Key Takeaways:
- Maya Rudolph revealed why her sketch as Barack Obama on Saturday Night Live never aired
- The sketch was supposed to feature Rudolph as Obama, but she didn’t have a good impression of him
- Barack Obama himself made a comment during dress rehearsal that shut down the sketch
- The comment, "I don’t wear a three-button suit," was enigmatic and left Rudolph unsure of what to do
- A revised version of the sketch did air, featuring Jason Sudeikis as Joe Biden and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton
Introduction to the Story
Maya Rudolph, a veteran of Saturday Night Live, recently appeared on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, where she shared a fascinating story about her encounter with Barack Obama. The story revolves around a sketch that never made it to air, in which Rudolph was supposed to play the role of Obama. The sketch was intended to be a humorous take on the then-senator’s rising popularity, but it ultimately didn’t work out due to a brief and enigmatic exchange between Rudolph and Obama during dress rehearsal.
The Sketch and Its Concept
The sketch, which was supposed to air as the cold open to the fourth episode of season 33 in 2007, featured Rudolph as Obama, along with other cast members playing various Democratic operatives. The joke was that Rudolph, dressed as Obama, would introduce herself as the presidential candidate, only to be interrupted by the real Obama, who would take off his mask and reveal his true identity. The sketch also featured Fred Armisen, Will Forte, Bill Hader, Simon Rich, and Jason Sudeikis, and was intended to be a lighthearted and humorous take on the political scene at the time.
The Encounter with Obama
Rudolph recalled that she first met Obama during dress rehearsal, where she was waiting to go onstage in her Brooks Brothers suit and Scott Joplin wig. When Obama approached her, she asked for his opinion on her costume, and he responded with a comment that left her perplexed: "I don’t wear a three-button suit." Rudolph admitted that she still doesn’t understand what Obama meant by that comment, and it’s clear that it threw her off. Despite her confusion, Rudolph tried to brush it off and continue with the sketch, but it ultimately didn’t work out.
The Reason Behind the Sketch’s Cancellation
Rudolph revealed that the reason the sketch didn’t air was because she didn’t have a good impression of Obama. She admitted that she didn’t have a strong take on the character, and Obama’s comment during dress rehearsal only added to her uncertainty. As a result, the sketch was cancelled, and a revised version was aired instead. The revised sketch featured Jason Sudeikis as Joe Biden and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton, and marked the debut of Sudeikis’ impression of the former vice president.
Rudolph’s Impressions and Career
Despite her failed attempt at playing Obama, Rudolph has gone on to impress audiences with her impressions of other political figures, including Kamala Harris and Condoleezza Rice. Her lauded characterization of Harris during the recent presidential election cycle is a testament to her talent and versatility as a comedic actress. Rudolph’s career on Saturday Night Live has been marked by her ability to take on a wide range of characters and impressions, and her encounter with Obama is just one of the many fascinating stories she has to share.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The story of Rudolph’s encounter with Obama is a fascinating glimpse into the world of Saturday Night Live and the challenges of creating humorous sketches about political figures. It’s clear that Obama’s comment during dress rehearsal had a significant impact on Rudolph’s confidence in her impression, and ultimately led to the cancellation of the sketch. Despite this, Rudolph has gone on to have a successful career in comedy, and her impressions continue to entertain and impress audiences. The revised sketch that aired in 2007 marked an important moment in the show’s history, and featured the debut of Jason Sudeikis’ impression of Joe Biden. Overall, the story of Rudolph’s encounter with Obama is a reminder of the power of comedy to bring people together and provide a unique perspective on the world of politics.