James Austin Johnson Shares Insights on His Unique Trump Impression on SNL
SNL’s James Austin Johnson reveals the ‘secret weapon’ in his Donald Trump impression that Alec Baldwin didn’t use

Image: The Independent
James Austin Johnson revealed his approach to impersonating Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, focusing on making the character more likable than Alec Baldwin's portrayal. He emphasizes improvisation and the humorous aspects of Trump while acknowledging the potential backlash from the former president.
- 01James Austin Johnson has portrayed Donald Trump on SNL since fall 2021, succeeding Alec Baldwin.
- 02Johnson aims to make Trump more likable by highlighting his humor, both intentional and unintentional.
- 03He describes his impression as a character who 'never finishes a thought,' resembling a retail worker sharing his thoughts.
- 04Improvisation plays a crucial role in Johnson's performance, creating a sense of unpredictability.
- 05Johnson expresses concern over potential backlash from Trump, who has previously criticized Baldwin's portrayal.
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James Austin Johnson, who has taken over the role of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live since fall 2021, recently shared insights into his unique impersonation technique during a panel at the Tribeca Film Festival. Unlike Alec Baldwin, who played Trump for five seasons, Johnson aims to portray a more likable version of the former president by emphasizing his humor. He noted that he plays Trump's charm and adds a layer of unpredictability by often improvising during performances. Johnson described his impression as a character who 'never finishes a thought,' likening it to a retail worker casually sharing his musings. He acknowledged the potential for backlash from Trump, who has previously criticized Baldwin's portrayal, expressing a mix of apprehension and commitment to his sustainable version of the character. Johnson's approach seeks to balance humor with the complexities of portraying a controversial figure, making his performance distinct in the landscape of political satire.
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