Top 10 SNL Impressions That Made It From Auditions to the Show

Not known for his impressions, Seth Meyers still utilized them during his audition. This included a take on a famous British actor. Before he became a “Weekend Update” anchor, Meyers played Hugh Grant in the early 2000s. He got a decent amount of laughs for his accent and timing. Opposite Gwyneth Paltrow, the performer showed that he clearly had promise as a sketch player. He also knows how to make the bumbling rom-com star relatable and hilarious. While he might’ve turned into a desk anchor, the comedian might have more hidden talents than you’d think.

Leaning heavy on an accent, Vanessa Bayer stood out on the show for her Miley Cyrus impression. She came to her audition ready to make fun of the TV actress and singer. Once she made it on the show, Bayer turned her impersonation into a long-running sketch. The cast member transformed the entertainer into a talk show host. Both singing and talking, the comedian banters with Jason Sudeikis’ Billy Ray Cyrus. She even interviewed the pop star while the latter played Justin Bieber. Without missing a beat, she keeps the energy up alongside major co-stars.

During his lengthy tenure on “SNL,” Darrell Hammond gave some of the most pinpoint impressions ever. He might be best known for his Sean Connery, but he can also do Phil Donahue. His audition included the talk show host and figures like Bill Clinton. The presenter’s speech patterns couldn’t be closer, adding to a great appearance on “Celebrity Jeopardy!” For those that remember the Donahue program, this impersonation will work even better. This particular version deserves mention alongside the impressionist’s finest characters. He eventually played the TV personality six times as a “Saturday Night Live” cast member.

As one of the more versatile performers of her time, Kate McKinnon developed all kinds of political and celebrity impressions. She also brought a funny idea to her audition. Playing Penélope Cruz, McKinnon put the Spanish actress in a fake commercial. The concept was good enough to make it on the show. When Sofía Vergara hosted, “SNL” cast the “Modern Family” lead next to this Cruz impression. The unlikely pair mispronounce ingredients in a silly ad parody. There’s elements of the performance that could be considered accurate, with little nuances for fans of the star’s career. The performer knows how to blend both physical and verbal comedy into one great piece of work.

Not only was this comedian prepared to do the show, she also had this impression ready to go. Ana Gasteyer seemed destined to play Martha Stewart. Her audition even included her wearing a wig, bringing even more authenticity to the part. When she was cast, Gasteyer made the role one of her signatures. She’s especially skilled at channeling the TV host’s laid back personality. Through holiday guides, the performer keeps Stewart even-keeled through the likes of a Halloween surprise. She makes the part her own to such a degree that you wouldn’t want anybody else doing it.

With an underrated run on “SNL,” Jay Pharoah should be considered among the better impressionists of his era. His Denzel Washington is one highlight among many other impersonations. Capturing the performer’s intensity, Pharoah locks into his performance. His ability to channel Washington’s “Training Day” persona is unmatched. While he performed this in his role in his audition, he later stole sketches with this intensity. He can make action movie parodies of “Unstoppable” even more exciting with his delivery. For anyone that loves the Oscar-winning actor, you’ll enjoy hearing this salute to one of the Hollywood greats.

For his successful audition, Jimmy Fallon found a way to make the tough audience laugh. He also brought out an impression of Jerry Seinfeld. Fallon knew how to recreate the stand-up comedian’s rhythms. He even did the performance opposite the actual guy. On a “Weekend Update” feature, Seinfeld sat next to the cast member and reacted in real time. It’s amazing to watch a performer do one of his original impressions in a funny sketch. The impersonation explores the reality underneath all of the exaggeration. Proving his talent for mimicry, the “Tonight Show” host was clearly destined to work on “SNL.” This also includes his goofy work as Adam Sandler.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Bill Hader was a clear standout on “Saturday Night Live.” The cast member unleashed a number of impressions at his audition. On the show, he brought out one of those great efforts to wow audiences. The performer did an accurate impersonation of the Oscar winner in his older years. With a trademark growl and deeper sound, the comedian appeared as the “Scarface” star on his first episode. Playing Pacino several times, Hader arguably made it one of his best characters. He would even return as a host to play the legend. With multiple appearances, we wish that the “SNL” favorite got more chances to play the film icon.

Only this comedian could’ve turned this sportscaster into a comedic icon. Will Ferrell brought his Harry Caray impression to his audition, fully-prepared with the voice. It translated well to Ferrell’s early appearances on “Weekend Update.” The impersonation also worked in a more absurd talk show format. His version of Caray became more ridiculous with time, turning into a man that loves to talk science and ask odd questions. With the hair and glasses, the comedian provided plenty of details for audiences to love. The skits veered far from the original target, but it became all the more entertaining each time.


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

The Comedian’s Unique Take On the Actor Includes a Grunt for Added Emphasis

His One-Off Impression of the Talented Actor Turned Into a Funny Hans Gruber

Combining Music & Comedy, the Cast Member Delivers a Commendable Impression

He certainly ranks high among “SNL” impressionists, but this one deserves even more attention. Dana Carvey makes a Jimmy Stewart impression seem easy. He brought several impersonations to his audition, but this one could easily be called one of his finest. Carvey finally utilized the voice when he was on the show. During a sketch parody of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the comedian nearly transformed into the actor. It might be slightly exaggerated, but it finds a way to blend the cadence and tone of the Hollywood legend. As a fearless performer, he also brought out his Robin Williams next to the real man.




Did we forget another impression that later made it to the show? Let us know in the comments below.