Not Every Impression Is a Compliment

Throughout its decades-long history, "Saturday Night Live" has produced iconic impressions of public figures, but not all celebrities are amused. Some have openly criticized how the show portrayed them, showcasing the thin line between comedy and offense. Here are 18 celebrities who were not pleased with their SNL depictions.

1. Aimee Lou Wood: Mixed Reviews on Teeth and Talent

The star of "The White Lotus," Aimee Lou Wood, faced a mixed reception when her character was impersonated by Sarah Sherman on SNL's "The White POTUS" sketch. While she acknowledged the humor, she labeled the impression as 'mean and unfunny,' emphasizing her desire for clever satire over cheap jibes. Fortunately, shortly after her criticisms, SNL offered her an apology.

2. Jennifer Lawrence: The Price of 'Relatable'

In a sketch where Ariana Grande impersonated Jennifer Lawrence, the latter had mixed feelings. Although Lawrence found the impression ‘spot-on,’ she took issue with the 'regular person' jokes, famously stating that if she had to describe herself that way, she'd want to 'kill herself.' Talk about a relatable response!

3. Pete Davidson: A Punchline in His Own Show

After years of being a cast member, Pete Davidson admitted that the jokes about his dating life hit too close to home. He expressed confusion over being the subject of jokes on SNL, stating it made him feel like 'a big, dumb idiot.' Davidson revealed that the constant ribbing caused him to question his place on the show.

4. Mark Wahlberg: Frustration with 'SNL'

Mark Wahlberg didn’t hold back when critiquing Andy Samberg’s impression of him. He claimed the show hasn’t been funny for years and felt the impersonation didn't measure up to previous classics. Yet he found himself returning for a cameo, keeping us all guessing about his true feelings!

5. Britney Spears: Flattery or Farce?

Ariana Grande's impression of Britney Spears may have been received as amusing, but the pop icon maintained a tough edge. Despite acknowledging it as 'funny,' she remarked, ‘I’ve heard better,’ showcasing her unwavering confidence.

6. Kathie Lee Gifford: A Bit of a Letdown

During her SNL parody, Kathie Lee Gifford felt the humor fell flat. She addressed the sketch on live television, admitting that although others enjoyed it, she found it lacking in the funny department.

7. Donatella Versace: A Compliment with Conditions

Maya Rudolph attacked the role of Donatella Versace with gusto. Donatella herself found it humorous but had suggestions for improvement, insisting on a more accurate portrayal.

8. Katt Williams: Feeling Misunderstood

Katt Williams's portrayal in SNL was not well-received, leading him to imply that the impression reflected poor feelings towards him. His remarks brought forth a conversation on the implications of comedic portrayals.

9. Carole Baskin: Quirky but Conflicted

Carole Baskin's impression by Chloe Fineman struck a nerve. She was blunt about her feelings, stating, 'I could just slap that woman!' about the quirky spin on her character, indicating a desire for authenticity.

10. Neil deGrasse Tyson: Room for Improvement

Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson wasn’t thrilled with Kenan Thompson’s portrayal of him. While he acknowledged it was a sign of science entering mainstream culture, he requested more accurate representations.

11. Colin Farrell: Comedy Meets Controversy

Colin Farrell expressed discontent with a sketch that poked fun at Irish stereotypes during the Oscars. He called out the sketch for being insensitive, particularly concerning his sobriety.

12. Barbara Walters: A Change of Heart

Initially, Barbara Walters wasn’t a fan of Gilda Radner’s impression, dubbed 'Bawa Wawa.' However, she later found humor in it after seeing how much her daughter enjoyed the sketch.

13. Fran Lebowitz: Caricatures Are Not Compliments

Fran Lebowitz had little time for humor surrounding her, insisting that caricatures were never flattering. Her blunt disapproval highlighted how not everyone appreciates parodies.

14. Jennifer Lopez: The Art of Impressions

During her hosting gig, Melissa Villaseñor pitched a sketch involving a J.Lo impersonation. However, Lopez believed that it didn’t resonate, showcasing the complexities of celebrity impressions.

15. Machine Gun Kelly: A Mumble Misunderstood

Machine Gun Kelly took to social media to poke fun at Pete Davidson’s impression of him, clarifying it didn’t reflect his actual speaking style. A playful yet pointed critique!

16. Anderson Cooper: Caution in Comedy

Anderson Cooper didn’t hold back when critiquing his portrayal, describing it as lackluster compared to previous works. Humor is subjective, after all!

17. David A. Paterson: Humor at a Cost

Former Governor David A. Paterson had mixed feelings about Fred Armisen’s portrayal of him, believing it ridiculed people with disabilities. He hoped for a more sensitive approach in future sketches.

18. Dan Crenshaw: A Notorious Roast

After Pete Davidson mocked Dan Crenshaw’s appearance, backlash led Davidson to apologize live on-air, setting the stage for a comical return roast by Crenshaw himself.

Who Did It Best? You Decide!

From scathing critiques to light-hearted banter, these celebrities have navigated the dual-edged sword of SNL humor. Whose response to their impression did you find the most valid? Let us know!