"Saturday Night Live” returned to the studio with Jim Carrey temporarily joining the cast to portray Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, one of a long list of political impressions on "SNL" over the years.
SNL impressions
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin
The show’s former head writer looked so much like the vice presidential candidate that even Fey’s own daughter had a hard time telling them apart. Fey took full advantage, capturing both the Alaska governor’s guile and gumption in a string of Emmy-nominated appearances.
Governor Sarah Palin (Tina Fey) and Senator Hillary Clinton (Amy Poehler) address the American public about sexism, the 2008 presidential election, global warming and their inability to agree on anything. Aired 09/13/08.
Norm MacDonald as Bob Dole
The “Weekend Update” anchor didn’t appear in a ton of sketches, and he barely altered his normal speaking voice when he did. But there was something devilish in the way he approached the Kansas senator, suggesting that at any moment he might turn around and moon the audience.
Dana Carvey as Ross Perot
The show’s standout star for seven seasons became best known for his affectionate take on George H.W. Bush, but his impersonation of Perot was more hilarious, imagining the former presidential candidate as the Church Lady with elephant ears. Any signs of sympathy went out the window.
Ross Perot (Dana Carvey) holds a press conference in which he explains the many Republican dirty tricks that he and his family have to fend off, including attempts at replacing his dental work with transmitters. [Season 18, 1992]
Kate McKinnon as anyone she wants
Kate McKinnon as Hillary Clinton, left, and Hillary Clinton
Kristen Wiig and Eddie Murphy had two of the greatest runs in “SNL” history. But McKinnon is nipping at their heels, thanks to her layered performances as Hillary Clinton, Jeff Sessions, Rudy Giuliani and Kellyanne Conway.
Hillary Clinton (Kate McKinnon) announces she's running for president in a social media video co-starring her husband, Bill Clinton (Darrell Hammond).
Matt Damon as Brett Kavanaugh
The show’s recent habit of having big stars cameo as politicos got old the minute Robert De Niro was recruited to read cue cards in Robert Mueller makeup. But Damon’s one-time appearance as the Supreme Court justice justified the stunt. You can practically see fire coming out of Damon’s nostrils.
Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris
Rudolph won an Emmy for her portrayal last season of the California senator, so expect more pop-ins from the former cast member now that Harris is on the Democratic ticket.
Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump
This isn’t so much an impression as it is a takedown. The Oscar-nominated actor does nothing to hide his hatred of the current president, casually dropping racist and sexist asides as if he were ordering a Diet Coke. No wonder Trump often goes on a Twitter rant after one of Baldwin’s guest appearances.
President Donald Trump (Alec Baldwin) takes questions at press conference.
Fred Armisen as David Paterson
Emphasizing the former New York governor’s partial blindness could have come across as a cruel joke, but there was a sweetness in the way Armisen wandered aimlessly around the “Weekend Update” set. Paterson, who initially balked at the portrayal, eventually came around, appearing as himself in 2010.
Governor David Paterson (Fred Armisen), Stefon (Bill Hader) and Snooki (Bobby Moynihan) stop by "Weekend Update" with Seth Meyers to perform "Oh, Christmas Tree" with their own unique commentary sprinkled in. [Season 36, 2010]
Darrell Hammond as Dick Cheney
This longtime cast member, who left in 2009 but remains the show’s announcer, may have turned in more political impersonations than anyone in “SNL” history. But he peaked with his interpretation of the vice president as a James Bond villain. While Phil Hartman tackled the controversial politician first, Hammond took it to the next level.
Will Ferrell as Janet Reno
The comic superstar’s take on George W. Bush would end up on Broadway, but he really found his rhythm as host of “Janet Reno’s Dance Party.” The late attorney general showed she had a fine sense of humor — and some fine moves — when she crashed the basement bash during her last day in office.
Attorney General Janet Reno (Will Ferrell) welcomes Mayor Rudy Giuliani to her dance party show, then insists on a boxing match to prove he's jealous of her. [Season 29, 1997]
People are also reading…
Relive Melissa McCarthy's 'Spicey' moments on SNL
Melissa McCarthy's portrayal of White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on Saturday Night Live made plenty of headlines. In the wake of Spicer's resignation July 21, here's a look back at some of McCarthy's best scenes as "Spicey."
White House press secretary Sean Spicer (Melissa McCarthy) and secretary of education nominee Betsy DeVos (Kate McKinnon) take questions from …
Sean Spicer (Melissa McCarthy) and Jeff Sessions (Kate McKinnon) take questions from the press (Bobby Moynihan, Mikey Day, Vanessa Bayer, Sash…
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer (Melissa McCarthy) apologizes for his comments about Hitler.
Sean Spicer (Melissa McCarthy) confronts President Donald Trump (Alec Baldwin) about the rumors that he's being replaced by Sarah Huckabee San…
Go behind the scenes with Melissa McCarthy on the set of “Sean Spicer Returns.”
