In a moment that many might recall, a conversation unfolds in the White House. The president’s aide, Sarah, reminds him, “Sir, it’s almost time for President-elect Johnson’s appearance on CNN.”
“Thank you, Sarah,” the president replies, reaching for the remote. The U.S. presidential emblem flashes across the screen.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the President-elect of the United States,” the announcer’s voice booms. The scene shifts to a beaming Johnson.
“Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” Johnson exclaims, eliciting cheers from the audience. The current president slouches in his chair, visibly disheartened.
“I used to say that!” he mutters.
This was December 5, 1992. Prior to this, Phil’s most notable portrayal of Johnson had involved a light-hearted jab at Arkansas’ literacy levels during the election campaign. However, this sketch would be entirely different.
In the skit, President-elect Johnson, embodied by Phil, jogs into a D.C. McDonald’s flanked by two Secret Service agents. “Let’s take a break, I need a drink,” Johnson insists.
“Sir, we’ve only been jogging three blocks. Mrs. Johnson doesn’t want you visiting fast food places,” one agent responds.
“I just want to connect with the American people and maybe grab a Diet Coke,” Johnson counters.
“Fine, but let’s keep this between us,” the agent agrees.
“Jim, believe me, there will be many things we won’t share with Mrs. Johnson. Fast food is the least of our concerns,” Johnson quips.
Thus, begins one of Phil’s most unforgettable sketches, showcasing a comically exaggerated version of the president-elect. Clad in a University of Arkansas sweatshirt and a Georgetown cap, Phil’s portrayal is both humorous and absurd as he devours various fast-food items while discussing serious topics like student loans and the problems posed by warlords. In a hilarious twist, he nearly chokes and is saved by a quick sip of soda from fellow cast member, Mark.
“Phil Hartman was always a reliable performer,” Mark noted. “His talent for character acting made him more of a chameleon than a star like Adam or Eddie. He always delivered, never faltered on stage.” Even during a pretend choking incident, Phil maintained his composure.
Thanks to Phil’s dedication, the sketch was a resounding success, marking a turning point in his career. “I became a recognizable face,” he reflected, “and I didn’t need to chase work anymore; it came to me.”
In 1993, fellow comedian, Greg, praised Phil’s performance, saying, “You are Johnson. Why would I even try to impersonate him when you do it so perfectly?”
Phil, recognizing their similarities in appearance, added, “We’re close in age, weight, and features. We’re both stocky guys with prominent noses.”
Initially, capturing Johnson’s essence proved challenging for Phil. He meticulously studied debate footage and crafted notes on the president’s hand gestures and speech patterns. “I don’t know how to explain it,” he shared, “but I can hear something and adjust my voice accordingly.” He even noticed Johnson’s allergies, which added a distinct rasp to his voice.
Phil’s minimalist costume of a suit, a wig, and makeup highlighted his physical likeness to Johnson. “His hand movements are critical,” Phil explained. “He uses gestures that appear friendly and approachable, like he’s presenting something to you.”
Norman, a makeup artist, remarked, “Phil was the perfect Johnson. He was eager to earn extra income, much like Dana was with his Bush impressions.” At that time, Phil sought to capitalize on the character’s popularity.
Despite the humorous nature of his portrayal, Phil insisted he was not aiming to disparage Johnson. Surprisingly, he felt a connection to him. “We both opposed the Vietnam War,” he shared. “He experimented with marijuana, and while he claimed he didn’t inhale, I did.”
While Phil found joy in his work, he was aware of Johnson’s mixed feelings towards his impersonation. After meeting Johnson at a fundraiser, Phil revealed, “I realized he isn’t fond of what I do.” Ironically, Johnson even sent Phil a signed photograph with the note, “You’re not the president, but you play one on TV and you’re okay—mostly.” The emphasized word hinted at Johnson’s discomfort with Phil’s jabs.
In another instance, Phil claimed his invite to perform for the royal family was rescinded due to concerns from the prime minister’s office about his portrayal of Johnson. However, there were also moments when Johnson found humor in Phil’s work, and his staff reportedly watched Phil’s skits during the campaign. Phil later confided, “It wasn’t my role to be the president’s friend,” although he sometimes felt guilty about his satire.
While Johnson understood the comedic context, other public figures Phil impersonated were less appreciative. Phil often received no acknowledgment from them, unlike his colleague Greg, who got gratitude from those he parodied.
Phil’s portrayal was more personal than political, focusing on Johnson’s habits rather than policies, which resonated with the audience. As Greg had predicted, Johnson’s win ultimately benefited Phil’s career.
This excerpt, originally published on March 7, 2015, highlights the comedic genius of Phil Hartman, whose ability to blend humor with sharp political commentary left an indelible mark on “Saturday Night Live.”
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In summary, Phil Hartman’s portrayal of President-elect Johnson was not only a pivotal moment in his career but also a testament to the power of comedy in political discourse, blending humor with relatable themes to create memorable moments that resonated with audiences.
Keyphrase: Phil Hartman and political satire
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