Top 10 Funniest Presidential Impressions on SNL

While Ronald Reagan has been portrayed by upwards of six cast members and celebrity hosts over the years, it’s without question Phil Hartman’s take on the actor turned politician that’s remembered most fondly. For one, Hartman was a master impressionist, effortlessly able to tap into Reagan’s unique mannerisms. What may be most notable about his time in the role, however, was his duplicitous portrayal of the President. In one instance he was charmingly cordial, only to suddenly switch to cunningly domineering. But no matter which temperament he was exhibiting – the results were always hilarious!

No stranger to providing impressions during his time on SNL, one of Dan Aykroyd’s most infamous undertakings was that of Richard Nixon. And while the future Ghostbuster would only portray the embattled leader a handful of times, including a parody of the notorious Frost/Nixon interviews, it was his overstated performance that’s rather significant. You see, Aykroyd’s slight exaggerations and embellishments no doubt helped influence the show’s future treatment of sitting presidents, allowing for more loose representations, rather than on-the-nose mimicking. And while ‘ol Tricky Dick would be Aykroyd’s first foray in depicting a commander-in-chief, it certainly wouldn’t be his last!

When it comes to providing a spot-on POTUS impression, Chevy Chase’s Gerald Ford leaves a lot to be desired. However, when measuring its overall impact on popular culture– the portrayal is off the charts! Choosing to depict Ford as a bumbling klutz, Chase would actually go on to shape the President’s public image. This despite the fact that number 38 was not a clumsy buffoon at all, but rather a capable athlete. Ford didn’t seem to mind the oaf-like representation though, as he would even make a cameo on the program. We suppose there’s worse things than being seen as a “pratfall president.”

Like Chevy’s take on Ford, the admiration for Dan Akroyd’s Jimmy Carter was certainly a crucial part in building SNL’s ensuing political satire dominance. But during these formative years, politics seemed to veer far from Saturday Night Live’s comedic priorities, making Carter a bit of a “throwaway” character. But, even with authenticity far from a necessity, Akyroyd gave it his best shot, making for some rather favorable moments. Sure, the hair and makeup are a far cry from future portrayals, but like his faux southern accent, Akroyd’s presidential charm was cranked to the max!

If it’s an uncannily accurate presidential impression you’re looking for, well, you’ll need not search any farther than Jay Pharoah’s run as President Barack Obama. Following Fred Armisen’s exit from the show, Pharaoh took over the role and flexed his impersonation muscles in the process. Everything from the tone of Obama’s voice to the cadence in which he speaks is nothing short of pitch perfect. Unfortunately, the downfall of Jay’s on-point performance was that there really wasn’t a whole lot of material to work with, at least compared to Barack’s Oval Office successor – you know, that Trump fellow.

When it comes to sheer laughs, there’s perhaps no presidential impression that can top Will Ferrell’s interpretation of George W. Bush. It didn’t take audiences long to fall for Ferrell’s version of “Dubbya” either, as the affable actor gave the President quite the lovable characterization – even amidst the turmoil following 9/11. Mixing an inept nincompoop with a well-meaning everyman, the comedian’s depiction would actually go on to transcend the late-night show. This included Ferrell taking his impression to Broadway for a successful send-off to Bush’s time in office. But no matter what stage he was on, you could always count on him to bring the funny!

Undoubtedly one of SNL’s best impressionists, Darrell Hammond has nailed just about everybody he’s been tasked with mimicking. This, of course, includes his spot-on rendering of Bill Clinton. Here, the funny man was not only able to charm the viewing audience, but simultaneously creep them out with his tongue-in-cheek performance. Coming at a time when Bill was knee deep in a certain “not safe for work” scandal, Hammond went all in with his depiction, coating it with extra “sleaze” for good measure. His trademark thumbs up and lip bite only underscored the naughtiness of it all!

SNL’s skewering of Donald Trump took place long before the business magnate acquired the highest office in the land. And while “The Donald” has been expertly played by the likes of Phil Hartman and Darrell Hammond over the decades, it’s Alec Baldwin who has now become synonymous with the 45th President of the United States. And it’s for good reason, as Baldwin all but transforms into Trump in the role, complete with his characteristic puckered facial expressions. But, much like every political prognosticator of the time, Alec assumed the gig would end when Donald lost the presidency. And while he was of course very wrong, we were very lucky to have him in the part!

When Phil Hartman took on the role of President Bill Clinton in 1992, the Lewinsky scandal was years away. And with the saxophone playing Commander in Chief largely viewed as a fun-loving cool dude by the general public, that’s exactly how Hartman elected to portray him. The longstanding comedian gave Bill an amiable, yet mischievous, good old boy persona – one that audiences ate up at every turn. Whether he was stopping for fast-food during a jog or watching the big game, Phil Hartman made it so many Americans actually wanted to grab a cold one with their sitting president!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are some honorable mentions:

Will Forte as George W. Bush
A Slightly More Childish Take That Worked Well Alongside Darrell Hammond's Dick Cheney

Fred Armisen as Barack Obama
This First Attempt at Obama on the Show Made for a Fun “Wannabe Cool Guy” Portrayal.

Jason Sudeikis as George W. Bush
While Some Prefer His Joe Biden, This Still Hit All the Necessary Beats

Jim Carrey as Joe Biden
Classic Carrey Energy, Even if It Was Too Much "Jim" and Not Enough "Joe"

Robin Williams as Ronald Reagan
As With Most of His Impressions, This Too Hit All the Right Comedic Tones!

When Dana Carvey gave us the delightful dork that was his George Bush senior impression, SNL audiences were treated to one of the greatest characters in the show’s history. Ever the brilliant impersonator, Carvey took attributes of the real President and amplified them tenfold for comedic effect. Be it from his manner of speaking, silly catchphrases, or exaggerated hand movements, the portrayal was met with large fanfare. In fact, one of those fans was Bush himself. At least that would explain why he invited the seasoned cast member to perform at a White House Christmas party. What can we say, Carvey’s impression is a true gift!