SNL Casts Michelle Obama: Maya Rudolph To Return, Says Report

UPDATE:
Watch Maya Rudolph as Michelle Obama

PREVIOUSLY:
Saturday Night Live is on a roll, and joining Fred Armisen's Barack Obama will reportedly be former cast member Maya Rudolph

Since they've had great success with Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, well placed sources tell us "SNL" is once again bringing back a former cast member ... Maya Rudolph will play Michelle Obama this weekend.

Besides playing Mrs. O, we're told Maya -- who left the show last November -- will once again co-star with Amy Poehler in their "Bronx Beat" skit. Oh my gawd!

Tragically, we're told Tina will not be back playing Sarah Palin on Saturday.

Maya isn't the only former cast member returning this political season. Chris Parnell has been back to play Jim Lehrer and Tom Brokaw in debate sketches and Will Ferrell returned as President Bush. When on the show Maya was known for her impressions of Donatella Versace and Whitney Houston.

Comments

[nellie]

SNL can't find any talented African American actors to play the Obamas?

[ranchobob]

WOW Maya is looking BEAUTIFUL in that pic!

[ofcoursejesusisblack]

They should've chosen someone that looks like Michelle. This is ridiculous! Part of the reason why Tina Fey's impersonation was spot on was because you can barely tell them apart. SNL should be ashamed of themselves.

[dct1999]

They have no shame and no clue. Michelle is a beautiful brown woman, the performer who impersonates her should be a good physical match for her.

[isi]

Are you angry at Maya Rudolph for agreeing to play Michelle Obama?

[Scarlet Fire90]

Like Fred Armisen is a "dead ringer" for Barack?

I can see your point if Barack wins that they may need to add a more resemblant player for a more permanent future presence.

She's most likely being brought back because SHE USED TO WORK ON THE SHOW!!!There is a comfortability with the cast that will allow them to jump right into writing sketches that wouldn't be there with somebody less familiar to the cast.

This is not to diminish the dearth of African-American players on the show, but I think their (SNL) only job requirements are that you are funny and/or can write comedy. I'm sure that if there is someone out there that fits the bill, they will get a shot at it.

[PeaceCommando]

It will be great to see Maya return to SNL, if only it were permanent. She is so talented, versatile, and lovely. Next to Jan Hooks, she is my favorite female cast member since the show began.

[Katbird]

Isn't Maya's mother the late Minnie Ripperton? (great voice..."l­oving you is easy 'cause you're beautiful"­.......any­one?...)

[dct1999]

I never liked Ripperton's voice. Sad that she died so young though.

[PeaceCommando]

What an interesting piece of trivia! Your post inspired me to look that up, and it's true. Plus, at the end of the song "Lovin' You", the Riperton even says "Maya, Maya, Maya".

[dct1999]

It's only been posted on HuffPo a hundred times.

[ofcoursejesusisblack]

I hate that song.

[MooseShady]

Yes she is. Her mother died in 1979 at peak of her career at 37.

[RButler]

Relax people. John Goodman played Linda Tripp on SNL to great effect. Jay Leno, also on NBC, has a guy that with makeup looks exactly like W and a black guy that does a decent Obama when they play the Jeopardy game but no one ever mentions it. It's not just skin color but voice and mannerisms that make a good impersonator. Female impersonators do it all the time.

[dct1999]

I mentioned Christopher Duncan in an earlier post. He is the best Obama impersonator I've seen.

Goodman was selected to portray LInda Tripp because they wanted to emphasize her size, and her total lack of attractiveness. You are comparing apples and oranges.

BTW, we don't have to relax. We can and will discuss issues that are important to the black community. What makes you think that your dismissiveness is anything other than ignorance?

[RButler]

SNL is a 'comedy show' and you're tying to give it all the significance in the world. If Maya plays it right, she'll emphasize Michelle's weaknesses instead of her virtues for comic effect or don't you understand comedy? For example, one of the things that has been attributed to Michelle is 'anger' or lack of pride in America, whether true or not. But, I'm pretty sure if Maya plays up that angle, you'll have a problem with it.

[Chlorophyll]

I have no complaints about Maya Rudolph doing Michelle O.

A.) ONLY SNL players and alumni play the characters with only a few outside characters, BUT even those outside actors have to be FUNNY.

B.) No other Black SNL Alumni would do it better than Maya. Which dark-skinned female comedian would you suggest to adequately mock Michelle O? Monique? Samore? The Wayans Sister?

[dct1999]

Amazingly ignorant. Do you really believe that there are no talented black actresses or comedians who could portray Michelle? What makes you think that the 3 people mentioned are the only available candidates? Where did all the white cast members of SNL come from? I don't recall any of them being famous prior to appearing on the show. Once again we see another poster who thinks there have to be different rules for black people. Unbelievable.

[playchessordie]

Agreed. Ironic racism is so 2002.
We urgently need more black people and other minorities on TV, in Media jobs, Politics and Academia.

[OhDalilah]

LOL at the Wayans sister, she'd be hella funny to see. Although she'd probably be offensive, that'd be the best part.

[stagebandman]

I think a lot of posters are being a little unfair. For one, it's a comedy show, not a biographic reenactment. And two, Maya Rudolph is an amazingly talented and funny actress. Give her a chance. It's all in the writing, anyway. Remember Chevy Chase doing Gerald Ford? He didn't even remotely try to look like him. And it was funny. Ease up, people.

I've been lucky to play for fundraisers for both Barack and Michelle, in Chicago, and they are both beautiful people and charismatic speakers. And they both seem to have great senses of humor. I'm sure they'll enjoy the show, no matter who portrays them. The good thing is, hopefully, we won't have to put up with too many more Sarah Palin Impersonations.

[RButler]

If Maya does a wicked portrayal of Michelle like Tina did of Sarah, would Michelle be a good sport and appear on SNL with her? Or does SNL have to pull their punches with the Obamas cause, you know......­?

[Cooper1608]

RButler, go somewhere and take a hike.

[KQuarksSuperKollider]

Maya Rudolph was funny as hell in "Idiocracy" which is one of my favorite recent comedies. She should do a great job as Michelle Obama.

[Dissident Dexter]

you just gonna have to wait another day, baby.....

[wahooligan]

Oh what I wouldn't give for a Donatella Versace skit on Saturday. That would make my weekend.

[blastit]

I think people should give Maya a chance before they they judge her performance she doesn't have to look like Michelle Obama to pull it off.

[Martymar74]

I would get Kristin Wiig to play her, she a literal chameleon who is so good that you wouldn't even know it was a white girl. Tons of makeup a wig and she'll knock it out of the park. Sounds crazy, maybe it's because I think she's hot!

[FaceYourFears]

I'm so glad they're bringing Maya back! She always nails her characters­.....she won't disappoint as Michelle.

[ScapeGoat]

I've always liked her. I think she was one of the more talented people to be on the show. I was sad to see her leave but happy she is back, even if it is just a couple of shows.

[jaypem]

OK, it will not work for this week, but the real answers for Barack and Michelle are Will Smith (who has the ears and has already talked about wanting to play Obama) and his wife Jada Pinkett.

Put them in sweeps in November after the election, and NBC will make their revenue for the year.