
Now that Maya Rudolph’s limited-run return to Saturday Night Live is over, who can the show rely on to play Kamala Harris? James Austin Johnson, apparently.
Johnson debuted his take on the former vice president on Late Night with Seth Meyers last night.
Asked by Meyers if he had any political impressions he hasn’t yet been able to do on SNL, Johnson mentioned one. “I was really gunning for Kamala Harris,” he responded, adding that he approached Lorne Michaels to be considered. “I said, ‘I feel like it’s probably Maya, but I want to toss my hat into the ring.’”
Johnson then performed the impersonation for Meyers, setting it up as “Kamala Harris hosting a cooking competition.”
“Now, before you do this,” Seth interrupted, “You’re sure?”
Johnson, however, was undaunted. “I’ve spoken with my pastor and my therapist and my dealer, and I think this is what’s right for me.”
What followed was an impression that must be heard to be appreciated—one that uncannily captures both Harris’voice and the low-stakes drama of a Food Network show.
“I think what the American people want to know is: Can the remaining five chefs take these family food classics—cheeseburger and fries, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, vegetable lasagna—and utilize those ingredients to create a five-star gourmet meal for Debi Mazar, Bobby Flay, and Michael Rapaport. You have three hours,” Johnson intoned.
While Lorne Michaels and team likely made the right call going with Rudolph, Meyers validated Johnson’s attempt.
“I was wrong to be terrified,” the Late Night host admitted.