Will Ferrell's iconic portrayal of George W. Bush on SNL set a high bar for comedic impersonation.
Will Forte reflected on the lasting impact of Will Ferrell‘s portrayal of George W. Bush on Saturday Night Live, sharing how stepping into that role after Ferrell’s departure created unexpected challenges when he joined the iconic sketch show. Speaking candidly, Forte discussed how Ferrell’s celebrated performance shaped both the audience’s expectations and his own experience trying to fill such memorable shoes.
Stepping In After a Legendary Performance
Will Forte, who is well-known for roles across shows like 30 Rock, The Last Man on Earth, Netflix’s The Four Seasons, and the Oscar-nominated film Nebraska, found that even with widespread acclaim for his comedic talent, Saturday Night Live presented a unique pressure. The show, renowned for its prominent cast members and pop culture influence, placed Forte among a large group of performers all vying for recognition. When Will Ferrell, widely credited for his memorable impersonation of George W. Bush, left SNL, Forte was assigned to take over the presidential character.
Recalling his early days on the SNL cast, Forte revealed the steep learning curve he faced, as well as the overwhelming size of the ensemble during his tenure.
“It was a huge cast. It was, like, 17 people, you’re trying to stand out, you’re trying to get noticed, and somehow I got the George Bush role.”
—Will Forte, Actor
The Struggle with Impersonation on SNL
For Forte, stepping into the shoes of Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush was not just daunting—it highlighted the specific challenge of taking on a role defined by another comedian’s style. Forte emphasized that mimicking public figures was never his strongest attribute, and while the George W. Bush character was highly visible, it never felt like a natural fit.
Image of: Will Ferrell
“It was not a match made in heaven.”
—Will Forte, Actor
The immense shadow cast by Ferrell’s work shaped how audiences and Forte himself saw the role.
“Will Ferrell was George Bush! He was George W. Bush. Anybody replacing — it’s like trying to replace the Church Lady. Trying to have somebody else do that… he made it such his own thing. They should have just retired it.”
—Will Forte, Actor
Pressure to Maintain SNL’s Traditions
Despite his doubts, Forte noted that SNL’s tradition of featuring current presidents made recasting unavoidable. Without the option to retire the George W. Bush impression, someone had to carry on. Reluctantly, Forte accepted that the audience’s reaction was lukewarm during his time in the role.
“Of course, you can’t retire the sitting president on SNL. You have to have — somebody has to be doing it. And I just like… I had to be that guy. So it was like I was kind of a letdown for a year as Bush.”
—Will Forte, Actor
Support from Castmates and Shifting Perceptions
During the conversation, Amy Poehler, Forte’s former SNL colleague, acknowledged the complex nature of taking over established impressions within such a storied program. Rather than offering empty praise, Poehler recognized the peculiar job that cast members must confront when inherited roles come their way.
“You’ve got a job to do.”
—Amy Poehler, Actress and Comedian
Exploring Ferrell’s Enduring Influence
The conversation between Forte and Poehler underscores just how influential Will Ferrell’s impact as George W. Bush on SNL remains. Ferrell’s approach redefined expectations for political satire on the show, setting a nearly impossible bar for those who followed. The torch was not just passed—it was transformed, leaving both audiences and cast members to reconcile with the legacy left behind.
As Forte continues to deliver memorable performances beyond SNL, his candid reflections reveal the emotional highs and lows that come with inheriting roles shaped by others’ iconic work. For viewers and fans, the experience speaks to how sketch comedy evolves, and how signature performances continue to shape the comedic landscape on shows like SNL.
