Saturday Night Live (SNL) alumni recently opened up about their experiences with celebrities who took notice of their impersonations over the years. In a lively discussion on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, a group of iconic female comedians—Laraine Newman, Ana Gasteyer, Cecily Strong, Cheri Oteri, and Rachel Dratch—shared stories about how their impressions impacted their relationships with the stars they portrayed. The conversation turned particularly juicy when Laraine Newman revealed a surprising anecdote about Barbra Streisand.
Newman, an original cast member of SNL, recalled a cringe-worthy encounter with Barbra Streisand that left her dodging an awkward conversation. She explained that the incident stemmed from her 1977 impression of Streisand on the show. Newman remembered a skit written by Marilyn Miller, titled “Me,” which poked fun at Streisand’s larger-than-life personality and success. The lyrics of the song included a tongue-in-cheek line: “Even if one of my films sucks, it still makes four million bucks for me.” Streisand hadn’t seen the sketch at the time, but years later, the two crossed paths at a bar mitzvah where Streisand was performing. Newman recounted how Streisand approached her and said, “I want to talk to you,” but Newman admitted she quickly left to avoid the conversation. She didn’t elaborate on what she thought Streisand might say, but the implied tension was palpable.
The other comedians in the group also shared their own stories of being confronted by celebrities they had impersonated, though most of their interactions were positive. Cheri Oteri mentioned Judge Judy, Cecily Strong talked about Judge Jeanine Pirro, Rachel Dratch brought up Calista Flockhart, and Ana Gasteyer named Martha Stewart, Celine Dion, and Jo Anne Worley. These stars, for the most part, took the parodies in stride, showing that many celebrities understand the lighthearted nature of SNL’s humor. However, Streisand’s reaction stood out as a rare exception, hinting that not everyone takes impersonations lightly.
The conversation on Watch What Happens Live was part of a larger wave of nostalgia for SNL as the show approaches its 50th anniversary. Other alumni, like Amy Poehler and Leslie Jones, also made recent TV appearances to reflect on their time on the program. Poehler co-hosted Today with Jenna & Friends alongside Jenna Bush Hager, whom she famously impersonated alongside Tina Fey in a 2005 sketch about the Bush twins. While Poehler admitted to feeling nervous watching the old clip, Bush Hager took it in good humor, playfully teasing Poehler about not being called for “research” at the time. Meanwhile, Leslie Jones joined The View’s Hot Topics table, where Whoopi Goldberg brought up Jones and Kenan Thompson’s hilarious impressions of the show’s hosts. These appearances highlight how SNL’s legacy continues to resonate with both audiences and the celebrities it has famously caricatured over the decades.
The stories shared by these comedians not only shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of SNL but also remind us of the show’s enduring impact on pop culture. For 50 years, SNL has thrived on its ability to make audiences laugh by skewering everyone from politicians to Hollywood icons. While not every celebrity takes being impersonated in stride, the show’s irreverent humor has become an integral part of its charm. As the alumni continue to celebrate this milestone, their anecdotes serve as a testament to the show’s ability to bring people together through laughter—even if it sometimes makes the targets of its jokes a little uncomfortable.
In the end, these stories from the world of SNL remind us that comedy is a double-edged sword. It can bring joy and unity, but it also has the power to make people squirm. Whether it’s Laraine Newman dodging Barbra Streisand or Amy Poehler nervously revisiting her impression of Jenna Bush Hager, the shared laughter and occasional awkwardness are all part of what makes SNL such a beloved institution. As the show looks back on its first 50 years, these moments of humor and humility remind us why it remains a cultural touchstone—and why we can’t wait to see what the next 50 years hold.
