Who’s Behind Joe Biden’s Impersonation on SNL? A Timely Exploration

On the brisk evening of October 29, 2023, ‘Saturday Night Live’ viewers witnessed Mikey Day stepping into the shoes of President Joe Biden, marking him as the latest actor to portray Biden on the iconic show. This episode, particularly notable for Christopher Walken’s guest appearance as the Spirit of Halloween, aired just a day before today’s date, October 30, 2023.

‘SNL’ has seen a rich history of actors embodying Biden since his emergence as a presidential candidate back in 2008. The journey, spanning over a decade, has seen eight different talents bringing their unique interpretations to the role. The most recent, Mikey Day, added his touch to this lineage during the show’s Season 49 premiere.

Summary of Who Plays Joe Biden on SNL

The Evolution of Joe Biden Portrayals on SNL

Kevin Nealon: The Pioneer

Back in the 1993-1994 season, Kevin Nealon was the first to portray Biden. His impact, although minor, laid the foundation for Biden as a satirical figure.

Jason Sudeikis: The Memorable Impression

From 2009, Jason Sudeikis took over, leaving a memorable mark with his accurate and humorous portrayal, etching into viewers’ minds Biden’s signature gaffes.

Woody Harrelson: A Serious Take

Woody Harrelson, in 2019, offered a more serious side, delving into Biden’s personal struggles, making the character resonate deeply with audiences.

John Mulaney: The Lovable Goofball

In 2020, John Mulaney’s exaggerated take on Biden’s age and mannerisms presented a lovable goofball that many found endearing.

Jim Carrey: The Over-The-Top Impersonation

Also in 2020, Jim Carrey’s portrayal was the most over-the-top, bringing a manic energy to the character.

Alex Moffat: The Empathetic Leader

Alex Moffat’s interpretation in 2020 portrayed Biden as an empathetic leader, a father figure during challenging times.

James Austin Johnson: A Blend of Styles

Starting in 2021, James Austin Johnson offered a blend of Sudeikis’ accuracy and Carrey’s energy, presenting a relatable yet flawed leader.

Mikey Day’s Portrayal of Joe Biden

The October 29, 2023 episode introduced Mikey Day’s Biden, characterized by accuracy and humor. His portrayal encapsulates Biden’s distinct mannerisms and speech patterns, making the character both likable and relatable. The skit, involving Biden hanging Halloween decorations, was spiced up with surprise appearances by Christopher Walken and Michael Longfellow’s Mike Johnson.

Christopher Walken’s Return as the Spirit of Halloween

Christopher Walken, gracing the show as the Spirit of Halloween, added both humor and warmth. His portrayal, serving as a guiding figure to Biden, was a definite highlight of the episode.

Conclusion

‘SNL’ has consistently found a way to satirize Joe Biden in a manner that’s humorous yet fair. Mikey Day’s recent portrayal stands out as one of the best, reflecting the complexities and challenges of the current political landscape. As ‘SNL’ continues its legacy of political satire, viewers can anticipate more insightful and entertaining sketches in the episodes to come.

FAQs

Q: Who currently plays Joe Biden on SNL?
A: As of October 2023, Mikey Day is the latest actor to portray Joe Biden on ‘Saturday Night Live’.

Q: How many actors have played Joe Biden on SNL?
A: To date, eight actors have portrayed Joe Biden on SNL.

Q: Who played Joe Biden on SNL in 2020?
A: In 2020, Joe Biden was portrayed by John Mulaney, Jim Carrey, and Alex Moffat on SNL.

Q: What makes Mikey Day’s portrayal of Joe Biden on SNL stand out?
A: Mikey Day’s portrayal stands out for its accuracy and humor, capturing Biden’s mannerisms and making the character relatable and likable.