Doug Emhoff Reviews His ‘SNL’ Impersonators: A Fun Look Into His Iconic Sketches
Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States, recently weighed in on his portrayal in Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketches, humorously assessing how various comedians impersonated him. As the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, Emhoff has been in the spotlight for years, and his appearances on SNL, although indirect, have contributed to his growing popularity. In a candid conversation, Emhoff humorously reviewed the performances of SNL stars Martin Short and Andy Samberg, who have both played him in different sketches. While he found humor in the depictions, Emhoff shared his thoughts on which portrayal came closer to capturing his essence and how surreal it felt to see himself parodied on a show he’s been watching since childhood.
Doug Emhoff’s SNL Impersonations: Martin Short vs. Andy Samberg
During a recent appearance on the Politickin’ podcast, Doug Emhoff was asked to weigh in on two of the most iconic portrayals of him on SNL: Martin Short and Andy Samberg. The comedic debate centered around which actor delivered a more accurate representation of the Second Gentleman.
Emhoff humorously compared the two actors, noting, “Martin Short is way older and shorter, but he actually got me.” Despite Short’s age and height differences, Emhoff admitted that Short’s performance had a certain authenticity that resonated with him. On the other hand, Andy Samberg’s portrayal was funny but slightly off the mark in capturing the real Doug Emhoff. “Samberg — it’s good, it’s funny. It’s not quite me, but some of the lines are pretty good,” Emhoff said.
This playful review of his SNL impersonators gave fans insight into Emhoff’s sense of humor and his ability to take lighthearted jabs at his public image.
Martin Short’s Hilarious Take on Doug Emhoff
Martin Short took on the role of Doug Emhoff during the 2020 presidential election, portraying him in several sketches. Short’s portrayal came at a time when Emhoff and his wife, Kamala Harris, were thrust into the national spotlight as she ran for vice president. The comedic portrayal by Short captured some of Emhoff’s characteristics, but with a trademark Martin Short twist—exaggerated, quirky, and undeniably entertaining.
Emhoff acknowledged that Short’s impersonation, although comedic, was spot-on in some areas. Despite Short’s “way older and shorter” appearance, Emhoff admitted, “he actually got me.” It was Short’s unique blend of wit and physical comedy that won Emhoff’s approval.
Andy Samberg’s “Dougy” Dance and Review
Andy Samberg stepped into the shoes of Doug Emhoff when SNL returned in the fall of 2023, ahead of the November election. Samberg’s portrayal included a viral “Dougy” dance, which became a trending moment online. While Emhoff found the dance humorous, he noted it wasn’t entirely accurate. However, Samberg did nail one crucial detail: “He has the hair down,” Emhoff joked. The Second Gentleman’s curly locks are a signature feature, and Samberg clearly made sure to emphasize that in his portrayal.
Though Samberg’s impersonation didn’t quite hit the mark for Emhoff as much as Short’s did, it provided plenty of laughs and generated buzz on social media.
Emhoff’s Surreal Experience Watching SNL
For Doug Emhoff, seeing himself depicted on a show he grew up watching has been nothing short of surreal. He shared that he’s been an avid SNL viewer since childhood, and reminisced about how his family would stay up late to catch the iconic sketches. “This is a show I watched literally, my whole life,” Emhoff said. He went on to say how the show has been a cultural staple for him and his friends, who often discussed the sketches throughout the week.
“To see yourself on it, yeah, the group chats blow up on that kind of stuff,” Emhoff said, reflecting on how his friends and family react whenever he’s parodied on SNL. The experience of watching comedians play exaggerated versions of himself and his wife has been one of many surreal moments in his time as Second Gentleman.
Maya Rudolph’s Spot-On Kamala Harris Impression
In addition to Emhoff’s impersonations, SNL fans have also seen Maya Rudolph portray Kamala Harris in numerous sketches. Rudolph’s performances have become fan favorites, with her comedic timing and accuracy bringing the Vice President to life on screen. Emhoff had nothing but praise for Rudolph, saying, “She’s really upped her game. She’s so on it. She’s done a really good job.”
Rudolph’s depiction of Kamala Harris has been part of the larger trend of SNL capturing key political figures with a humorous lens, allowing audiences to engage with politics in a more lighthearted way.
Other Political Figures on SNL: A Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Emhoff and Harris, SNL has impersonated a variety of political figures. In the current season, James Austin Johnson portrays Donald Trump, while Jim Gaffigan takes on the role of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The sketches also include Bowen Yang as J.D. Vance and Dana Carvey as Joe Biden. SNL continues its tradition of political satire, with a talented cast keeping the show’s long-standing reputation for sharp political commentary alive.
Why Emhoff’s Impersonations Matter
Beyond the laughs, Doug Emhoff’s presence on SNL signifies something deeper. It shows how integral the Second Gentleman has become to the public discourse in the U.S. Emhoff’s role as the first-ever Second Gentleman in U.S. history is groundbreaking, and his portrayal on SNL is a reflection of his increasing visibility and influence in American politics.
Through humor, SNL has helped humanize Emhoff and Harris, allowing the public to see a different side of the political couple. Emhoff’s playful attitude towards his impersonations shows his ability to not take himself too seriously, a trait that resonates with many Americans.
