Since its debut in 1975, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has delivered countless moments of comedy gold. One of the show’s most iconic segments is its celebrity impressions, where cast members parody famous personalities. But what happens when the real-life celebrity is watching the parody in real time? The results can be incredibly entertaining, sometimes awkward, but always unforgettable. Here’s a list of the top 10 SNL impressions performed in front of the actual celebrity—moments where comedy met reality in the best way.
10 SNL Impressions Performed in Front of the actual Celebrities
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin (with Sarah Palin Watching)
No SNL impression list is complete without Tina Fey’s spot-on portrayal of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. In the 2008 election cycle, Fey’s deadpan delivery of lines like “I can see Russia from my house!” turned her into an SNL legend.
Palin herself appeared on the show, watching Fey’s exaggerated impression live. While Palin took it in good humor, there was no denying Fey’s portrayal had become more famous than Palin herself.
Tom Hanks as David S. Pumpkins
Tom Hanks is widely loved as one of Hollywood’s most likable actors, but even he couldn’t resist poking fun at himself. When he appeared as the bizarre, iconic character David S. Pumpkins in a Halloween skit, the audience loved it.
What made the moment even better was when Hanks hosted the show again, sitting in the audience as David S. Pumpkins was impersonated by a cast member. Hanks couldn’t help but laugh, embodying the “why not” attitude that makes SNL so special.
Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump
One of the most talked-about impressions in recent SNL history is Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of former President Donald Trump. Baldwin’s Trump impression was exaggerated, and whether you loved it or hated it, it was undeniably funny. During
an event in 2018, Trump was present in the audience while Baldwin impersonated him live. The tension was palpable, as Trump reportedly wasn’t a fan of the portrayal. However, Baldwin didn’t hold back, making it one of the most audacious SNL moments of all time.
Matt Damon as Brett Kavanaugh
During the height of the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination hearings, Matt Damon appeared on SNL with a fiery impression of Kavanaugh’s emotional testimony. The wild gestures, shouting,
and exaggerated facial expressions captured Kavanaugh’s controversial moment perfectly. In an ironic twist, Kavanaugh attended the show and had to sit through Damon’s brutal takedown, making it both an awkward and hilarious moment.
Bill Hader as Alan Alda (with Alan Alda in the Audience)
Bill Hader is a master impressionist, but his Alan Alda impersonation stands out as one of his best. Hader mimicked Alda’s nasal, high-pitched voice in multiple skits, always nailing it.
When Alda made a cameo on SNL, watching Hader in action, it was a priceless moment of mutual appreciation. Alda later said he loved the impression, taking it as a high compliment.
Jimmy Fallon as Barry Gibb (with Barry Gibb Watching)
Jimmy Fallon’s impression of Barry Gibb, the falsetto-voiced lead singer of the Bee Gees, was a recurring hit on SNL’s Barry Gibb Talk Show sketches. Fallon captured Gibb’s fiery temper and disco diva persona perfectly.
When Gibb himself appeared on the show alongside Fallon, it was a hilarious duet of sorts. Gibb clearly enjoyed the light-hearted tribute, laughing at Fallon’s exaggerated take on his iconic style.
Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer
Melissa McCarthy’s Sean Spicer impression became a viral sensation for its over-the-top, furious portrayal of the former White House Press Secretary. Spicer himself eventually made an appearance on the show, watching McCarthy’s
spot-on mimicry. While Spicer seemed uncomfortable at first, he later admitted that McCarthy’s portrayal, especially with her aggressive use of the podium, was hard to ignore—and oddly entertaining.
Kate McKinnon as Hillary Clinton
Kate McKinnon’s impression of Hillary Clinton is one of SNL’s most beloved political impersonations. McKinnon portrayed Clinton as overly ambitious and just a little too perfect, poking fun at her robotic demeanor.
When Clinton herself made an appearance on SNL during the 2016 election, she was able to laugh along, even participating in a skit with McKinnon. The moment showed Clinton’s good sportsmanship and McKinnon’s comedic prowess.
Fred Armisen as Prince (In Front of Prince)
Fred Armisen’s impression of Prince, with its soft-spoken delivery and mysterious aura, was a fan favorite. When Prince himself appeared on SNL, Armisen’s impersonation was put to the ultimate test.
The skit was a mix of reverence and parody, with Armisen careful not to cross any lines. Prince, always enigmatic, didn’t say much about the impersonation, but he gave his silent approval through a faint smile.
Will Ferrell as Alex Trebek (with Alex Trebek Present)
Will Ferrell’s Celebrity Jeopardy skits, in which he played an exasperated Alex Trebek dealing with clueless celebrities, became an SNL classic. Ferrell’s calm frustration in the face of ridiculous answers had audiences in stitches.
When the real Alex Trebek appeared during a sketch, watching Ferrell’s version of himself, it was comedy perfection. Trebek’s cameo was brief, but his reaction made it clear that he appreciated Ferrell’s comedic genius.
Performing a celebrity impression in front of the person being parodied is risky—after all, you never know how they’ll react. Some celebrities take it in stride, laughing at the exaggerated caricature, while others might not be so thrilled. But these moments represent the heart of SNL: daring comedy, a little awkwardness, and the joy of watching reality and satire merge in real time.
Whether it’s Tina Fey as Sarah Palin or Will Ferrell as Alex Trebek, these 10 SNL Impressions Performed in Front of the actual Celebrities are some of the most memorable in SNL history, proving that sometimes the best comedy comes from toeing the line between tribute and ridicule.
