In a memorable moment from an old sketch, Bush’s aide, Mary, reminded him, “Sir, it’s 11:30, and President-elect Clinton is about to go live on CNN.” Bush, with a hint of nostalgia, responded, “Thank you, Mary,” as he switched on the television. An iconic moment unfolded as the screen displayed the presidential seal and the announcer’s voice boomed, “Ladies and gentlemen, the President-elect of the United States!” The camera shifted to a cheerful Bill Clinton, who exclaimed, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” Bush, looking downcast, lamented, “I—I—I used to say that!”
Then came December 5, 1992, a pivotal day for Phil Hartman. Until that point, his impressions of Clinton had been somewhat limited, particularly a pre-election skit where he humorously highlighted Arkansas’ low literacy rates. However, that day marked the beginning of a legendary sketch. In it, Hartman portrayed President-elect Clinton jogging into a McDonald’s with two Secret Service agents. Clinton, played by Phil, insisted, “I’m a little parched from the jog.” The bemused agents reminded him, “Sir, we’ve only been jogging for three blocks.” Clinton’s desire to connect with everyday Americans led him to indulge in fast food while discussing serious topics like small business loans and the issues in Somalia. In the chaos, he nearly choked, only to be saved by a sip of soda from Rob Schneider, proving Phil’s comedic talent and commitment.
Schneider reflected on Phil’s prowess, stating, “He was such a good character actor that he would get lost in something… you never saw him stumble.” Phil’s dedication to the craft paid off; he became a recognizable face, gaining fame in a way he hadn’t experienced before. “The whole nature of show business changed,” he noted, as work began to come to him rather than the other way around.
Fellow comedian Dana Carvey remarked on Phil’s uncanny ability to channel Clinton, stating, “You are Clinton… he does him perfectly.” Phil himself acknowledged their similarities, saying, “We’re close in age. We’re close in weight. Bulbous noses, big jaws.” However, nailing Clinton’s persona took serious effort. Phil studied tapes, meticulously mimicking his hand gestures and speech patterns. “I don’t even know what it is,” he said about his voice manipulation, adding that Clinton’s allergies contributed to his unique sound.
With his “Mr. Potato Head” like quality and shared facial features with Clinton, Phil opted for a simple costume: a suit, a silver wig, and some makeup. “When all these elements coalesce, you can create the illusion of this personality,” he explained. While Carvey focused on caricature, Phil aimed for realism, striving to make the audience fully believe in his impersonation.
Norman, a makeup artist, noted that Phil was an ideal choice for Clinton, aspiring to earn a little extra money like Dana did with his Bush impressions. Despite often poking fun at Clinton, Phil didn’t harbor ill will; he admired Clinton’s stance on the Vietnam War and their shared experiences. At one point, he received a signed photo from Clinton, which included a cheeky note, “You’re not the president, but you play one on TV and you’re okay—mostly.”
However, not everyone appreciated Phil’s humor. After a fundraiser meeting with Clinton, he discovered that the president wasn’t a fan of his sketches. Phil faced backlash, including being barred from certain events due to his portrayals. Yet, he acknowledged that his job was not to win friends in high places, even if he felt “a twinge of guilt” for his impressions.
Ultimately, viewers loved Phil’s take on Clinton, as it resonated with his own liberal viewpoints, focusing on the lighter aspects of the president’s life. As Carvey predicted, Clinton’s election was a boon for Phil’s career.
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In summary, Phil Hartman’s portrayal of Bill Clinton in SNL sketches not only defined a comedic era but also solidified his legacy as a master of character impersonation. His dedication to his craft, attention to detail, and ability to resonate with audiences made him a beloved figure in the world of comedy.