the cast returns for a heartfelt reunion. We guess this sketch also foreshadows the sequel, as Culkin is technically lost in New York.

#23: Dave Chappelle as “Chappelle’s Show” Characters

When Dave Chappelle hosted “SNL” in 2016, it was perhaps his most prominent onscreen appearance since his show abruptly ended a decade earlier. As such, many wondered if he’d bring back some of his characters from “Chappelle’s Show.” Chappelle did, but in “Walking Dead” style. Parodying Glenn’s infamous death, Chappelle filled the Negan role, ready to use Lucille on one of his classic characters. Tyrone Biggums, Silky Johnson, Chuck Taylor, Lil Jon, and Clayton Bigsby are all present. Sadly, there’s no Rick James, although maybe that’s for the best. He might’ve ended up like Tyrone, who’s thankfully harder to take out than a walker. We’re curious whether Chappelle got more royalties for his show or this one sketch.

#22: Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly

After the “Back to the Future” trilogy ended, Michael J. Fox continued to channel Marty McFly in his “SNL” monologue. Fox encounters his past self, played by Dana Carvey, and Kevin Nealon as Doc Brown, who tells him he’s made a huge mistake. The show is going to be a bomb, meaning the only way to prevent disaster is to get back in time. The three pile into the DeLorean, traveling several days into the past as Fox, now impersonated by David Spade, questions if Lorne Michaels knows what he’s doing. Doc and the two Michaels of the future alert past Michael that his instincts are correct. The three Michaels have a change of tune, though, when Lorne offers them a heavy bag of cash.

#21: Christopher Walken as Johnny Smith

In “The Dead Zone,” Christopher Walken played Johnny Smith, a man who can see someone’s past, present, and future by simply touching them. While the 1983 film gained a cult following, Walken is perhaps even more recognized for this 1992 sketch parodying it. In “Ed Glosser: Trivial Psychic,” the titular character essentially has the same power as Johnny Smith. Where Johnny’s visions could mean life or death, though, Ed can only see things of limited usefulness. Of course, Ed knows that wasted coffee isn’t a trivial matter. Ed also has the same Walkenisms as Johnny, somehow coming off as dead serious and dead silly simultaneously. The setup and writing are clever enough, but Walken’s delivery makes every line more uproarious.

#20: Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone as Peter Parker / Spider-Man & Gwen Stacy

Ever since that upside-down kiss in the first generation of these movies, those moments have become kind of a thing. So yeah, the chemistry has to be perfect. We’re sure the actors would agree too if either of them knew how people actually kiss. The commitment both deliver to this absolutely ridiculous premise is downright brilliant and surprisingly showcases their very real chemistry. Still, when Chris Martin steps in, it’s hard to tell if Garfield can’t believe his luck or is just internally replaying every life choice that led him here. Either way, move over, Gwen Stacy, there’s a new couple in town, and wow, do they kiss like no one else.

#19: Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen

These days, it feels like franchises are racing to see who can rack up the most laps. While some always manage to keep it fun and fresh, others are clearly running out of gas, like this idea for “Cars 4.” Wilson comes in to record his lines only to realize that Lightning McQueen’s life has steered way off track, and it’s pretty bad. Sure, McQueen’s had his flaws in the past, but now he’s just outright the villain. Wilson learns that perhaps he should’ve read the script before signing on. Although, it turns out that his moral compass can waver when those “Kachows” turn into a truckload of kaching!

#18: Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green

The anticipation for the “Friends” finale in 2004 was off the charts, so when Jennifer Aniston hosted “SNL” earlier that year, she had to address the elephant in the room. This sketch imagines a continuation of the Ross–Rachel–Joey triangle that had already split the fanbase. Unsurprisingly, Rachel chooses Ross, and Joey does not take it well. We know “Friends” could go to some dark places, but this... yeah... no, thank you. The other alternative ending she shares is no “I got off the plane” either. Honestly, we’re just relieved the “SNL” writers weren’t in charge of the real finale. Because could this BE any more of a downer?

#17: Jason Momoa as Khal Drogo, Kit Harington as Jon Snow & Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister

Given the success of “Game of Thrones,” it’s no surprise “SNL” threw in their two cents, sometimes with help from the show’s own stars. Jason Momoa co-hosted an afterlife talk show as Khal Drogo. It’s an interesting gig for someone not exactly born with the gift of gab. Kit Harington reprised Jon Snow twice: once in a spin-off promo, and again in a Leslie Jones fantasy sketch. We also got a behind-the-scenes peek with Tyrion Lannister himself, Peter Dinklage, who shows what it’s like to have a dragon as a scenemate. Not quite the dragon’s flames you see on screen, but you can’t say the “GoT” cast isn’t fired up behind the scenes.

#16: Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard

From William Shatner to Chris Pine, “SNL” has boldly gone where many Trekkies have gone before. While Captain Kirk has had his fair share of limelight, Jean-Luc Picard gets his turn, too. The Starship’s seen a lot over the years, but a “Star Trek” meets “The Love Boat” crossover didn’t seem written in the stars, until this. It plays like both a parody and a love letter, poking fun at Picard’s seriousness by dropping him into over-the-top romantic shenanigans he’d never tolerate on the Enterprise. And yes, that is Bernie Kopell from the actual “The Love Boat” too. Basically, this is what might’ve happened had Picard crash-landed straight into The Hallmark Channel.

#15: Christopher Reeve as Superman

We’re taken to the audition room, where thousands of hopeful Men of Steel have been whittled down to just three. But this isn’t the kind of audition sketch we’ve become accustomed to; it’s way more high-stakes. These would-be Supermen need more than solid line readings. Their reflexes have to be razor sharp, too. Honestly, we’d love to see the “special skills” section on their resumes. Unfortunately, Reeve just doesn’t have the poise to pull it off. Given how hard he actually had to fight to be seen for the role, this sketch isn’t too far off, well, aside from the whole bullet-between-the-teeth thing. Luckily for him, fate happens to be on his side.

#14: Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen

“The Hunger Games” is tense, gritty, and emotionally charged. Yet, while we were all cheering on the rebellion, there were far more pressing issues we apparently missed. Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role in a post-Games press conference where, let’s just say, the reporters could’ve fared with a little pre-conference briefing because they’re pretty clueless. Oh, and Peeta’s there too… not that anyone cares. Lawrence turns her tough, guarded, fiercely loyal character into the perfect comedic foil, swatting away dumb questions like they’re just another tribute. She steals the spotlight both in-universe and out, while Peeta, well… let’s just say he doesn’t exactly measure up. Literally.

#13: Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton

With the polarizing shifts in administration, it was only a matter of time before SNL delivered a pointed sketch about the Constitution. However, for this to succeed, there was someone else they’d need… Lin Manuel Miranda. In a skit featuring the Founding Fathers, he reprises his role as Alexander Hamilton, launching into a rap, just as we’re sure the Founding Fathers did during the signing of the Declaration. Or he would have, if he weren’t interrupted by James Austin Johnson’s eerily accurate Trump impression and clear determination to make him break. Still, Miranda mostly keeps it together. Who knows when he’ll get to play Hamilton again, so he’s not throwing away his shot.

#12: Daniel Craig as James Bond

Despite the high risks of his job, James Bond often seems to have luck on his side. It seems that luck follows him to the craps table, too. He's on a roll, and nothing can throw him off his game. It's hardly the 'shaken not stirred' 007 we all know. But as Daniel Craig shows, a “James Bond” action-comedy could've actually worked. It's fun to see him loosen up, all smiles, and actually enjoying himself. It suits him even better than one of those perfectly tailored suits. And who knew a Bond-meets-“Lion King” crossover was what we'd been missing this whole time? Apparently, the world wasn't enough… and neither is this sketch.

#11: Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates

Norman Bates might be one of the most complex and terrifying villains in movie history. Well, back in season one of “SNL,” he was offering tips on how to be a motel manager. He starts out as the seemingly mild-mannered, soft-spoken guy we remember. Polite and soft-spoken, almost fragile. But soon enough, mother gets involved, and it’s the same level of menace that made us shower with our eyes open and sleep with the lights on. Who would have thought “Psycho” would feel right at home on Studio 8H? Mother might not like a lot of things, but we think Mother would like that. Yep, we’ll be sleeping with one eye open tonight!

#10: Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

You know that guy who peaked in high school and won’t stop talking about it? That’s basically Harry Potter in this sketch. After defeating Voldemort, his life’s been...a little uneventful. He returns to Hogwarts to welcome new students, but he makes the whole thing about himself. While everyone else has grown up—marriages, careers, actual lives—Harry’s still stuck reliving his heroic past. Watching Daniel Radcliffe poke fun at his most iconic role is such a treat. Honestly, this feels like the epilogue we deserved. And if they ever make “Harry Potter and the Midlife Crisis,” we’ll be first in line. It’d be a hit—awkward, hilarious, and a little too real.

#9: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss & John Slattery as Don Draper, Roger Sterling & Peggy Olson

With Jon Hamm hosting, it felt like a “Mad Men” moment was bound to happen—and this sketch delivers. He’s joined by co-stars and real-life scene stealers Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Wiig, reprising their gum-chewing A-Holes. It’s a brilliant crossover. Everyone’s in top form, but Hamm especially shines with a dramatic monologue that gives serious “Carousel” pitch vibes. The sketch nails the look and feel of the original series while tossing in just enough absurdity to make it sing. The A-holes might not exactly fit the 1960s aesthetic, but that just makes it funnier. Also, we’d 100% watch a retro drama starring these two ridiculous characters. The “Mad Men” guys certainly meet their match!

#8: Ben Stiller & Owen Wilson as Derek Zoolander & Hansel

It’s New York Fashion Week! Who better to weigh in on style than Derek Zoolander and Hansel? Well, they’re there to talk politics—specifically, fashion in politics. The sketch milks every bit of comedy from the pair’s clueless worldview colliding with the fashion world’s over-the-top seriousness. With the 2016 election in full swing, they somehow manage to skip the major issues and focus on what really matters: outfits. From Hillary Clinton’s ’90s throwback to Tom... Cruise, apparently? Honestly, where were these fashion pundits when we needed them? This wasn’t Derek’s only “Weekend Update” visit. Zoolander and Stefon teaming up? That’s the crossover movie we want to see!

#7: Zac Efron as Troy Bolton

Like Harry Potter earlier, Troy Bolton left high school only to find out, surprise! The real world kind of sucks. But unlike Harry, he’s not stuck in the past. He’s back at East High to deliver some crushing news: real life isn’t a musical. We know. Breathe. Apparently, in the real world, people don’t randomly burst into song, stare into invisible cameras, or launch into full choreography in the cafeteria. Worse—when you sing out loud, people can hear you. Still, while Harry’s stuck reliving his glory days, Troy is warmly welcomed back to the all-singing, all-dancing East High. Sounds like “High School Musical 4” just wrote itself!

#6: Aubrey Plaza & Amy Poehler as April Ludgate & Leslie Knope

In a segment about getting young people involved in local government, who better to weigh in than April Ludgate? She’s still as sardonic, deadpan, and fierce as ever, with that dark sense of humor barely covering the fact that she actually cares—just don’t tell anyone. She even offers up some sage-ish advice… before stopping herself short of showing she’s, you know, invested. So who better to take over than Leslie Knope? She’s a huge “SNL” fan, by the way! It’s so much fun seeing her sunshiney enthusiasm clash with April’s gloomier outlook again. And it turns out Leslie’s got solid comedy chops. It’s almost like she’s done this before.

#5: Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson & Jeremy Renner as The Avengers

With various Avengers actors hosting the show, “SNL” hasn’t missed a chance to poke fun at the “MCU.” Like this sketch, where Thor’s still buzzing from the high of defeating Ultron and refuses to turn the hero dial down. Given how serious the movies can get, it’s so fun seeing Hemsworth lean into Thor’s sillier side. Then there’s the Black Widow trailer, with Scarlett Johansson playing her as a rom-com lead. Sure, the eventual movie went another way, but come on—the sequel potential is right there. And of course, Jeremy Renner calling out the obvious—Hawkeye’s powers are... not exactly top-tier. Watching him roll with the punches is genuinely entertaining.

#4: Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins

Freeman doesn’t just parody one of his most iconic characters in this sketch; he mashes up two of them: Middle-earth meets mundane office life. Bilbo Baggins steps into the world of a paper company, and it totally works. Turns out Bilbo has a lot in common with “The Office’s” Tim Canterbury: dry wit, self-deprecating humor, and that low-key, quietly suffering energy that says, “I’m doing my best, please don’t talk to me before second breakfast” (one for your “Lord of the Rings” fans). Watching him navigate various coworkers and petty pranks is weirdly perfect. Honestly, we’d watch an entire series of this. Bonus points for Taran Killam returning as Gollum, obviously.

#3: Paul Mescal as Lucius Verus Aurelius

After the Barbenheimer summer takeover, movie pundits were desperate to bottle that same double-feature magic (or triple in this case) with Wicked, Moana 2, and Gladiator 2. The obvious solution? Make Gladiator 2 a musical, of course. And honestly, after seeing Paul Mescal belt out battle ballads and nail choreography, we're asking why this isn't a musical? He's got the voice, the charisma, and enough stage presence to bring the Colosseum down. With Lin-Manuel Miranda on lyrics, it basically writes itself. All we’re saying is Broadway better brace itself. And don't even think about recasting Lucius; Mescal's got the voice, the charm, and the battle cry to bring the house down.

#2: Adam Driver as Kylo Ren

Given the ever-expanding galaxy that is Star Wars, its no surprise SNL has taken more than a few swings at it. But the standout is easily the Undercover Boss sketch where Adam Driver's Kylo Ren poses as Matt, a radar technician, to see what really goes on at Starkiller Base. Spoiler: almost no one is fooled by the disguise. What we get instead is a painfully relatable workplace scenario where the big boss tries to experience the daily grind and, surprise surprise, absolutely cannot handle it. Driver plays it completely straight-faced, which somehow makes it even funnier. No wonder they brought him back for a Where Are They Now.

#1: Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa

Darnell, what is one of the best Black Jeopardy segments of all time? It’s the one where Chadwick Boseman plays T'Challa, still in full Wakandan mode, trying to wrap his head around Black American culture. He brings that royal elegance and wide-eyed honesty, which makes every moment land perfectly. The sketch is smart, sharp, and surprisingly wholesome, with TChalla slowly catching on to the game until he draws the line at unseasoned potato salad. That moment instantly became a classic and, lets be real, a necessary public service announcement. Because, yes, seasoning your food matters. And no, salt is not the only one out there. TChalla said what he said!

What’s your favorite “SNL” parody? Let us know in the comments.