Top 10 Best Celebrity Impressions by SNL Hosts

Top 10 Best Celebrity Impressions by SNL

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the funniest celebrity impersonations from “SNL” hosts.

#10: Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer

While she played the role before, Melissa McCarthy returned to host and brought back her Sean Spicer impression. It’s yet another chance for her to show off her glorious creation. Her character storms in and takes over, returning to the podium with a comedic fury. Spicer uses plenty of props to get her point across. He even attacks the press, letting McCarthy remind everyone of her physical comedy chops. The former press secretary even escapes to reunite with Trump in a strange finale. This “Bridesmaids” star might seem like odd casting, but she always knocks it out of the park.

#9: Charles Barkley as Shaquille O’Neal

Not just an athlete, Charles Barkley also has a talent for comedy. This appearance on “SNL” lets him make fun of his own show on TNT. He even surprises audiences by not playing himself, instead taking the role of Shaquille O’Neal. It’s hilarious to watch Barkley try out an impression no matter how accurate it is. The host also has to play opposite Kenan Thompson, watching his co-star do an impersonation of him. Rather than talking basketball, the conversation takes a few turns as the two former NBA stars argue with each other. Everything down to the main performer’s wardrobe makes this scene even funnier.

#8: Rami Malek as Pete Davidson

For this game show sketch, “SNL” cast members assemble to play celebrities. This also includes Rami Malek’s rendition of Pete Davidson. He sports a wig and wardrobe that captures Davidson’s look, but he also tries out a decent vocal impression. It might not be as good as his Oscar-winning work as Freddie Mercury, but it’s certainly entertaining work. Malek also plays well off of the comedian’s impersonation of him. Delivering broad takes on each other, their back and forth enhances an already-funny sketch. The host tries his best with an impression that nobody has quite mastered yet.

#7: Matt Damon as Matthew McConaughey

A lineup of celebrities audition to be Oscars hosts. With Matt Damon as an “SNL” presenter, the sketch includes his fantastic impression of Matthew McConaughey. It’s a short and sweet parody of the actor’s philosophical ramblings. This McConaughey talks to future versions of himself, somehow able to see his destiny. It’s a silly rendition of the performer that Damon sells with his vocal impersonation. By the end, the character seems to confuse himself after his absurd dialogue. It does make us want to see the real guy host the Academy Awards or maybe even the “Good Will Hunting” star instead.

#6: Tobey Maguire as Keanu Reeves

In every “Celebrity Jeopardy!” on “SNL,” clueless contestants come together to annoy Alex Trebek. This sketch is no different as Tobey Maguire plays Keanu Reeves. Mimicking the actor’s voice, the host does an impressive take on “The Matrix” star’s voice. It’s even funnier to watch Maguire’s version of Reeves stumble through categories. The celebrity gives wrong answers that are often off-the-wall and hilarious, making you question his intelligence. There’s also the final “Jeopardy!” question that serves as one more joke at the target’s expense. The “Spider-Man” performer might surprise most viewers with his comedic timing.

#5: Jon Hamm as Robin Williams

Since he had such a unique performance style, Robin Williams wasn’t the easiest person to impersonate. Jon Hamm figures out a way to capture the performer during an audition scene for “Back to the Future.” The “Mad Men” actor talks at a mile a minute, able to keep up with Williams’ quick-witted comedy. Hamm can also transform into other characters that the comedian could become. This makes the impression even more complicated, with the host having to change his voice at an incredible pace. He makes it look easy in a believable routine honoring the icon.

#4: Ben Affleck as Keith Olbermann

Several hosts have to impersonate people on “SNL,” but few have to lead an entire sketch with this much dialogue. Ben Affleck channels the former MSNBC presenter Keith Olbermann through a difficult and hilarious scene. The Oscar winner has to rant, argue, and address the camera with plenty of big words. Affleck never misses a beat, interviewing guests as Olbermann and juggling multiple topics. It builds up to funny interactions with Fred Armisen’s character and a complete freakout. Even if you don’t remember this TV personality, the host’s impression goes so off the rails that you’ll probably be laughing anyway about his cat.

#3: Ariana Grande as Jennifer Lawrence

With this killer impression, this pop idol lets people know she’s the consummate performer. This multi-faceted star takes on Jennifer Lawrence during a “Family Feud” skit. Grande nails down the Oscar winner’s personality, playing her as a down-to-earth and cool contestant. Her relatable dialogue provides some laughs as she trades lines with Kenan Thompson’s Steve Harvey. This version of Lawrence describes her snacking habits, with the singer convincing us all that we’re listening to the actual star. She effectively steals the sketch with her authentic portrayal, showing that she hasn’t lost her talents for comedy acting.

#2: John Goodman as Robert De Niro

Who else could be a sidekick to Joe Pesci? In this 1990s “SNL” sketch, John Goodman’s Robert De Niro arrives to banter with his former co-star. This version of the actor only likes to say a couple of lines at a time, providing a counterpoint to Pesci’s talkative host. The funny concept gives the skit more than a few great one-liners. Goodman’s impression references the movie “Raging Bull” and talks to guests like Marisa Tomei and Richard Dreyfuss. The “Big Lebowski” actor doesn’t need much to get laughs, using a few words and gestures to win over the crowd. He’s not exactly a match for De Niro, but he’s absolutely fun to watch.

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

Kim Kardashian as Kourtney Kardashian
The Celebrity Delivers with a Very Personal Impression of Her Sister

Miles Teller as Peyton Manning
The “Top Gun: Maverick” Star Joins the ManningCast for a Funny Critique of “SNL”

Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka Trump
Spoofing a Perfume Ad, the Actress Brings Her Starpower to This Incisive Impression

Timothée Chalamet as Troye Sivan
This Actor Brings Some Fun Dance Moves to a Crazy Impression of the Pop Singer

Woody Harrelson as Joe Biden
With a Fake Set of Teeth, Harrelson Brightens up the Debate Stage as the Politician

#1: Martin Short as Larry David

This sketch is a much different look at a Christmas classic. With some celebrity help, the roles are recast with the likes of Larry David as Linus. Martin Short fits the role like a glove, capturing the “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star’s every inflection. It’s a funny impression that you could easily mistake for the real person. Short clearly knows his subject, nailing the voice down to every syllable. His standoff with Bill Hader’s Al Pacino is so absurd that it justifies the entire skit. Before it’s all over, the performer even gives you an iconic sendoff. It’s an underappreciated impression that the “Three Amigos” actor should bring back to “SNL” someday.

Did we forget an “SNL” host that you love? Let us know in the comments below.