Celebrities Who Hated Being Impersonated on SNL

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a staple of television comedy for decades, tickling our funny bones with its irreverent sketches and celebrity impersonations. While many stars take the impersonations in stride and even join in the laughter, there have been a few instances where the portrayal hit a little too close to home. In this rollercoaster ride through the world of SNL, we're diving into the intriguing stories of five celebrities who didn't exactly relish their on-screen doppelgängers.

1. Eddie Murphy's Feud With David Spade

Let's kick things off with an iconic feud that unfolded both on and off the SNL stage. During the 1980s, Eddie Murphy was a comedic force to be reckoned with, and his stint on SNL was legendary. However, his relationship with the show took a nosedive when he became the target of a David Spade impersonation in the early '90s. Spade's sketches featured him taking jabs at Murphy's career trajectory, implying that he was a has-been clinging to past glory. Murphy, understandably miffed, made his feelings known during his return to SNL as a host in 1994. In a scathing monologue, he fired back at Spade and the show, accusing them of tarnishing his legacy and taking cheap shots at his expense.

2. Chevy Chase's Rocky Relationship With SNL

Ah, the turbulent tale of Chevy Chase and his tumultuous connection with SNL. Chase was one of the original cast members of the show, bringing his unique brand of humor to the masses. However, his swift departure and subsequent criticisms of the show left a sour taste in the mouths of his fellow cast members. In particular, Chase's impersonation of President Gerald Ford raised eyebrows, as he was depicted as a clumsy and bumbling character, reinforcing a public perception that Ford wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. While Chase's portrayal may have garnered laughs, it reportedly irked Ford and his family, who felt it was unfair and damaging to his image.

3. Sarah Palin vs. Tina Fey

Now, let's fast-forward to the 2008 election season, where Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, found herself on the receiving end of Tina Fey's razor-sharp impersonation. Fey's portrayal of Palin on SNL became an instant sensation, capturing the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the political figure. While many viewers found the sketches hilarious, Palin herself was less than amused. In interviews, she expressed her frustration with the portrayal, claiming that it contributed to a negative perception of her. In her eyes, the impersonation overshadowed her accomplishments and painted her as a caricature rather than a serious political figure.

4. Piers Morgan's Twitter Takedown

In the age of social media, even SNL impersonations can ignite online firestorms. Case in point: Piers Morgan's reaction to an impersonation by Taran Killam. Morgan, a British television personality and journalist, took to Twitter to express his disdain for Killam's portrayal, calling it "unfunny" and "malicious." He accused SNL of trying to assassinate his character and suggested that the show was fixated on him due to his vocal stance on gun control. The exchange didn't stop there; Morgan engaged in a heated back-and-forth with SNL cast members and fans, defending his position and decrying the impersonation.

5. Donald Trump's Ongoing Feud

Last but certainly not least, the ongoing saga of Donald Trump and his complex relationship with SNL. Long before he became the 45th President of the United States, Trump was a regular target of SNL's comedic crosshairs. His larger-than-life persona, distinctive gestures, and bombastic rhetoric provided ample material for cast members to lampoon. However, as Trump's political aspirations grew more serious, his tolerance for the impersonations dwindled. He took to Twitter to express his displeasure, calling SNL's sketches "unfunny" and claiming they were part of a larger media conspiracy against him.