If you are a fan of the popular American late-night live television sketch comedy show, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), then you must be familiar with their political sketches featuring various politicians, including the former US President, Donald Trump.
The character portrayal of Trump on SNL has become an iconic part of the show, and viewers are always curious to know who plays Trump on SNL. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on who plays Trump on SNL and everything you need to know about the character portrayal.
Who Plays Trump on SNL?
James Austin Johnson is the talented actor who currently portrays former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Johnson joined the SNL cast in November 2021 during the show’s 47th season and quickly gained recognition for his uncanny impersonation of Trump.
Before Johnson, other actors who had portrayed Trump on SNL include Phil Hartman, Darrell Hammond, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, and Alec Baldwin.
Johnson made his SNL debut in the first episode of the season, where he also showcased his impressive impersonation of President Joe Biden. His portrayal of Trump, however, has been particularly praised for its accuracy and attention to detail.
Unlike some previous SNL Trump impersonators who relied on exaggeration, Johnson focuses on capturing the essence of Trump’s speech patterns and mannerisms, resulting in a more authentic portrayal.
James Austin Johnson Other Works
James Austin Johnson has been creating and posting YouTube videos since 2011. His channel features a mix of stand-up comedy, original sketches, and, of course, his famous celebrity impressions. Johnson’s YouTube videos have been viewed millions of times and have helped him build a dedicated fan base.
Some of Johnson’s most popular YouTube videos include his impressions of Joe Rogan, Alex Jones, and Donald Trump. In addition to his celebrity impressions, Johnson’s channel also features a variety of original comedy sketches that showcase his writing and comedic abilities.
James Austin Johnson has also appeared on several popular comedy podcasts. He has been a guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “The Bertcast,” and “Your Mom’s House,” among others.
On these podcasts, Johnson often discusses his approach to comedy and impressionism and shares stories about his experiences in the entertainment industry. He also frequently showcases his impressions of various celebrities and politicians, which always leave the hosts and listeners in stitches.
In addition to his online content, James Austin Johnson is also a regular performer at comedy clubs and venues across the country. He has performed stand-up comedy and impressionist sets at venues such as The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and The Improv.
Before joining the cast of “Saturday Night Live,” James Austin Johnson had made several television appearances. He has appeared on shows such as “New Girl,” “The Unicorn,” and “Corporate.”
Others Actor To Play Donald Trump On SNL
Darrell Hammond
The first actor to play Donald Trump on SNL was Darrell Hammond. He portrayed Trump in several sketches from 1999 to 2016. Hammond’s portrayal of Trump was more subdued than later actors, and he often played the role as a straight man.
Taran Killam
Taran Killam played Donald Trump on SNL from 2015 to 2016. His portrayal of Trump was more over-the-top than Hammond’s, and he often exaggerated Trump’s mannerisms and speech patterns. Killam’s Trump was often portrayed as a loud and boisterous character who loved to brag about his wealth and success.
Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin is the actor who is most closely associated with playing Donald Trump on SNL. He first portrayed Trump in 2016 and continued to play the role until the end of Trump’s presidency in 2021. Baldwin’s portrayal of Trump was known for its accuracy, and he often used Trump’s actual words and phrases in his sketches.
Baldwin’s Trump was often portrayed as an impulsive and ignorant character who struggled to understand basic political concepts. His portrayal of Trump was so popular that it won him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro played Donald Trump in a few sketches on SNL in 2018. His portrayal of Trump was more of a cameo than a regular role, but it still garnered attention for its accuracy and humor.
Jon Rudnitsky
Jon Rudnitsky played Donald Trump on SNL in a few sketches in 2015 and 2016. His portrayal of Trump was more of a one-off than a regular role, but he still managed to capture Trump’s essence with his impression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the role of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live has been portrayed by various actors over the years. To date, six performers have taken on the task of impersonating the former president: Phil Hartman, Darrell Hammond, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, Alec Baldwin, and James Austin Johnson.
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