10 Times Celebrities Nailed Impersonations of Other Celebrities

Celebrity impersonations are a time-honored tradition in Hollywood, whether for comedy sketches, late-night TV, or just for fun on social media. Sometimes, the impersonations are so accurate, they leave audiences doing double-takes. From jaw-dropping impressions to hilarious parodies, here are ten unforgettable times celebrities impersonated other celebrities—and absolutely nailed it.

1. Kate McKinnon as Ellen DeGeneres

When it comes to spot-on impersonations, Saturday Night Live alum Kate McKinnon is in a league of her own. One of her most iconic impressions is of daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. From Ellen’s signature dance moves to her laid-back demeanor and distinct vocal cadence, McKinnon’s portrayal is so accurate that even Ellen herself has cracked up watching it. In fact, Ellen invited McKinnon onto her show to perform the impression in person, proving it was all in good fun.

2. Brad Pitt as Dr. Anthony Fauci (with a touch of Cuomo)

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Brad Pitt made a surprise appearance on SNL At Home as Dr. Anthony Fauci. The sketch, written remotely due to lockdown, was both a comedic highlight and a rare moment of levity during a tense time. Pitt balanced humor and respect, mimicking Fauci’s careful speech and thoughtful demeanor, even tossing in a slightly exaggerated New York accent reminiscent of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Fauci later praised the impression, joking he wanted Pitt to play him in a movie.

3. Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Rickman

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has a talent for voices, and his impression of the late Alan Rickman is nothing short of masterful. During various interviews, Cumberbatch has slipped into Rickman’s unmistakable slow, deliberate speech pattern, often as a tribute to the legendary actor. The impression gained viral popularity after he mimicked Rickman reading mundane text like a voicemail or shopping list—making it sound like high Shakespearean drama.

4. Jim Carrey as Joe Biden

Jim Carrey’s energetic and exaggerated portrayal of Joe Biden on SNL in 2020 divided opinion, but there’s no denying the commitment he brought to the role. While the real Biden is known for his calm and reserved demeanor, Carrey infused the character with classic Carreyisms: expressive eyebrows, booming voice, and wild gesticulation. Though he eventually stepped away from the role, his impression gave the election season a surreal comedic edge.

5. Tom Hiddleston as Chris Evans (and Robert De Niro, and more)

Tom Hiddleston might be best known as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but his talent for impressions is just as legendary. During a press tour, Hiddleston slipped into a pitch-perfect impersonation of co-star Chris Evans, mimicking his Boston accent and enthusiastic personality. But it didn’t stop there—he also nailed Robert De Niro’s squint and mumble and did a hilarious take on Owen Wilson. Hiddleston’s impressions are so good, fans often request them during interviews.

6. Ariana Grande as Britney Spears, Celine Dion, and More

Pop diva Ariana Grande surprised everyone with her vocal impersonation skills during a Saturday Night Live sketch titled “Tidal.” In it, she plays an intern who’s forced to mimic several famous singers when the streaming service crashes. Grande flawlessly imitates Britney Spears’s baby voice, Christina Aguilera’s soulful runs, and Celine Dion’s dramatic flair. Her ability to channel each singer’s unique tone and style proved she’s not just a vocal powerhouse—she’s a vocal chameleon.

7. Jay Pharoah as Barack Obama, Kanye West, and More

A master impressionist from his SNL days, Jay Pharoah has impersonated dozens of celebrities with uncanny accuracy. His Barack Obama is so dead-on—from the vocal inflections to the pauses—that some viewers claimed it was indistinguishable from the real thing. He’s also famous for his Kanye West impression, combining the rapper’s bravado with exaggerated facial expressions. Pharoah’s arsenal includes Kevin Hart, Denzel Washington, and Jay-Z, making him one of the most versatile impersonators in comedy.

8. Kristen Wiig as Kathie Lee Gifford

Kristen Wiig’s portrayal of morning show host Kathie Lee Gifford on SNL is a fan favorite. Alongside Hoda Kotb (played by another cast member), Wiig channeled Kathie Lee’s bubbly, over-the-top energy and frequent wine sips. Her high-pitched voice, outlandish stories, and spontaneous singing perfectly captured Gifford’s on-screen persona. The sketch became so popular that Gifford herself admitted to being both flattered and amused by Wiig’s exaggerated portrayal.

9. Taran Killam as Eminem

Taran Killam delivered a hilariously intense impression of rapper Eminem during his time on SNL. In a parody of the rapper’s unique hand gestures, furrowed brow, and rapid-fire delivery, Killam exaggerated Eminem’s intense energy to comedic effect. One of the standout sketches featured Killam spoofing Eminem doing mundane tasks—like reading holiday cards or waiting in line at the DMV—with the same ferocity he brings to his music.

10. Melissa Villaseñor as Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani, and More

As an impressionist and comedian, Melissa Villaseñor has built a career on mimicking voices. Her impersonations of Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani are particularly notable, capturing their vocal quirks and stage presence. Villaseñor adds a layer of warmth to her impressions, never mocking but rather celebrating her subjects. Her voice work is so accurate that even Lady Gaga commented positively on her impression during an interview.