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SNL Star James Austin Johnson Reveals Struggles with Biden Impression

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, January 3rd 2026 at 17:38 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

The Pressure Cooker of Presidential Impressions: Why James Austin Johnson Struggles With Biden (and More) on SNL

James Austin Johnson, the current go-to impersonator for Joe Biden on Saturday Night Live, is having a complicated season. While he’s undeniably talented – his impressions extend far beyond Biden to include Mark Zuckerberg, Donald Trump, and even a surprisingly accurate Bernie Sanders – he's openly admitted to feeling immense pressure and struggling to consistently nail the Biden impression. The recent Entertainment Weekly article sheds light on this internal conflict, revealing a fascinating look at the challenges of capturing political figures in a comedic format, especially when those figures are as complex and scrutinized as Joe Biden.

The core issue isn't a lack of ability; Johnson is demonstrably skilled. He’s been an SNL cast member since 2019, steadily building his repertoire of impressions. His Trump impression, initially developed during the "Weekend Update" segment, was particularly lauded for its uncanny vocal mimicry and physical resemblance. However, the Biden assignment, thrust upon him after previous impersonators like Jason Sudeikis (who had portrayed Biden previously) moved on, has proven to be a different beast entirely.

The EW article highlights Johnson’s own self-doubt. He describes feeling overwhelmed by the expectation that he needs to perfectly capture not just Biden's voice – which he does remarkably well – but also his mannerisms, political stances, and overall persona. He worries about being perceived as disrespectful or inaccurate, a particularly sensitive concern when portraying a sitting president. This isn’t new territory for SNL; the show has long grappled with the responsibility of satirizing powerful figures. However, in an era of heightened political polarization and intense media scrutiny, the stakes feel higher than ever.

One significant hurdle is Biden's own speaking style. He often rambles, pauses mid-sentence, and occasionally appears to lose his train of thought. While this can be mined for comedic effect, it’s also difficult to replicate authentically without veering into caricature or seeming simply incoherent. Johnson explains that he initially tried to mimic these verbal stumbles too closely, resulting in impressions that felt awkward and unfunny. "I was trying so hard to do the pauses," he told EW, "and I realized it wasn't working."

The article also touches on the collaborative process behind SNL’s political impressions. While Johnson is responsible for the performance itself, the writing team plays a crucial role in shaping the material and ensuring its comedic viability. This can lead to tension; Johnson wants to be true to Biden’s essence, while the writers need to craft jokes that land with an audience. The EW piece suggests there's been some back-and-forth on this front, with Johnson advocating for a more nuanced portrayal and the writing team sometimes pushing for broader comedic strokes.

The pressure isn't solely about accuracy; it’s also about relevance. Biden's presidency has been defined by significant events – the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, economic challenges – all of which provide fertile ground for satire. However, finding humor in these serious situations requires a delicate balance. SNL needs to be funny without trivializing important issues or appearing insensitive. As The Hollywood Reporter noted in an article about political impressions on SNL, "the line between sharp commentary and mean-spirited mockery is often blurred."

Johnson’s struggles are further complicated by the legacy of previous Biden impersonators. Sudeikis' portrayal was generally well-received, offering a more affable and relatable version of the then-candidate. Stepping into those shoes – or rather, attempting to create his own distinct interpretation – presents an additional layer of challenge. The EW article suggests that Johnson is actively trying to move beyond simply replicating Sudeikis’ performance, aiming for something fresh and authentic.

Beyond Biden, Johnson's broader impression work reveals a keen observational skill. His Zuckerberg impression, in particular, has become a viral sensation, capturing the tech mogul’s awkwardness and monotone delivery with remarkable precision. This success underscores his talent but also highlights the contrast with his struggles with Biden. It suggests that some impressions are simply easier to capture than others – often those where exaggeration and caricature can be more readily employed.

Ultimately, James Austin Johnson's experience on Saturday Night Live serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in political satire. It’s not just about mimicking voices; it’s about understanding character, navigating sensitive topics, and meeting audience expectations – all while under the intense scrutiny of live television. While his Biden impressions may be inconsistent, Johnson's willingness to acknowledge his struggles and actively seek improvement demonstrates a commitment to both comedic excellence and responsible portrayal. The EW article paints a picture of an impressionist grappling with the weight of expectation, striving to find the humor in a politically charged landscape, and ultimately trying to do justice to one of the most visible figures in the world.

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