Top 30 Hilarious Impressions Done by Celebrities

Top-30-Hilarious-Impressions-Done-by-Celebrities

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the funniest impressions done by famous people. They don’t necessarily need to be good — they just need to have made us laugh.

#30: Ryan Reynolds as Hugh Jackman
And that’s another point for Ryan Reynolds in the ongoing Jackman-Reynolds “feud.” The famous frenemies have a long history of publicly roasting each other, owing mostly to the fictional rivalry between their superhero characters Wolverine and Deadpool. In this instance, while promoting their 2021 film “Free Guy,” Reynolds and his co-star Jodie Comer engaged in a game of “First Impressions,” in which they were challenged to do their best impression of whichever name they plucked from a hat — with no rehearsal. Reynolds’ Jackman impression is more or less a goofy, exaggerated, generic Australian accent, but as long as he’s roasting himself, we’ll give him a pass.

#29: Eric Bana as Orlando Bloom
You may know Bana from leading, tough-guy roles that he played in movies like “Troy,” “Munich,” and more. But did you know Bana got his start doing sketch comedy in his native Australia? With that in mind, it may not be entirely shocking that Bana has an uncanny knack for impressions. The “Hulk” star proved that on an early-career episode of “The Tonight Show,” showing off an impression of his “Black Hawk Down” co-star Orlando Bloom. The show’s clearly delighted audience goes wild for Bana’s shockingly lived-in impression — as did everyone who’s seen the clip in the years since.

#28: The Vivienne as Donald Trump
For the uninitiated, no matter which iteration of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” you’re watching, you can always look forward to the “Snatch Game,” a parody of “Match Game” (duh), the classic game show. Whereas the original “Match Game” featured celebrity panelists, the “Drag Race” parody is a challenge for the show’s contestants as a means of proving their comedy skills — in this case, by pulling out their best impressions. The results are always a hilariously mixed bag, but on the first season of the show’s UK-based spinoff, there was one clear winner: James Lee Williams, better known as “The Vivienne,” whose spot-on impression of the 45th president gives some of the best Trump impressionists a run for their money.

#27: Chris Pine as Christopher Walken
Oh, no, not the “best Chris” debate again! Although the jury’s still out as to who the actual best Chris is, this copycat moment from “The Late Late Show” makes a pretty good case that it might be Mr. Pine (no offense to Misters Evans, Hemsworth, or Pratt). Consummate showman Pine, after some egging on from “Late Late Show” host and his “Into the Woods” co-star James Corden, busts out his best Walken. Admittedly, everyone has a Walken, but Pine’s absurd Discovery Channel documentary monologue is a pretty unique take on a pretty unique actor.

#26: Ben Affleck as Morgan Freeman
Remember our earlier criteria, that the impressions on our list didn’t necessarily have to be good? Or, like, even passable? Keep that in mind when considering Ben Affleck’s truly dire Morgan Freeman impression. Affleck was promoting his directorial debut “Gone Baby Gone” alongside his brother, future Oscar winner Casey. When the younger Affleck demanded to hear Ben’s attempt at mimicking Casey’s “Gone Baby Gone” co-star, it’s pretty clear that he knew what was to come. A for effort, Ben… although we have to wonder if his impression is why Freeman hasn’t starred in a Ben Affleck movie since.

#25: Mark Hamill as Harrison Ford
If you’re familiar with Mark Hamill’s decades of stellar voiceover work, then similarly to Eric Bana, it probably goes without saying that Hamill has a certain gift. Luke Skywalker himself demonstrated this on a 2019 appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” after the talk show host prompted him to reminisce about shooting the “Star Wars” films. In particular, Meyers inquired as to what it was like to work with young hotshot (and famous grump) Harrison Ford. Following a jokingly backhanded compliment to the quote-unquote “lazy” Ford, Hamill launched into a startlingly accurate impression of his frequent co-star. The Force is strong with this one, indeed.

#24: Tom Hiddleston as Graham Norton
To be clear, this isn’t the last time you’ll see the “Loki” star on our list — nor is it the last time you’ll see him doing an impression on the “The Graham Norton Show.” In fact, it might just be from the exact same interview as this one. For now, though, take a moment to enjoy this undeniably sweet, undeniably awkward exchange between Hiddleston and Norton. The host, clearly trying to push Hiddleston’s buttons, corners the actor by inquiring if he’s part of Hiddleston’s repertoire of impressions. Suffice it to say, he is, and if we didn’t know better, we’d think Hiddleston was gunning for Norton’s job! Stay tuned for Kenneth Branagh’s Ian McKellen-as-Gandalf impression.

#23: Bryan Cranston as Kevin Hart
It might seem way back in the rearview mirror for Cranston, but prior to his career-making role as Walter White in “Breaking Bad,” the multiple Emmy winner was a gifted comic performer, best known for his patriarchal character of Hal on “Malcolm in the Middle.” Having just finished shooting “The Upside,” a remake of the uplifting French film “Intouchables,” Cranston shared his experience of paragliding with his co-star Kevin Hart. Naturally, Cranston imitated the comedian in highly memorable fashion. We don’t know what we’re more bewildered by — the accuracy of the “Breaking Bad” star’s impression, or that, with relative ease, he’s able to hit Hart’s trademark high notes.

#22: Robert De Niro as Jimmy Fallon
Not unlike the aforementioned Harrison Ford, De Niro has a notorious reputation for being a talk show host’s nightmare: tight-lipped and grouchy. That said, for some reason, whenever the “Raging Bull” and “Goodfellas” star appears on “The Tonight Show” as hosted by Jimmy Fallon, he appears to be having the time of his life! That is, in his own, subtle, Robert De Niro-esque way. Fallon offers up Roots drummer Questlove’s “worst ever” De Niro impression (the legendary musician and Oscar-winning filmmaker lives up to the title). Soon after, when prompted to do an impression of Fallon, De Niro doesn’t even need words to convey Fallon’s nervous, excitable energy. Look, he has two Oscars for a reason!


#21: Jamie Foxx as Donald Trump
Appearing on the Rap Radar podcast in 2022 to promote his Netflix original horror film “Day Shift,” Oscar-winning actor-comedian Foxx picked a perfect time to swoop in and drop a pitch-perfect Trump impression. Foxx quietly bided his time while his “Day Shift” co-star Snoop Dogg shared a personal story about an associate whom Trump had pardoned. As soon as the former president’s name was dropped, Foxx sprang into a never-before-heard but instantly memorable impression. Snoop, as well as the podcast’s hosts, burst into hysterical, seemingly unstoppable laughter at Foxx’s impeccable improv skills.

#20: Tom Hiddleston as Al Pacino & Robert De Niro

We don’t know what’s more impressive, the fact that Tom Hiddleston can recite the pivotal diner scene between Al Pacino and Robert De Niro from the 1995 crime film “Heat” from memory, or the fact that he straight-up becomes both men in the process. With De Niro sitting right there next to him, Hiddleston can’t hide behind the camera. Thankfully, his impression garnered a round of applause from the legendary actor… and it’s easy to see why.

“The Graham Norton Show” (2007-)
ITV Studios Global Entertainment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfT-UZCA6Tg&feature=youtu.be&t=198 – Hiddleston impersonating Pacino and De Niro in “Heat”.

“Heat” (1995)
Warner Bros.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUy2Wx_r0_w – Diner scene.

#19: Justin Timberlake as Jimmy Fallon

With the amount of time these two celebs spend together, it’s no wonder they’ve picked up on each other’s mannerisms. Timberlake stopped by “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” in 2013 to promote his album “The 20/20 Experience” and managed to impress the audience with his impression of the late night host. Despite Fallon’s claims that it’s gotten worse over the years, Timberlake is clearly dialed into his friend’s movements, particularly when he gets frustrated.

“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” (2009-14)
NBCUniversal Television Distribution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QCRKJoWhYA – Timberlake impersonates Fallon.

#18: Drake as Lil Wayne

In an interview with English DJ Tim Westwood, Drake refused to let the host’s posing and purple shirt distract him and proceeded to deliver a top-notch impression of Lil Wayne, aka Weezy aka Shrimp Daddy. With a throaty pitch, Drizzy knocked it out of the park with his label mate’s comedic yet serious demeanor and made sure that it was all in good fun. Westwood maintained an intensely engaged presence, thus allowing his guest more freedom to hilariously clown on his good pal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M73rfvuWhLw

Courtesy of Tim Westwood TV
https://www.youtube.com/user/timwestwoodtv

#17: Anne Hathaway as Matthew McConaughey

Anne Hathaway visited “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2019 to promote her film “Serenity,” in which she stars opposite everyone’s favorite shirtless Texan, Matthew McConaughey. Having spent a considerable amount of time with the actor, Hathaway managed to pick up on some of his unique verbal and physical habits. While her inflexion leaves something to be desired, the way she stares off into the distance while waxing poetic about football proves she has the McConaughey spirit in her.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (2003-)
Disney–ABC Domestic Television

https://youtu.be/9RRHKfo7qF4?t=94 – Hathaway impersonates McConaughey.

#16: Julie Bowen as Sofia Vergara

When you work side by side with someone for multiple years, it’s only natural that you’ll pick up on how they walk, talk, and act. This is doubly true for actors; whose job literally requires them to become someone else. This allowed Julie Bowen to learn how to mimic her “Modern Family” co-star Sofia Vergara so well, it’s kind of scary. Bowen’s Vergara impression is spot-on, and her willingness to bust it out when her colleague is present is a testament to their friendship.

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (2003-)
Warner Bros. Television Distribution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3D3grn9XUo&feature=youtu.be&t=34 – Bowen impersonates Vergara.

“Modern Family” (2009-)
20th Television

#15: Dwayne Johnson as Arnold Schwarzenegger

According to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the best way to get chummy with Arnold Schwarzenegger is to perfect your impression of him. The film star and one-time Governor of California has one of the most unique voices in the business, which means everyone and their grandmother has come out with their version of it at one point or another. The Rock’s version involves a lot of mumbling, but generally gets the point across.

The Rock's Arnold Schwarzenegger Impersonation is Hilarious
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWh6F_kQieI&feature=youtu.be&t=13

#14: Will Ferrell as Harrison Ford

During a visit to “The Graham Norton Show” to promote “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”, Will Ferrell and Christina Applegate both tried their hand at impersonating their co-star Harrison Ford. While Applegate’s impression is more of a playful caricature, Ferrell fully commits to the bit, doing an impressive job of capturing Ford’s curmudgeonly demeanor. Ferrell even does a decent job of getting Ford’s voice right, much to the delight of the crowd.

“The Graham Norton Show” (2007-)
ITV Studios Global Entertainment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq47U8AtGCA - WILL FERRELL Does Harrison Ford Impression.

“Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” (2013)
Paramount Pictures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMigS6B4t3Q

#13: Denzel Washington as Jay-Z

So, apparently Denzel Washington can do it all. During a visit to “The Queen Latifah Show” in 2014, the two-time Oscar winner discussed his friendship with Jay-Z, even mentioning how he gifted Jiggaman a few lyrics while the two were in the studio one time. Of course, the best part of the interview is when Washington seamlessly slips into an impersonation of Hova, complete with childish giggles and a version of the rapper’s unmistakable way of speaking.

“The Queen Latifah Show” (1999-2015)
Telepictures, Warner Bros. Television Distribution, Sony Pictures Television

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMsx35df_sA&feature=youtu.be&t=90 - Denzel Does a Mean Jay-Z Impression.

#12: Anna Kendrick as Kristen Stewart

Some impressions are so good, they’re scary. Take Anna Kendrick’s Kristen Stewart. During an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Kendrick transformed into the “Twilight” star, perfectly capturing her awkward mannerisms and nervous speaking style. What really sells this one is the uncanny way Kendrick manipulates her lips to look more like her subject. Kendrick claims that she’s done the impression for Stewart and that the actress admitted it was on point. Honestly, once Kendrick starts her impression, it’s easy to forget that she isn’t Kristen Stewart.

“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2014-)
NBCUniversal Television Distribution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azVAxbETWmk&feature=youtu.be&t=294 - Anna Kendrick Does Her Impression of Kristen Stewart.

“Twilight” (2008)
Summit Entertainment

#11: Jay Mohr as Christopher Walken

Everyone has a Christopher Walken impression and it’s easy to understand why. With its unique cadence and fluctuating pitch, Walken’s inflexion is unlike any other. While many have replicated the actor’s manner of speech, including Xref Bradley Cooper, few knock it out of the park quite like Jay Mohr. The comedian doesn’t impersonate Walken, he becomes Walken. When Mohr sat down with ESPN prior to Super Bowl XLV, he leapt at the opportunity to show off his Walken and absolutely nailed it!

Xref: Bradley Cooper as Christopher Walken

Jay Mohr Christopher Walken Impersonation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vBir-SaU6A&feature=youtu.be&t=117

“Late Night with Conan O'Brien” (1993-2009)
National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOth7zm0FqY&feature=youtu.be&t=34 – Cooper does Walken impression.

#10: Simon Helberg as Nicolas Cage

While this “Big Bang Theory” star has a slew of top-notch celebrity impressions in his repertoire, his Nic Cage is on a whole other level. During a visit to the “Late Show with David Letterman,” Helberg busted out the ultimate party trick. For a brief moment, Simon Helberg ceases to exist and the world is temporarily populated with not one, but two Nicolas Cages. From the way he tenses up his body, to the nasally voice and dramatic outburst, Helberg has clearly practiced this one in front of a mirror.

“Late Show with David Letterman” (1993-2015)
CBS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBKji1cSFKY – Helberg impersonates Cage.

“The Big Bang Theory” (2007-2019)
Warner Bros. Television Distribution

#9: Dwayne Johnson as Kevin Hart & Kevin Hart as Dwayne Johnson

When you get two celebs with as much combined charisma as these to impersonate each other, the results are going to be hilarious. In 2016, LADbible got Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart to participate in a little role reversal, with both actors choosing to go completely over-the-top in their impersonations of the other. Johnson and Hart have a ball, giggling like a couple of schoolboys at each other’s parodies. We think it’s safe to say that this one is a tie.

Roles Reversed -Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson Impersonates Kevin Hart
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQCpFwB92Z8

#8: Jamie Foxx as John Legend

Wheel of Musical Impressions is a recurring segment on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” that requires guests to impersonate a random singer to the tune of a random song. Each of Jamie Foxx’s impressions are hilarious, but his version of John Legend singing the Toys “R” Us jingle is truly a sight to behold. Foxx commits completely, dropping his voice an octave or two in order to sound more like the Grammy-winning singer. Don’t look now, but we think Toys “R” Us just found their newest spokesman!

“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2014-)
NBCUniversal Television Distribution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGidYBqBHVw&feature=youtu.be&t=161 – Foxx impersonating Legend.

#7: Benedict Cumberbatch as Multiple Celebrities

As if we needed another reason to love this immensely talented British actor, here comes a clip of him busting out a trio of spot-on impressions. Cumberbatch kicks things off with an Alan Rickman impersonation – no easy feat – and knocks it out of the park. He then seamlessly transitions into David Tennant for a moment before finishing things off with an impersonation of the man sitting next to him, host Jonathan Ross. Talk about a chameleon!

“The Jonathan Ross Show” (2011-)
Jonathan Ross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yebhPXh58cw – Cumberbatch impersonating Alan Rickman, David Tennant, Jonathan Ross.

#6: Matt Damon as Matthew McConaughey

What kind of imagery does the name “Matthew McConaughey” inspire? Well, you’re probably thinking bongos, shirtless summer days, and long stares into the night’s sky. During numerous appearances on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” Matt Damon proved capable of combining the essentials for a solid McConaughey impression while demonstrating a masterful command of his fellow actor’s vocal registry. You might say the collective performances are a “How-To” for any aspiring McConaughey impressionist. Engage the audience, reference Texas and always… ALWAYS… talk about taking your shirt off. Practice makes perfect.

“Late Show with David Letterman” (1993-2015)
CBS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEJCSZ2AP1M

#5: Bradley Cooper as Owen Wilson

Some of our greatest actors have the strangest of voices, including the swashbuckling Owen Wilson. He doesn’t exactly utilize his entire mouth when speaking, or talk from deep within, but rather communicates from one central region with a hushed tone. Bradley Cooper superbly demonstrated this vocal style of speech on “Inside the Actors Studio” in a short yet remarkable impression. Owen Wilson doesn’t speak long sentences – it’s always a rat-a-tat-tat delivery and Cooper simply killed it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNVxTynX4Y0
Inside the Actors Studio 3:48

“Inside the Actors Studio” (1994-)
Bravo Cable

#4: Alec Baldwin as Tracy Morgan

It’s always a special moment when a comedic actor impersonates a friend, and Alec Baldwin brought the goods for his Tracy Morgan impression on “Conan.” First, Baldwin set the stage with rich descriptions of an early morning memory, as an exhausted Morgan admired the performance skills of the Jackson 5. Although Baldwin’s impression was brief, it highlighted the hard emphasis on a single word and Tracy’s refusal to acknowledge when he forgot his lines. Bravo, Mr. Baldwin – though we can’t forget about (xref) Tina Fey’s equally hilarious impression either!

“Conan” (2010-)
Warner Bros. Television Distribution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwtO_g-0pS0

“Late Show with David Letterman” (1993-2015)
CBS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bQSGukH-Gs
(Tiny Fey impression of Tracy Morgan)

#3: Tom Hiddleston as Owen Wilson as Loki

Here’s another Owen Wilson impression, but with a twist. While appearing at the Australian film festival, Popcorn Taxi, Tom Hiddleston was asked to deliver his fantastic take on Owen Wilson’s voice, but as the Marvel character Loki. After a few self-empowering words, Hiddleston accepted the challenge and warped into the bumbling actor. While the vocal impression isn’t as refined as Bradley Cooper’s take, the overall mannerisms conveyed a man highly dedicated to the craft of personal mockery.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqc0UMwNKmg
Courtesy of Popcorn Taxi

#2: Ariana Grande as Céline Dion

In her first talking appearance on a late night talk show, the former “Victorious” star briefly played “nervous” before grabbing the mic and nailing one of the finest impressions ever seen on late night television. Guided by the husky baritone vocals of Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande closed her eyes and let the spirit of Celine Dion fill her soul. And by that, we mean she exaggerated each and every lyric with creative mumbo jumbo. This impression is all about the ad libs, and Ms. Grande stunned millions by achieving the French-Canadian’s unique tone. As the cherry on top, Ariana spoke to the audience in character and closed with a soft chest-thump.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05dKQsVOZXY

“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2014-)
NBCUniversal Television Distribution

#1: Christina Aguilera as Britney Spears

Ah, the Wheel of Musical Impressions – the highly contrived “Tonight Show” segment designed to make viewers believe everything is random. Even so, it’s a fantastic bit that allows guests to showcase their hidden talents. When Christina Aguilera appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s show, she interpreted the distinct voice of Cher before singing “This Little Piggy” as former “Mickey Mouse Club” castmate, Britney Spears, and well, it was breathtaking. Meaning, Aguilera sucked out every breath and took her time finding the otherworldly pitch of “The Princess of Pop.” Seems like Xtina’s got a thing for impressions – just check out some more of her celebrity impersonations – including another one of Cher and BritBrit for a digital exclusive for “The Voice.”