Kamala Harris shares her admiration for Maya Rudolph’s spot-on impersonation on ‘SNL’
On a recent episode of “The View,” Vice President Kamala Harris showcased a blend of surprise and joy as she watched Maya Rudolph impersonate her on “Saturday Night Live.” This unique moment not only charmed the audience but also highlighted Rudolph’s exceptional talent in embodying public figures with humor and precision.
The humorous brilliance of Maya Rudolph
As Joy Behar introduced a clip from the September 28 episode of “SNL,” Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of Harris saying, “I am so happy to be campaigning in whatever swing state I’m in, which I will just refer to as Wisconsi-Pensyl-Va-Georgia. Because I am going to protect your Va-Georgia,” elicited an immediate reaction from the vice president.
Watching with widened eyes, Harris burst into laughter and clapped with delight. “Oh my God! I hadn’t seen that!” she exclaimed. The genuine joy on her face reflected the high regard she holds for Rudolph’s comedic prowess.
The attention to detail in Rudolph’s performance
Kamala Harris couldn’t help but rave about Rudolph’s spot-on depiction, noting, “She’s so good. Maya Rudolph, she’s so good. She had the whole thing — the suit, the jewelry, everything. Wow, the mannerisms!” The meticulous attention to detail in costume and mannerisms underscores Rudolph’s dedication to her craft, making her performance not just a caricature but a nuanced representation.
The return to Studio 8H
Announced in July, Rudolph’s return to SNL as Harris was highly anticipated. The Season 50 premiere featured Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, and Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, her husband. In a star-studded return, Dana Carvey took on the role of President Joe Biden. Bowen Yang and James Austin Johnson portrayed JD Vance and Donald Trump, respectively.
Rudolph, a stalwart of “SNL” from 2000 to 2007, initially donned the Harris persona in December 2019. Despite having only a few lines in a presidential debate sketch, her portrayal won her an Emmy for guest actress in a comedy series. Her return throughout the 2020 election cycle, performing alongside Jim Carrey’s Joe Biden, further cemented her reputation. Hosting the show in March 2021, she once again won an Emmy, showcasing her consistent excellence in comedy.
Crafting the ‘funt’ persona
In her first episode back as Harris on September 28, Rudolph humorously declared, “The Funt has been rebooted,” referring to Harris’ role as America’s “fun aunt.” This affectionate term, coined by SNL producer Steve Higgins’ wife, encapsulated Harris’ warm and approachable persona.
Rudolph elaborated on her creative process, explaining how she saw Harris as someone having fun. “When I see her, I see her having fun,” she said. This insight guided her portrayal, tapping into the vice president’s authentic and spirited nature.
A look back at Rudolph’s contributions
Maya Rudolph’s contributions to “SNL” are not simply about mimicking; they are about embodying the essence of the person she portrays. Her Emmy-winning performances are a testament to her ability to blend humor with authenticity, making her characters resonate with audiences.
Rudolph’s portrayal of Harris will likely be remembered as one of the defining moments of “SNL” in recent years. Her ability to capture the vice president’s mannerisms and spirit with such precision speaks to her talent and dedication. For more insights into Rudolph’s performances, visit this link.
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