Top 51 Most SAVAGE SNL Impressions Ever

#51: Troye Sivan

By: Charli XCX

When the blockbuster version of “Wicked” hit screens with Ariana Grande in a leading role, “SNL” couldn’t resist poking fun. And, as fate would have it, Charli XCX was hosting that night! In a skit about pop stars auditioning for the musical adaptation, Charli stepped into the shoes of their longtime friend and collaborator, Troye Sivan. The results speak for themselves. While the wig and outfit do a lot of heavy lifting, it’s Charli’s accent that really seals the deal. By that we mean, it’s hilariously awful. But, Charli’s got Sivan’s ticks down so pat, it’s impossible to resist laughing. Forget savagery. This impersonation is downright “Wicked.”

#50: Don Jr. & Eric Trump

By: Mikey Day & Alex Moffat

These two performers make these guys into much more entertaining people. Mikey Day and Alex Moffat have a great chemistry, transforming this sibling pair into a comedic duo. You could almost imagine them in a buddy comedy together. This version of Eric needs some help from Don Jr., with hilarity ensuing each time. The “Weekend Update” desk always brightens up when these two come by. These impersonations don’t make either man look smart, but they become the perfect foils for each other. Day and Moffat might be underrated for turning national figures into “Update” essentials.

#49: Elon Musk

By: Mike Myers

With his legendary status at “SNL,” Mike Myers has impersonated plenty of celebrities over the years. His more recent stint on the show included this brief cameo. Myers’ work here doesn’t focus on dialogue, but it does come with high energy. The performer jumps around on stage and makes Elon Musk into a goofball. With limited time, the impressionist makes the most of his appearance. He might not look or sound like the real guy either. The impersonation seems to reference Musk’s appearance at Trump rallies, but you don’t have to know that to enjoy the result.

#48: Kim Kardashian

By: Nasim Pedrad

In the earlier days of Kim Kardashian’s fame, Nasim Pedrad played her on “SNL.” This included some amazing “Update” features and sketches. The comedian even does the impression for a divorce sketch, satirizing the celeb’s marriage with Kris Humphries. Every step of the way Pedrad really exaggerates the woman’s voice. It’s even funnier when other cast members play the family members, with Kristen Wiig showing up as Kris Jenner. The performer plays up the target as superficial. It’s also a funny look into Kardashian’s celebrity status and sibling rivalries. This particular version leans heavily on the vocal fry, making it even more memorable.

#47: Donatella Versace

By: Maya Rudolph

With her comedic talents, Maya Rudolph takes an absurd approach to this impersonation. The actress focuses on the depth of Donatella Versace’s voice. It’s both impressive and unrelenting, with the performer playing up the fashion icon’s personality. You wouldn’t say it’s the most flattering take either. This Versace is a little out of touch, both acting confused and selling food. Her celebrity friends prompt incredible observations. When skiing with Paris Hilton, the character even gets to do some physical gags. Rudolph can make the most out of a look or brief glance. It’s outrageous and funny while also being slightly accurate underneath.

#46: Marjorie Taylor Greene

By: Cecily Strong

Sometimes you have to be bold to tackle a rising political figure. Cecily Strong took this impersonation by storm, finding a way to do Marjorie Taylor Greene. She has the hair, the accent, and the general attitude down. Strong shows up on “Update” as Greene, delivering a performance full of shock and awe. Her impression even makes a talk show sketch much funnier. With all the chaos of modern politics, it’s even harder to stand out with satire. This comedian gives a blunt assessment of the representative’s strong convictions. Holding a gun, the performer can even steal the scene in a “Sesame Street” parody.

#45: Richard Nixon

By: Dan Aykroyd

Some people might remember Dan Aykroyd as Jimmy Carter, but the original cast member also played Richard Nixon. Aykroyd knows how to copy the voice and personality of the president. This all happened in the years following Watergate, with the impression digging into Nixon’s poor reputation. The negative impersonation addresses the man’s troubled relationships with family and associates. Plenty of people have tried to do the same, but this “SNL” icon finds his own lane. The comedian even makes every breath and mouth movement something extra. Don’t rule out this legend when it comes to any sketch comedy work.

#44: Elizabeth Taylor

By: John Belushi

If you know both of these performers, you probably understand how different these two are. This makes the very concept of this impression somewhat surprising. John Belushi doesn’t hold back, showcasing an Elizabeth Taylor that’s probably past her prime. Belushi chooses to eat a piece of meat during this absurd interview. Not afraid to make Taylor look bad, the cast member goes all out with the performance. A political interview turns sideways when the guest can’t stop eating. The choking makes the scene comical and ridiculous, with the physical nature of the role taking over.

#43: Tiger Woods

By: Kenan Thompson

This impression is notable and notorious for multiple reasons. Kenan Thompson played Tiger Woods during the latter’s scandal, with “SNL” hoping to find comedy through it all. The comedian becomes the athlete during a press conference. With the golfer’s wife nearby, the comedic version of this man fears for his safety. The script is especially mean to him and focuses on one of his lower moments. Some might enjoy the jabs at his personal life, but others could see this as making fun of a violent relationship. Thompson plays up the man’s weakness in a sketch that might not get made today.

#42: Mika Brzezinski & Joe Scarborough

By: Kate McKinnon & Alex Moffat

They’re the MSNBC couple that can’t quit. Mika and Joe both present “Morning Joe,” but these “SNL” impressions focus on their love life. Alex Moffat and Kate McKinnon have a way about letting the tension rise. You might laugh or cringe, with the two performers playing a couple that can’t hold back. It’s a hilarious way to satirize the two lovebirds and their relationship. When the TV personalities get close, they start to make everyone else uncomfortable. Moffat and McKinnon make the pair insufferable in the funniest way. The comedians make a convincing double act, playing people too pre-occupied to do their jobs.

#41: Beyoncé

By: Maya Rudolph

Over the years, this actress made Beyoncé one of her signature parts. Maya Rudolph reminds everyone of her various talents with this role. As the singer, she can sing, dance, and get laughs. Rudolph would join Fred Armisen in sketches parodying show business. Her impression worked well with Armisen’s Prince, turning the two icons into comedic characters. The cast member has returned multiple times as a host to bring back the magic. This includes putting the “Lemonade” artist on “Hot Ones,” with some hilarious side effects. It’s almost shocking to see a side of the vocalist that isn’t completely in control. While this impersonation isn’t mean, it certainly pokes fun at the woman’s elevated persona.

#40: Bob Dole

By: Norm Macdonald

Political junkies will remember Bob Dole, but “SNL” fans might remember this impression better. Norm Macdonald played the presidential candidate as a stern and gruff man. The comedian plays up the former senator’s age, with the hair and makeup going a long way to sell this impression. Macdonald’s voice and speech patterns also make this target seem more exhausted. In one sketch, “SNL” even parodies one time that Dole fell off a stage. It doesn’t make the impersonation any more flattering either. Mixing clumsiness and frustration, this goofy portrait of the politician pulls no punches.

#39: Harry Caray

By: Will Ferrell

This impression encapsulates the many talents of Will Ferrell. He’s able to embody a character, make you laugh, and give you a shred of accuracy. His Harry Caray seems like a sportscaster until he goes off the rails. Whether he’s at the “Update” desk or on his own talk show, this impersonation only gets funnier as it goes on. Ferrell developed such a fun rhythm that it didn’t matter if nothing made sense. All of the non sequiturs and bizarre behavior make it better, with the cast member taking this role far beyond the world of sports. Some co-stars couldn’t contain their laughter upon witnessing this silly result.

#38: Ronald Reagan

By: Phil Hartman

There’s a reason that Phil Hartman ranks highly among “SNL” cast members. He can seemingly do anything, bringing his own spin to this 1980s president. His Ronald Reagan appears to be a kindly old man until a massive switch. In the “Mastermind” sketch, the performer shows how well he can create a layered performance. This Reagan is much more dastardly than he lets on. Behind the smile and handshakes, this impression features a much more ruthless side. Hartman nails the dynamic and makes the politician seem crazier. With his fantastic work, the cast member dissects the lies surrounding politics.

#37: Bill Cosby

By: Kenan Thompson

Given the man’s tarnished reputation, this role seems controversial at minimum. Kenan Thompson played Bill Cosby back when he was still widely beloved. A “Celebrity Jeopardy!” sketch was one highlight, giving Thompson the chance to shine. His version of the aging comedian is out of touch and prone to making odd noises. The cast member stretches out vowels, making scenes much funnier with his vocalization. He later portrayed Cosby in jail and found a way to tackle the darker subject matter. The long-tenured “SNL” performer isn’t afraid to take chances, making fun of the target’s legal status.

#36: Ben Carson

By: Jay Pharoah

In a crowded field of political candidates, this one might be easy to forget. Ben Carson was one of many hopefuls for the 2016 Republican ticket. Jay Pharoah zeroed in on the doctor’s more lowkey personality, making it all even funnier to watch. Sleepy doesn’t begin to describe this impersonation. Pharoah is one of the more underrated “SNL” impressionists, finding his way into a role that might seem boring on the surface. The comedian can make the slightest placement of his hands hilarious. Carson might be less remembered, but this cast member helped make him more of a fun presence.

#35: Liza Minnelli

By: Kristen Wiig

This might’ve been the most out-there impression in “SNL” history. For some reason in this sketch, Liza Minnelli has trouble with a lamp. This inspires a scene full of dance moves, Bob Fosse references, and amazing comic timing. Kristen Wiig should’ve won an award for how insane and wonderful this ends up being. The concept defies all logic, focusing on the comedic value of Wiig’s maneuvers. She’s such a gifted performer that she can channel Minnelli’s essence and poke fun at the target’s persona. We don’t know how it happened, but we’re happy to see this crazy idea make it onto network TV.

#34: Linda Tripp

By: John Goodman

If you were around during the Clinton scandal, you might remember one or two “SNL” skits about it. The show had a field day with the event and cast John Goodman in a key role. Playing Linda Tripp, John Goodman doesn’t exactly portray the woman in the best light. He seems entirely focused on making her seem crazy or worse. With a wig and makeup, the actor really digs into the role with reckless abandon. He also makes scenes opposite Molly Shannon feel more award-worthy. The performer delivers a comic caricature like the best of them, showing why he could’ve easily become a cast member himself.

#33: David Ortiz

By: Kenan Thompson

Any time this baseball player shows up on “Weekend Update,” he’s a little preoccupied. This David Ortiz is much more interested in food. Kenan Thompson chooses to make this broad impression about lunch or advertising, with each name coming with a wilder pronunciation. It’s even better watching the sketches divert from any sports commentary. Thompson is a skilled veteran, taking a thin premise and elevating it. This might actually be one of the cast member’s most underrated characters. Alternative Big Papi might not come off as articulate, but this version of the slugger makes you want to try Dominican dishes.

#32: Courtney Love

By: Molly Shannon

With all the media attention surrounding Courtney Love’s life, Molly Shannon helped turn the artist into a talk-show host. The resulting sketch parodies the musician’s more complicated and scandalous reputation in the 1990s. Shannon disappears into the role, playing the woman as not-quite sober. The physical performer manages to make every movement count here. Even if you don’t know Love all that well, you can appreciate this version’s eccentric choices. The writing and performance nail down the stereotype of a public trainwreck. It might not have been completely fair, but it did let the cast member show off her skills as an impressionist.

#31: Donald Trump

By: Alec Baldwin

Is this the most unflattering impression of Donald Trump? Regardless of how you feel about it, you might agree that it’s one of the silliest. Alec Baldwin seems like an unlikely choice to play the politician until he starts talking. With his over-pronunciation, the actor really goes after the president’s speech patterns. Every pout, squint, and look could be out of a cartoon. Impersonating the man for an extended period, Baldwin faced off against Kate McKinnon’s Clinton for some entertaining debates. He helped lampooned multiple presidential races and felt like the right antidote to toxic political fights. With his guttural take on Trump, the “SNL” guest won an Emmy for this work.

#30: Nicolas Cage

By: Andy Samberg

The hairline isn’t the only notable element of this impression. Andy Samberg takes on Nicolas Cage’s personality, acting, and intensity. For a series of “Weekend Update” segments, Samberg doesn’t worry about offending the actor either. He plays with Cage’s tendency to go over the top and beyond with his acting choices. This character bounces off of other Hollywood stars playing themselves, from Jude Law to Liam Neeson. The real actor even appears in one variation, looking to defend himself and play with his own persona. Both performers end up turning this concept into a meta commentary. Each appearance makes for both laughs and surprises, fitting for an actor who always keeps us guessing.

#29: Kamala Harris

By: Maya Rudolph

Since the 2020 election season, Maya Rudolph has been playing this Kamala Harris on “SNL.” She’s also been perfecting her skills with some fantastic performances. These include some accurate details like Harris’ delivery and vocals. Rudolph turns debates into hilarious affairs, making the future VP into someone trying hard to be cool. She returned to play the leader in 2024 for parodies of her personal and political connections. This included some fantastic chemistry with Andy Samberg as her husband, Doug Emhoff. The peak of this impression is arguably playing opposite the real Harris, poking fun at her distinct laugh.

#28: Thom Yorke

By: Fred Armisen

In less than a minute, Fred Armisen makes a major splash as the front man for Radiohead. He plays Thom Yorke in a disastrous duet with Michael Bublé. Armisen doesn’t do this in a straightforward way either, letting his impersonation take a more crazed direction. This includes the comedian playing the singer as more erratic and indecipherable. Yorke’s beautiful falsettos don’t make an appearance here, but Armisen’s physical comedy certainly does. It’s not necessarily the kindest way to salute an acclaimed artist either. This energetic performance is hilarious, manic, and one of the underrated parts of this funny sketch.

#27: Jennifer Lawrence

By: Ariana Grande

While she might not seem like an obvious target, Jennifer Lawrence becomes a great comic character in the “Celebrity Family Feud” sketch. Ariana Grande once again shows her versatile talents as she becomes the Oscar-winning performer. The singer is able to capture and poke fun at Lawrence’s personality. With some help from Kenan Thompson as Steve Harvey, the script takes aim at Lawrence as being too relatable for her own good. It’s all in good fun, but the sketch does take the subject down a few notches. Grande’s performance is also something to behold as she finds subtle details to use.

#26: Rami Malek

By: Pete Davidson

Pete Davidson isn’t necessarily known for his impressions, but this one is a definite standout. He manages to tap into Rami Malek’s unique presence. This includes the dramatic actor’s stare, which lets Davidson give a minimal performance. It makes the Oscar winner seem much creepier than he might be in real life. While this paints the target as unsettling, it also pokes fun at the subject’s intensity. You can’t help but laugh as the performer speaks in monotone and tries not to blink. During Malek’s episode, the “Bohemian Rhapsody” star finally got his revenge while also displaying his great comedic timing.

#25: Rudy Giuliani

By: Kate McKinnon

In terms of makeup and hair style alone, this easily stands as one of the most unflattering “SNL” impressions. Kate McKinnon then opens her mouth to play Rudy Giuliani as something more sinister. The cast member doesn’t mind using her hands, contorting herself to become something close to a “Lord of the Rings” character. It’s such an impressive transformation that you might laugh and/or look away in horror. At first, McKinnon might seem like an unlikely candidate to impersonate the former mayor, but the way she loses herself in the role is incredible. Every subsequent appearance pushes the role into more embarrassing and unsightly territory.

#24: Jeanine Pirro

By: Cecily Strong

On “Weekend Update,” Cecily Strong appeared as the conservative personality Jeanine Pirro, who always seems to be riled up about something. Not only does she sensationalize everything, she usually carries a drink with her. Strong doesn’t hesitate in giving this version of Pirron a problem handling her liquor. However, she doesn’t drink it so much as she tosses it everywhere. Colin Jost often becomes the target of these spills, making for some fantastic physical comedy. The cast member turns this TV star into a hysterical spectacle. It’s a shame that the actual person doesn’t enter tanks of booze, singing her heart out to “My Way.”

#23: Joe Biden

By: Dana Carvey

Decades after leaving the show, Dana Carvey returned to play Joe Biden. He once again showed his knack for political impressions. His take on the president involves catchphrases, rambling, and some incoherent statements. Needless to say, the politician might not be calling to thank Carvey any time soon. The comedian does look like he’s having fun as he turns Biden into a cartoon. Forgetful and bumbling, this version of the man makes for some wild speeches. His work next to Maya Rudolph’s Kamala Harris helps to sell just how good this impersonation is. The former cast member never misses a beat, showing that he can still be as silly as possible.

#22: David Paterson

By: Fred Armisen

You might not remember this governor of New York, but you might recall Fred Armisen’s impression. The comedian pokes fun at David Paterson’s vision in some off-the-wall segments. His character slides into frame, struggling to find his way and even using binoculars at one point. He’s even known to step in front of the camera. It might not be politically correct, but it does make for some amusing surprises. This Paterson also loves to make jokes at the expense of his neighbor state New Jersey. Armisen really goes for it, fearless in his quest to tread the line between humor and bad taste.

#21: Gerald Ford

By: Chevy Chase

During the early years of “SNL,” the president was Gerald Ford. Chevy Chase did not look like the man or alter his look in any way. He chose to make the politician clumsy, taking comical missteps and even a few pratfalls. His debate work alongside Dan Aykroyd’s Jimmy Carter features plenty of wrong answers. If you only got your news from “SNL,” you’d think that Ford fell in every public appearance. Chase put his body on the line to make this impersonation special. The cast member treated audiences with hilarious gags, making the character as inept as possible.

#20: Burt Reynolds

By: Norm Macdonald

Norm Macdonald can make us laugh by doing just about anything– but his Burt Reynolds impression is particularly legendary! Macdonald lampooned Reynolds– or should we say, Turd Ferguson– in the first ever iteration of the “Celebrity Jeopardy” series on SNL, and returned as the character eight times throughout the show’s run. He played him as an over the top cool guy with not so much in the noggin, who gets a kick out of his own half-witted quips. It’s hard to say that this portrayal is accurate to the actor’s real life intelligence, but it became an iconic impression nevertheless!

#19: Kendall Jenner

By: Gal Gadot

In a spoof of the “E!” lineup, this sketch takes a look at potential spin-offs for shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” These include one for Kendall Jenner with an entertaining impression from Gal Gadot. The “Wonder Woman” star portrays the model as clueless, remaining in a constant state of confusion about her life. Gadot also appears in another hilarious show about Jenner trying to find her way around a house. With off-the-wall concepts, the writers explore the character through the stereotype of a shallow celebrity. Whether or not you think it’s accurate, you’ll probably laugh as you watch the performer get completely lost in the role.

#18: Brett Kavanaugh

By: Matt Damon

For this cold open, the show called in a movie star to channel the energy of Brett Kavanaugh. Matt Damon’s take on the Supreme Court justice starts in a loud and hilarious way. Referencing the man’s apparent love of beer, Damon turns his target into a frat boy with a harsh tone. He also brings out real references to the hearing that include props like a calendar. Riding an emotional rollercoaster, the Oscar winner takes the impression through screams and even some crying spells. It might even be accurate in places, but ultimately it becomes an enjoyable caricature.

#17: Kathie Lee Gifford

By: Kristen Wiig

If you were to believe this impression of the “Today” show host, you’d think she was drinking all the time. Kristen Wiig’s hilarious take on Kathie Lee Gifford is heavy on the wine in a cartoonish way. Lovable and clumsy, this version of the presenter feels like a fantastic trainwreck. This imitation of Gifford slurs her words and constantly questions her actions, making faces along the way. Wiig’s light-hearted jabs at the TV personality make her an unfiltered mess. It’s not exactly flattering, but it is a clear example of the “SNL” star’s power as a comedian.

#16: Joe Biden

By: Jason Sudeikis

Back during his time as the Vice President, Joe Biden was impersonated on “SNL” by Jason Sudeikis. The actor’s take on the politician was of a slightly-confused man with prominent teeth. He leans into the VP’s more embarrassing side, talking without a filter most of the time. Sudeikis also references the fact that most people in Biden’s previous position are forgotten. There’s also his frequent mentioning of Scranton, just one of the ways the character uses to try and connect with the general public. Ultimately, the show chose to portray the leader as an uncle who can’t always state his message well. Jim Carrey would later capitalize on this idea, taking the impression on the 2020 campaign trail.

#15: Hillary Clinton

By: Kate McKinnon

For the 2016 campaign season, Kate McKinnon brought out a killer Hillary Clinton impersonation. The caricature delves into the politician’s attempts to connect with the youth vote. This includes campaign announcements and advertisements, most of which give off an awkward-mom energy. There are also debates against the likes of Alec Baldwin’s Trump that devolve into rants from McKinnon’s Clinton. The performer always knocks it out of the park with excellent comic timing. Whether she’s about to freak out or trying desperately to hold it together, this take on the former Secretary of State is obsessed with winning the presidency.

#14: Julia Child

By: Dan Aykroyd

For those that love Dan Aykroyd, they might not have originally envisioned him as Julia Child. The performer provides a funny spoof of the chef’s cooking show. Instead of showing her as a cooking expert, Aykroyd plays her as a clumsy TV personality. He puts on a wig and a dress, creating an outrageous take on Child’s voice. The best part of the interpretation comes when a knife chops part of the host’s hand. With blood flying everywhere, the comedian has no fear of making his real-life counterpart look crazy. This doesn’t stop the sketch either as the “SNL” legend brings some physical comedy to this impression.

#13: Ross Perot

By: Dana Carvey

Dana Carvey’s expertise with impressions gives this take on Ross Perot a memorable quality. He definitely nails the voice, while also turning up the dial on the presidential candidate’s unique mannerisms. The character can turn any campaign speech into a one-man show with wild proposals and metaphors. In any situation, this version of Perot provides hilarious observations about anything and everything. He even appears in a Halloween sketch where he criticizes kids and their costumes, showing that there’s absolutely no barrier between what he thinks and what he says. Carvey once again proves that an exaggerated accent and even some dancing go a long way.

#12: Barbara Walters

By: Gilda Radner

In the first several seasons of the show, Gilda Radner impersonated legendary interviewer Barbara Walters. Well, technically she’s called “Baba Wawa,” but we all know who she’s parodying. This version of the presenter makes for an over-the-top and enjoyable experience every time. Radner gives Walters a unique way of pronouncing certain consonants, making every interview segment extra interesting. This comes out with interviewees that range from Henry Kissinger to Marlene Dietrich. The “SNL” cast member wears a smile throughout every sketch as she plays the journalist like a cartoon. You could call it more of a mean caricature, but it’s such an exaggerated character that you have to laugh.

#11: Bill Clinton

By: Phil Hartman

Arguably one of the most versatile performers in “SNL” history, there’s nothing Phil Hartman couldn’t do. His run as Bill Clinton in the 1990s is full of gems that are still quoted today. Spoofing the president’s relationship with his wife, Hartman’s performance exaggerates the Bill and Hillary dynamic with comedic results. He’s able to take the politician’s charisma and use it against people like in the famous McDonald’s sketch. This version of Clinton loves fast food and slick speeches that seem to be all jumbled together. The comedian utilizes all of the best cliches about politics, giving this interpretation an inflated ego and a speech for any occasion.

#10: Justin Bieber

By: Kate McKinnon

Yes, this impersonation is savage, but McKinnon’s self-professed method behind pulling off the perfect Justin Bieber impression isn’t exactly a compliment to the singer either. Both the physicality of the role and the dialogue are hilarious to watch, as McKinnon nails the young popstar’s cockiness with pouts and poses while perfectly undercutting that image with some particularly childish lines and actions. It might be an exaggerated impression, but it’s absolutely without fault from a comedic standpoint, proving once again that McKinnon’s comedy skills know no bounds.

#9: Kanye West

By: Chris Redd

All eyes turned to “SNL” when we learned of Kanye’s meeting with the 45th President – and boy, did they deliver. Chris Redd had big shoes to fill in taking over this role from Jay Pharoah, and he did not disappoint. His impression is uncanny, perfectly capturing everything from Kanye’s intonation and mannerisms, to the unpredictability of what he might say or do next. “SNL” didn’t have to look too far for inspiration for this sketch, either, as the material pretty much writes itself. However, Redd’s hilarious impression just reminds us that a chat with Ye can be a tad… surreal.

#8: Kellyanne Conway

By: Kate McKinnon

“SNL” may have been ruthless with their Kellyanne Conway impression, but there’s no denying that it got people talking. Kellyanne has the tiresome job of excusing all of Trump’s outrageous behavior, and McKinnon does an impeccable job of dodging questions and inventing her own narrative as Conway often seems to do. Audiences have seen the job take its toll on McKinnon’s Kellyanne over the last few years, culminating in a Fatal Attraction-style sketch that some claim went a step too far. But if anyone sums up the media madness surrounding the Trump administration, it’s Kellyanne Conway – and McKinnon has her down to a tee.

#7: Janet Reno

By: Will Ferrell

This one has a weird premise, with Will Ferrell playing the former Attorney General hosting a teen dance show in her basement. Ferrell plays her as a powerful force to be reckoned with, highlighting her strongest assets and personality traits. Even surrounded by dancing teens, this Reno doesn’t let up from her role as Attorney General, and her special guests only add to the hilarity. Maybe having Will Ferrell prance about in a dress, dancing awkwardly, and emphasizing a manly quality isn’t the most respectful way to portray her, but she reportedly took it well, even becoming a fan.

#6: Monica Lewinsky

By: Molly Shannon

When Monica Lewinsky made headlines in the ‘90s, “SNL” decided to turn away from the obvious ‘Lolita’ parody and instead present us with an immature young lady who simply got caught up in the whirlwind of politics. Not only does Molly Shannon’s portrayal of her often collapse into nervous giggling, she also comes across as self-centred, attention-seeking, and not particularly concerned with the consequences. It was a pretty unforgiving impression at the time, and it hasn’t aged gracefully – making it even more brutal in hindsight.

#5: Sean Spicer

By: Melissa McCarthy

It was almost a shame when Sean Spicer left the White House, as it brought an end to Melissa McCarthy’s hilariously brutish impression. The President reportedly didn’t like a woman playing a man in his administration, which egged “SNL” on into bringing us Kate McKinnon’s unforgettable impression of ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. However, McCarthy’s Spicer takes the spot on our list for her loud, angry and boisterous impression, and constant willingness to wage war with the media. While Spicer took it well, he also thought McCarthy could tone it down a notch.

#4: Sean Connery

By: Darrell Hammond

“Celebrity Jeopardy” is one of “Saturday Night Live’s” most beloved sketches, and Darrell Hammond’s unforgettable performance as Scottish actor Sean Connery played a huge role in cementing its place both in “SNL” history and our hearts. For some reason, Hammond’s Connery is crude, brutish, antagonistic and – like all his opponents – somewhat dim-witted. He deliberately mispronounces phrases and always has a ‘Your Mom’ joke on hand for a disapproving Alex Trebek, played by Will Ferrell. We’re not sure what Connery did to deserve this, as the impression is far from flattering, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

#3: Donald Trump

By: James Austin Johnson

With one of the most impressive performances in recent “SNL” history, James Austin Johnson has been knocking it out of the park as Donald Trump. His vocal inflections and rambling feels almost too accurate at times, while still being completely silly. It’s so precise in those aspects that the over-the-top dialog almost sounds like actual transcripts. Johnson goes on rants about everything from politics to pop culture, throwing out opinions about celebrities that are especially hilarious. The show knows how to tackle the former president’s cadence, while still leaving room for this performer to unleash so many crazy lines. This interpretation feels like the perfect mix of absurdity and reality, coming after notable impressions from Darrell Hammond and Alec Baldwin.

#2: Sarah Palin

By: Tina Fey

“SNL” is great at nailing political parodies, and Tina Fey’s portrayal of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was such a hit that it won her an Emmy for her efforts. Fey pokes fun at Palin’s Beauty Pageant days, lack of political prowess, and misplaced use of colloquialisms, wrapping it all up in an accent and voice that drills itself into your head. Fey has reprised this role on several occasions – even in front of Governor Palin herself. It’s all in good fun, of course, and never fails to make us laugh, but it’s undeniably one of “SNL’s” most savage AND memorable impressions.

#1: George W. Bush

By: Will Ferrell

Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush comes across as likeable while simultaneously reminding audiences of all the reasons why George W. Bush was so controversial and heavily criticized. He portrays the former President as dopey, simple, and painfully misinformed. The accent, language and mannerisms all feel incredibly accurate and, adding insult to injury, this goofy portrayal rarely failed to make audiences laugh. The Bush presidency was also a perfect opportunity to bring back Dana Carvey (who nails pretty much any impression), but whose overblown George Bush Sr. will always hold a special place in both the “SNL” archives and our hearts.

Did we forget another notable “SNL” impression? Let us know in the comments below.