Maya Rudolph Returning to ‘SNL’ to Play Kamala Harris in Election Run-Up

As a devoted SNL fan with over two decades of watching under my belt, I can hardly contain my excitement about Maya Rudolph reprising her role as Vice President Kamala Harris! Her impersonations were spot-on and brought much-needed laughter during the tumultuous 2020 election season. With SNL’s milestone 50th season fast approaching, I can only imagine the hilarity that awaits us when Maya takes the stage once more.


When Joe Biden chose not to run for re-election and instead backed Vice President Kamala Harris as our party’s flagbearer, I couldn’t help but wonder aloud – “Could this mean a return of Maya Rudolph on Saturday Night Live this autumn?”

It turns out that Rudolph is going to portray Harris once more on Saturday Night Live, just prior to the presidential election. Due to delays in the production of her Apple TV+ series Loot (originally slated for season three in late August), which has been postponed due to scheduling issues, Rudolph now has more time available to focus on his role in SNL.

Reps for NBC haven’t replied to a request for comment.

Rudolph portrayed Harris on multiple occasions prior to the 2020 election, initially presenting her as a presidential contender and later as Biden’s vice-presidential nominee. Most recently, she enacted this role in a March 2021 episode that she hosted (you can watch the skit featuring Martin Short depicting Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, here).

On numerous occasions throughout its history, SNL has enlisted past cast members and renowned celebrities to portray political figures. In 2008, Tina Fey impersonated Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin multiple times, while Alec Baldwin frequently donned a Donald Trump impression during the former president’s tenure (currently, James Austin Johnson assumes the Trump role). The Biden character has been portrayed by Jason Sudeikis during the Obama era, then by Jim Carrey before the 2020 election, and now regularly by Alex Moffat and Johnson.

SNL is set to begin its milestone 50th season on Sept. 28.

Deadline first reported the news of Rudolph’s return to the show.

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2024-07-31 18:24