Podcast Summary
SNL impressions: SNL discovered James Austin Johnson through his online Trump impressions, leading him to join the cast after noticing him in Montreal for 'Just for Laughs'.
James Austin Johnson's impressions of Donald Trump, which he shared online during the pandemic, caught the attention of Saturday Night Live (SNL) and led him to join the cast. Johnson, who had previously performed in Montreal for "Just for Laughs" in 2017, shared how he would walk around his neighborhood doing Trump impressions, talking about random topics like Gilmore Girls and Weird Al Yankovic. SNL eventually noticed his impressions and invited him to New York City for an audition, and now he's living the dream of being a cast member on the iconic sketch comedy show. Johnson expressed his excitement about returning to Montreal and sharing his new experiences with the audience.
Television Impressionist's Attention to Detail: To excel as a television impressionist, focus on both vocal characteristics and physical mannerisms, as details like body language, posture, head tilts, and facial expressions are crucial.
Becoming an impressionist on a popular television show requires attention to detail, both in vocal characteristics and physical mannerisms. For instance, when actor James Austin Johnson portrays former President Donald Trump, it's not just about the voice. He also focuses on Trump's body language, posture, head tilts, and facial expressions. These details didn't come easily to him, as he had honed his craft through making videos for his own social media without worrying about every aspect of the performance. However, when he appeared on the show, he had to remember that Trump exhibits more than just vocal quirks. In his first appearance on the show, Johnson was part of the cold open while his wife was seven months pregnant. The impending birth served as a welcome distraction, helping him keep his nerves in check.
SNL impression: Jim Carrey is enthusiastic about portraying Joe Biden on SNL, appreciates Montreal's unique qualities, and recognizes the significance of joining SNL's 50th anniversary season
Jim Carrey expressed his enthusiasm for portraying Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live (SNL), a newer character he found himself drawn to. He spoke fondly of the experience and the energy he puts into the impression, particularly the whispery and loud parts. Carrey is excited about James Austin Johnson's upcoming performance at the Montreal studio and appreciates the unique qualities of Montreal, including the skinnier bagels. Additionally, Carrey acknowledged the significance of entering the 50th anniversary season of SNL and being part of its rich TV history.
SNL 50th season: SNL's 50th season is anticipated to be filled with surprises, famous guests, and potential political commentary, due to its last-minute content creation and ability to address current events and popular culture.
The 50th season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is expected to be filled with surprises, famous guests, and potential political commentary, as the content is often written last minute due to rapidly changing events. SNL cast member James Austin Johnson shared his excitement for the upcoming season, which will include a special event in February. Johnson was praised for his impression of Bob Dylan during a previous appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and his love for Dylan was evident. SNL is known for its ability to address current events and popular culture, making each season unpredictable and exciting for viewers.
Bob Dylan's Music: Listeners find Bob Dylan's unique voice terrifying and vampiric in its current phase, yet continue to be drawn to his raw and energetic performances.
During a conversation about Bob Dylan, a listener expressed their surprise at how frequently Dylan's name came up in the discussion. They shared their personal connection to Dylan's music, particularly his unique voice and its various stages, describing the current phase as "terrifying" and "vampiric." The listener also appreciated Dylan's raw and energetic performances, referencing specific songs and recordings. James Austin Johnson, a well-known impressionist, was the speaker in this segment. He is known for his impressions on Saturday Night Live, including that of Donald Trump. The conversation ended with the listener expressing their excitement to attend an upcoming Bob Dylan concert. Overall, the discussion highlighted the enduring appeal and influence of Bob Dylan's music on fans.