Los Angeles — Steve Martin’s next role will not be as the Midwestern politician that the internet anticipated he would play.
With Maya Rudolph’s enormously popular imitation of Kamala Harris on “Saturday Night Live,” fans were eager to see who the late-night comedy show would cast to represent Harris’ new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
Steve Martin Turns Down Tim Walz Impersonation Role On ‘SNL,’ Dashing Internet’s Casting Hopes
With similar hairstyles and trademark glasses, many fans immediately drew parallels between Walz and Martin, a frequent “SNL” guest but never a formal cast member.
According to the Los Angeles Times, “SNL” producer Lorne Michaels called Martin on Wednesday to offer him a position in the forthcoming 50th season, which will premiere on September 28. Martin declined.
“I wanted to say no, and, by the way, he wanted me to say no,” replied Martin. “I replied, ‘Lorne, I’m not an impressionist. You want someone who can nail the guy. “I was chosen because I have grey hair and glasses.”
Although Martin initially joined in the fun, commenting on social media site Threads that he “just learnt that Tim Walz wants to go on the road with Marty Short,” he also acknowledged that the impression comes with a long-term commitment to perform on the show.
“It’s ongoing,” Martin told the Times. “It’s not like you do something once, get accolades, and never do it again. Again, they’ll need a true impressionist for this. They’ll find someone good. “I’d be struggling.”
Steve Martin Turns Down Tim Walz Impersonation Role On ‘SNL,’ Dashing Internet’s Casting Hopes
Rudolph, for her part, is expected to repeat her Emmy-winning role as Kamala Harris on the show, and she appears to be prepared for the challenge. According to Deadline, Rudolph pushed the comedy series “Loot” production schedule from August to January to accommodate performing the part throughout the election season. Rudolph serves as both executive producer and star of the series.
The Bridesmaids actor originally appeared on “SNL” as “America’s funt”—or “fun aunt”—in 2019, when Harris was running for president. She remained with the role after she was announced as Joe Biden’s running mate.
SOURCE | AP
