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Viewers tuning into any given cold open of the latest “Saturday Night Live” season likely saw President Donald Trump on their screens.
It wasn’t really Trump, of course. The name behind the impression is James Austin Johnson. While he’s best known for his impersonation of the 47th U.S. president, his versatility hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The 36-year-old comedian stunned audiences with his vocal chops when he portrayed Andrea Bocelli in a parody Christmas duet alongside Ariana Grande, playing Celine Dion. He’s also done voice work for the big screen, including Pouchy in “Inside Out 2” (2024).
Johnson got his start in comedy as a teenager through stand-up, performing at open mics in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. But it was his impressions that made him an “SNL” staple, ever since he played former President Joe Biden in his first appearance on the show in 2021.
An “SNL” repertory player since 2023, Johnson is showcasing his comedy toolbox during the show’s summer break. The Ideal Man tour comes to Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco on Friday-Saturday, July 10-11.
More Information
James Austin Johnson: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10; 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, July 11. $38.20. Cobb’s Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave., S.F. www.ticketmaster.com
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This article originally published at ‘Saturday Night Live’ Trump impressionist James Austin Johnson heads to San Francisco.