Top 10 Funniest SNL Impressions Ever

By: Cecily Strong

Among the strongest characters from Cecily Strong’s years on “SNL,” Jeanine Pirro became something of a phenomenon on the show. This interpretation includes copious amounts of alcohol to throw at Colin Jost. Always ready with a glass, Pirro turns her co-star into a target as she becomes more and more exasperated by the talking points. The performer is able to satirize the television personality and include some truly insane opinions in the same breath. Nothing will come close to the time the character turned a giant container into a wine bath, in the ultimate showcase for Strong’s physical comedy chops.

By: Eddie Murphy

In a career of standout comedy work, Eddie Murphy’s time on “SNL” includes several amazing roles. His James Brown impression might be his most succinct and effective work on the show. It’s nothing short of a legendary one-man show, featuring everything from singing to dancing. Murphy takes the Brown impersonation to new heights as he also tries to host an absurd talk show. Before entering a hot tub, the character worries about the temperature in a hilarious moment. It’s one of the more entertaining sketches of its era, providing a perfect showcase for the comedian’s talents.

By: Vanessa Bayer

Vanessa Bayer is one of the more underrated cast members of the last decade. This includes her exceptional work playing Miley Cyrus. Her version of Miley is extremely upbeat and exciting, always eager to talk about her life, career, and family. Bayer puts Cyrus in a talk show setting to have her communicate with fellow artists about music. She isn’t always the most articulate character, but her thoughts always flow freely in unfiltered and entertaining rants. There’s also Jason Sudeikis playing Billy Ray Cyrus, which gives the lead performer a chance to play off other funny people.

By: Ariana Grande

Surprisingly great at impressions, Ariana Grande reminds everyone of her acting talents in this funny “Family Feud” sketch. She transforms into Jennifer Lawrence and captures the star’s grounded sense of humor. Grande slips into the actress’ voice, managing to have a laidback delivery that works especially well. Rather than turning her into a cartoon, the singer can easily change into the Oscar winner without having to yell or scream. She especially captures Lawrence in a state of perpetual humblebrags. Kenan Thompson’s Steve Harvey has to point this out, providing criticism and support to the character.

By: Darrell Hammond

In the recurring parody of “Celebrity Jeopardy,” Will Ferrell’s Alex Trebek often comes up against Darrell Hammond’s Sean Connery. The contestant frequently antagonizes the host without caring about the actual competition. Hammond might not look or even sound like the acting legend, but he does provide a hilarious take on the former James Bond performer. His character’s fixation on Trebek’s mother also makes for an effective running joke. The impression makes up for its inaccuracy with lots of dirty lines, an unlikely charisma, and a delightfully rebellious demeanor. He’s probably the best part of every version of the sketch.

By: Kenan Thompson

To parody the latest version of “Family Feud,” Kenan Thompson perfectly imitates the program’s host Steve Harvey. He’s able to match the presenter’s energy through his interactions with a host of oddball contestants. This also includes brief asides about Harvey’s life, career, and sharp wardrobe. Thompson glides effortlessly through tricky scripts, having to carry the entire skit and tell hilarious jokes throughout. The performer is at his best when he gets to banter with strange celebrities. Everyone from famous directors to musicians endure the character’s wrath, often being slyly criticized or poked at by him.

By: Tina Fey

While she had an incredibly successful run as a cast member, Tina Fey later returned to “SNL” for some hilarious guest appearances as Sarah Palin. It could also be argued that this was the role she was born to play. Not only does she share a physical resemblance, but Fey is more than able to capture the former governor’s accent and attitude. This makes for many fun moments where the vice presidential candidate offers up her feelings about hot topics such as foreign policy. So much of Palin’s actual personality feels like a comedy character, making her a natural target for parody. Fey plays the woman with such a positive and oblivious nature that you can’t help but laugh at everything she says.

By: Melissa McCarthy

When “SNL” decided to cast someone as Sean Spicer, they made an unlikely and brilliant choice. Melissa McCarthy radiates from the screen in a performance that juggles high energy and rage. She becomes a much more animated version of the White House Press Secretary, not afraid to yell at the people asking questions. This imitation of Spicer includes gum-chewing, visual aids, and even violence. McCarthy’s character isn’t afraid to use her podium to charge journalists or to attack them with a leaf blower. Proving that she’s an expert at off-the-wall performances, the actress excels in making this role jump off the page.

By: Dana Carvey

Arguably one of the greatest impressionists in the show’s history, Dana Carvey could do no wrong during his tenure on “SNL.” One of his signature impressions during that time became George H.W. Bush, beating out other highlights like his take on Johnny Carson. Finding a way to impersonate the president’s voice, the performer found his way around a person who didn’t have an obvious tell. Carvey eventually turns the impersonation into a cartoon character who doesn’t need to enunciate his words. Borderline mumbling at times, the comedian creates something that transcends the usual interpretation of politicians and beats out the likes of Will Ferrell’s brilliant George W. Bush. The comic actor even had his real-life counterpart confront him about the job.

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

The Comedian Fuses Together His Comic Persona & the Outspoken Politician

With a Funny Vocal Impression, Davidson Matches the Singer’s Fashion Sense & Personality

Playing up the Performer’s Cool Energy, Rudolph Nails the Essence of the Real Woman

Finding the Intensity of the Judge, Oteri Is a Perfect Fit for the TV Personality

Using a Hairpiece, Samberg’s Ridiculous Impression Explores the Eccentric Side of Cage

By: Kate McKinnon

During the height of his popularity, singer Justin Bieber became a prime target for ridicule. This inspired Kate McKinnon to create an impression of the artist that’s sometimes accurate and always entertaining. Capturing his general attitude, the actress proves herself as someone who can do regular celebrities as well as political figures like Hillary Clinton, Jeff Sessions, and Kellyanne Conway. The character is a narcissist, posing and trying to woo the women around him. This comes out in a hilarious ad for Calvin Klein’s underwear just as much as it does on a “Family Feud” skit. At every turn, McKinnon’s movements and facial expressions make this interpretation even funnier. It’s even better knowing that this version of Bieber barely needs to talk.v