Saturday Night Live had many standouts during its landmark 50th season, including James Austin Johnson's portrayal of President Donald Trump, who discusses the pressure of the role. He brought tremendous hilarity and satire during several of the cold opens of the NBC sketch comedy series this past year. Johnson ed SNL back in season 47, playing various roles. However, arguably his most well-known bit in the show thus far is his impression of the current United States President.
In an interview with SNL season 50. Read Johnson's quote below:
The added pressure of the 50th and the added pressure of my comedy idols being up there with us on some of those sketches... it was just Bowen and I looking at each other, like, 'look at us with these all stars'. It made me want to raise my game and match their level. That was what the whole season was about. For me, I want to find the path to be as good as these people I've looked up to and here they are sharing the stage.
What Johnson's Comments Mean About His Commitment To SNL
Johnson Aspires To Be As Good As The Comedic Legends Who Are A Part Of SNL
Johnson's comments on working with his comedic idols during the cold opens of SNL season 50 highlight how much respect he has for those legends who were a part of the show for many years. Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Andy Samberg, and Maya Rudolph all understand that the structure and nature of SNL is to poke fun at the nature of the current social and political climate. Having been part of the legendary live show for a few years now, Johnson has a better understanding of the caliber of talent that comes from Lorne Michaels' legacy series.
6 Cast Rumored To Not Be Returning For Saturday Night Live Season 51
As Saturday Night Live season 50 has wrapped, rumors are swirling that half a dozen veteran cast may be leaving the show before season 51.
Johnson's mannerisms, voice, and physical appearance of Trump are spot-on hilarious, making him one of SNL season 50 cast Ashley Padilla, Jane Wickline, and Emil Wakim, even taking them out for lunch and giving them a layout of how the show works, so there isn't too much added pressure. Johnson considers the new trio natural talents, and recalls when he started on SNL when his wife was pregnant, and was uncertain of whether he could do the show due to the personal drama in his life.
Our Take On Johnson's Role In SNL And His Future With The Show
Johnson Is One Of SNL's Best Cast Who Has More To Offer
Johnson's portrayal of Trump and the impact he's had on SNL and the cast are proof that he deserves to return for Saturday Night Live season 51. It is uncertain who is staying and who is departing the show. However, Johnson's comedic timing and intriguing presence have made him one of SNL's finest cast , reminiscent of Dana Carvey and Darrell Hammond thanks to his various impersonations. Aside from playing the president in cold opens, Johnson might also have some new roles to fill in the show's future.
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Source: Deadline
Saturday Night Live
- Release Date
- October 11, 1975
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Lorne Michaels
WHERE TO WATCH
- Directors
- Dave Wilson, Don Roy King, Liz Patrick, Andy Warhol, Linda Lee Cadwell, Matthew Meshekoff, Paul Miller, Robert Altman, Robert Smigel
- Writers
- Will Forte, Chris Parnell, Asa Taccone, John Lutz, Tom Schiller, Simon Rich, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Nicki Minaj, Herbert Sargent, Matt Piedmont, John Solomon, Chris Kelly, Alan Zweibel, Kent Sublette, Ari Katcher, Marika Sawyer, Sarah Schnedier, Scott Jung, Justin Franks, Jerrod Bettis, Rhiannon Bryan
- Producers
- Lorne Michaels, Lindsay Shookus, Erik Kenward, James Downey, Jean Doumanian, Ken Aymong, Marci Klein, Michael Shoemaker, Erin Doyle, Steve Higgins, Al Franken, Dick Ebersol, Gary Weis
- Seasons
- 50
- Story By
- Colin Jost
- Streaming Service(s)
- Peacock
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