Top 30 Most SAVAGE SNL Impressions Ever

By: Andy Samberg
The hairline isn’t the only notable element of this impression. Andy Samberg takes on Nicolas Cage’s personality, acting, and intensity. For a series of “Weekend Update” segments, Samberg doesn’t worry about offending the actor either. He plays with Cage’s tendency to go over the top and beyond with his acting choices. This character bounces off of other Hollywood stars playing themselves, from Jude Law to Liam Neeson. The real actor even appears in one variation, looking to defend himself and play with his own persona. Both performers end up turning this concept into a meta commentary. Each appearance makes for both laughs and surprises, fitting for an actor who always keeps us guessing.

By: Maya Rudolph


Since the 2020 election season, Maya Rudolph has been playing this Kamala Harris on “SNL.” She’s also been perfecting her skills with some fantastic performances. These include some accurate details like Harris’ delivery and vocals. Rudolph turns debates into hilarious affairs, making the future VP into someone trying hard to be cool. She returned to play the leader in 2024 for parodies of her personal and political connections. This included some fantastic chemistry with Andy Samberg as her husband, Doug Emhoff. The peak of this impression is arguably playing opposite the real Harris, poking fun at her distinct laugh.

By: Fred Armisen
In less than a minute, Fred Armisen makes a major splash as the front man for Radiohead. He plays Thom Yorke in a disastrous duet with Michael Bublé. Armisen doesn’t do this in a straightforward way either, letting his impersonation take a more crazed direction. This includes the comedian playing the singer as more erratic and indecipherable. Yorke’s beautiful falsettos don’t make an appearance here, but Armisen’s physical comedy certainly does. It’s not necessarily the kindest way to salute an acclaimed artist either. This energetic performance is hilarious, manic, and one of the underrated parts of this funny skit.

By: Ariana Grande
While she might not seem like an obvious target, Jennifer Lawrence becomes a great comic character in the “Celebrity Family Feud” sketch. Ariana Grande once again shows her versatile talents as she becomes the Oscar-winning performer. The singer is able to capture and poke fun at Lawrence’s personality. With some help from Kenan Thompson as Steve Harvey, the script takes aim at Lawrence as being too relatable for her own good. It’s all in good fun, but the sketch does take the subject down a few notches. Grande’s performance is also something to behold as she finds subtle details to use.

By: Pete Davidson
Pete Davidson isn’t necessarily known for his impressions, but this one is a definite standout. He manages to tap into Rami Malek’s unique presence. This includes the dramatic actor’s stare, which lets Davidson give a minimal performance. It makes the Oscar winner seem much creepier than he might be in real life. While this paints the target as unsettling, it also pokes fun at the subject’s intensity. You can’t help but laugh as the performer speaks in monotone and tries not to blink. During Malek’s episode, the “Bohemian Rhapsody” star finally got his revenge while also displaying his great comedic timing.

By: Kate McKinnon
In terms of makeup and hair style alone, this easily stands as one of the most unflattering “SNL” impressions. Kate McKinnon then opens her mouth to play Rudy Giuliani as something more sinister. The cast member doesn’t mind using her hands, contorting herself to become something close to a “Lord of the Rings” character. It’s such an impressive transformation that you might laugh and/or look away in horror. At first, McKinnon might seem like an unlikely candidate to impersonate the former mayor, but the way she loses herself in the role is incredible. Every subsequent appearance pushes the role into more embarrassing and unsightly territory.

By: Cecily Strong
On “Weekend Update,” Cecily Strong appeared as the conservative personality Jeanine Pirro, who always seems to be riled up about something. Not only does she sensationalize everything, she usually carries a drink with her. Strong doesn’t hesitate in giving this version of Pirron a problem handling her liquor. However, she doesn’t drink it so much as she tosses it everywhere. Colin Jost often becomes the target of these spills, making for some fantastic physical comedy. The cast member turns this TV star into a hysterical spectacle. It’s a shame that the actual person doesn’t enter tanks of booze, singing her heart out to “My Way.”

By: Dana Carvey
Decades after leaving the show, Dana Carvey returned to play Joe Biden. He once again showed his knack for political impressions. His take on the president involves catchphrases, rambling, and some incoherent statements. Needless to say, the politician might not be calling to thank Carvey any time soon. The comedian does look like he’s having fun as he turns Biden into a cartoon. Forgetful and bumbling, this version of the man makes for some wild speeches. His work next to Maya Rudolph’s Kamala Harris helps to sell just how good this impersonation is. The former cast member never misses a beat, showing that he can still be as silly as possible.

By: Fred Armisen
You might not remember this governor of New York, but you might recall Fred Armisen’s impression. The comedian pokes fun at David Paterson’s vision in some off-the-wall segments. His character slides into frame, struggling to find his way and even using binoculars at one point. He’s even known to step in front of the camera. It might not be politically correct, but it does make for some amusing surprises. This Paterson also loves to make jokes at the expense of his neighbor state New Jersey. Armisen really goes for it, fearless in his quest to tread the line between humor and bad taste.

By: Chevy Chase
During the early years of “SNL” the president was Gerald Ford. Chevy Chase did not look like the man or alter his look in any way. He chose to make the politician clumsy, taking comical missteps and even a few pratfalls. His debate work alongside Dan Aykroyd’s Jimmy Carter features plenty of wrong answers. If you only got your news from “SNL,” you’d think that Ford fell in every public appearance. Chase put his body on the line to make this impersonation special. The cast member treated audiences with hilarious gags, making the character as inept as possible.

By: Norm Macdonald
Norm Macdonald can make us laugh by doing just about anything– but his Burt Reynolds impression is particularly legendary! Macdonald lampooned Reynolds– or should we say, Turd Ferguson– in the first ever iteration of the “Celebrity Jeopardy” series on SNL, and returned as the character eight times throughout the show’s run. He played him as an over the top cool guy with not so much in the noggin, who gets a kick out of his own half-witted quips. It’s hard to say that this portrayal is accurate to the actor’s real life intelligence, but it became an iconic impression nevertheless!

By: Gal Gadot
In a spoof of the “E!” lineup, this sketch takes a look at potential spin-offs for shows like “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” These include one for Kendall Jenner with an entertaining impression from Gal Gadot. The “Wonder Woman” star portrays the model as clueless, remaining in a constant state of confusion about her life. Gadot also appears in another hilarious show about Jenner trying to find her way around a house. With off-the-wall concepts, the writers explore the character through the stereotype of a shallow celebrity. Whether or not you think it’s accurate, you’ll probably laugh as you watch the performer get completely lost in the role.

By: Matt Damon
For this cold open, the show called in a movie star to channel the energy of Brett Kavanaugh. Matt Damon’s take on the Supreme Court justice starts in a loud and hilarious way. Referencing the man’s apparent love of beer, Damon turns his target into a frat boy with a harsh tone. He also brings out real references to the hearing that include props like a calendar. Riding an emotional rollercoaster, the Oscar winner takes the impression through screams and even some crying spells. It might even be accurate in places, but ultimately it becomes an enjoyable caricature.

By: Kristen Wiig
If you were to believe this impression of the “Today” host, you’d think she was drinking all the time. Kristen Wiig’s hilarious take on Kathie Lee Gifford is heavy on the wine in a cartoonish way. Lovable and clumsy, this version of the presenter feels like a fantastic trainwreck. This imitation of Gifford slurs her words and constantly questions her actions, making faces along the way. Wiig’s light-hearted jabs at the TV personality make her an unfiltered mess. It’s not exactly flattering, but it is a clear example of the “SNL” star’s power as a comedian.

By: Jason Sudeikis
Back during his time as the Vice President, Joe Biden was impersonated on “SNL” by Jason Sudeikis. The actor’s take on the politician was of a slightly-confused man with prominent teeth. He leans into the VP’s more embarrassing side, talking without a filter most of the time. Sudeikis also references the fact that most people in Biden’s previous position are forgotten. There’s also his frequent mentioning of Scranton, just one of the ways the character uses to try and connect with the general public. Ultimately, the show chose to portray the leader as an uncle who can’t always state his message well. Jim Carrey would later capitalize on this idea, taking the impression on the 2020 campaign trail.

By: Kate McKinnon
For the 2016 campaign season, Kate McKinnon brought out a killer Hillary Clinton impersonation. The caricature delves into the politician’s attempts to connect with the youth vote. This includes campaign announcements and advertisements, most of which give off an awkward-mom energy. There are also debates against the likes of Alec Baldwin’s Trump that devolve into rants from McKinnon’s Clinton. The performer always knocks it out of the park with excellent comic timing. Whether she’s about to freak out or trying desperately to hold it together, this take on the former Secretary of State is obsessed with winning the presidency.

By: Dan Aykroyd
For those that love Dan Aykroyd, they might not have originally envisioned him as Julia Child. The performer provides a funny spoof of the chef’s cooking show. Instead of showing her as a cooking expert, Aykroyd plays her as a clumsy TV personality. He puts on a wig and a dress, creating an outrageous take on Child’s voice. The best part of the interpretation comes when a knife chops part of the host’s hand. With blood flying everywhere, the comedian has no fear of making his real-life counterpart look crazy. This doesn’t stop the sketch either as the “SNL” legend brings some physical comedy to this impression.

By: Dana Carvey
Dana Carvey’s expertise with impressions gives this take on Ross Perot a memorable quality. He definitely nails the voice, while also turning up the dial on the presidential candidate’s unique mannerisms. The character can turn any campaign speech into a one-man show with wild proposals and metaphors. In any situation, this version of Perot provides hilarious observations about anything and everything. He even appears in a Halloween sketch where he criticizes kids and their costumes, showing that there’s absolutely no barrier between what he thinks and what he says. Carvey once again proves that an exaggerated accent and even some dancing go a long way.

By: Gilda Radner
In the first several seasons of the show, Gilda Radner impersonated legendary interviewer Barbara Walters. Well, technically she’s called “Baba Wawa,” but we all know who she’s parodying. This version of the presenter makes for an over-the-top and enjoyable experience every time. Radner gives Walters a unique way of pronouncing certain consonants, making every interview segment extra interesting. This comes out with interviewees that range from Henry Kissinger to Marlene Dietrich. The “SNL” cast member wears a smile throughout every sketch as she plays the journalist like a cartoon. You could call it more of a mean caricature, but it’s such an exaggerated character that you have to laugh.

By: Phil Hartman
Arguably one of the most versatile performers in “SNL” history, there’s nothing Phil Hartman couldn’t do. His run as Bill Clinton in the 1990s is full of gems that are still quoted today. Spoofing the president’s relationship with his wife, Hartman’s performance exaggerates the Bill and Hillary dynamic with comedic results. He’s able to take the politician’s charisma and use it against people like in the famous McDonald’s sketch. This version of Clinton loves fast food and slick speeches that seem to be all jumbled together. The comedian utilizes all of the best cliches about politics, giving this interpretation an inflated ego and a speech for any occasion.

By: Kate McKinnon
Yes, this impersonation is savage, but McKinnon’s self-professed method behind pulling off the perfect Justin Bieber impression isn’t exactly a compliment to the singer either. Both the physicality of the role and the dialogue are hilarious to watch, as McKinnon nails the young popstar’s cockiness with pouts and poses while perfectly undercutting that image with some particularly childish lines and actions. It might be an exaggerated impression, but it’s absolutely without fault from a comedic standpoint, proving once again that McKinnon’s comedy skills know no bounds.

By: Chris Redd
All eyes turned to “SNL” when we learned of Kanye’s meeting with the 45th President – and boy, did they deliver. Chris Redd had big shoes to fill in taking over this role from Jay Pharoah, and he did not disappoint. His impression is uncanny, perfectly capturing everything from Kanye’s intonation and mannerisms, to the unpredictability of what he might say or do next. “SNL” didn’t have to look too far for inspiration for this sketch, either, as the material pretty much writes itself. However, Redd’s hilarious impression just reminds us that a chat with Ye can be a tad… surreal.

By: Kate McKinnon
“SNL” may have been ruthless with their Kellyanne Conway impression, but there’s no denying that it got people talking. Kellyanne has the tiresome job of excusing all of Trump’s outrageous behavior, and McKinnon does an impeccable job of dodging questions and inventing her own narrative as Conway often seems to do. Audiences have seen the job take its toll on McKinnon’s Kellyanne over the last few years, culminating in a Fatal Attraction-style sketch that some claim went a step too far. But if anyone sums up the media madness surrounding the Trump administration, it’s Kellyanne Conway – and McKinnon has her down to a tee.

By: Will Ferrell
This one has a weird premise, with Will Ferrell playing the former Attorney General hosting a teen dance show in her basement. Ferrell plays her as a powerful force to be reckoned with, highlighting her strongest assets and personality traits. Even surrounded by dancing teens, this Reno doesn’t let up from her role as Attorney General, and her special guests only add to the hilarity. Maybe having Will Ferrell prance about in a dress, dancing awkwardly, and emphasizing a manly quality isn’t the most respectful way to portray her, but she reportedly took it well, even becoming a fan.

By: Molly Shannon
When Monica Lewinsky made headlines in the ‘90s, “SNL” decided to turn away from the obvious ‘Lolita’ parody and instead present us with an immature young lady who simply got caught up in the whirlwind of politics. Not only does Molly Shannon’s portrayal of her often collapse into nervous giggling, she also comes across as self-centred, attention-seeking, and not particularly concerned with the consequences. It was a pretty unforgiving impression at the time, and it hasn’t aged gracefully – making it even more brutal in hindsight.

By: Melissa McCarthy
It was almost a shame when Sean Spicer left the White House, as it brought an end to Melissa McCarthy’s hilariously brutish impression. The President reportedly didn’t like a woman playing a man in his administration, which egged “SNL” on into bringing us Kate McKinnon’s unforgettable impression of ex-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. However, McCarthy’s Spicer takes the spot on our list for her loud, angry and boisterous impression, and constant willingness to wage war with the media. While Spicer took it well, he also thought McCarthy could tone it down a notch.

By: Darrell Hammond
“Celebrity Jeopardy” is one of “Saturday Night Live’s” most beloved sketches, and Darrell Hammond’s unforgettable performance as Scottish actor Sean Connery played a huge role in cementing its place both in “SNL” history and our hearts. For some reason, Hammond’s Connery is crude, brutish, antagonistic and – like all his opponents – somewhat dim-witted. He deliberately mispronounces phrases and always has a ‘Your Mom’ joke on hand for a disapproving Alex Trebek, played by Will Ferrell. We’re not sure what Connery did to deserve this, as the impression is far from flattering, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

By: Darrell Hammond
With one of the most impressive performances in recent “SNL” history, James Austin Johnson has been knocking it out of the park as Donald Trump. His vocal inflections and rambling feels almost too accurate at times, while still being completely silly. It’s so precise in those aspects that the over-the-top dialog almost sounds like actual transcripts. Johnson goes on rants about everything from politics to pop culture, throwing out opinions about celebrities that are especially hilarious. The show knows how to tackle the former president’s cadence, while still leaving room for this performer to unleash so many crazy lines. This interpretation feels like the perfect mix of absurdity and reality, coming after notable impressions from Darrell Hammond and Alec Baldwin.

By: Tina Fey
“SNL” is great at nailing political parodies, and Tina Fey’s portrayal of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was such a hit that it won her an Emmy for her efforts. Fey pokes fun at Palin’s Beauty Pageant days, lack of political prowess, and misplaced use of colloquialisms, wrapping it all up in an accent and voice that drills itself into your head. Fey has reprised this role on several occasions – even in front of Governor Palin herself. It’s all in good fun, of course, and never fails to make us laugh, but it’s undeniably one of “SNL’s” most savage AND memorable impressions.

By: Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush comes across as likeable while simultaneously reminding audiences of all the reasons why George W. Bush was so controversial and heavily criticized. He portrays the former President as dopey, simple, and painfully misinformed. The accent, language and mannerisms all feel incredibly accurate and, adding insult to injury, this goofy portrayal rarely failed to make audiences laugh. The Bush presidency was also a perfect opportunity to bring back Dana Carvey (who nails pretty much any impression) but whose overblown George Bush Sr. will always hold a special place in both the “SNL” archives and our hearts.


What was the most brutal “SNL” impression we forgot? Let us know in the comments below.