Jim Carrey’s Joe Biden impression on SNL draws mixed reactions

Comedian starred in the latest episode with Alec Baldwin as Trump, and Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris

Jim Carrey has received mixed reviews from fans who tuned in to watch his Joe Biden impression on the latest episode of Saturday Night Live.

The comedian appeared opposite Alec Baldwin’s Donald Trump and was accompanied by Maya Rudolph, who reprised her Emmy-winning role as Biden’s running mate Kamala Harris.

Carrey was reportedly so keen to play Biden that he pitched directly to SNL creator Lorne Michaels. He replaced actor Woody Harrelson, who had previously taken on the role. 

Jason Sudeikis and John Mulaney have also impersonated the 2020 presidential hopeful in years past.

Towards the end of the sketch, Carrey’s Biden pulled out a remote control and paused the president, muting him.

“I think we all needed a break. Isn’t that satisfying? Just to not hear his voice for a single goddamn second,” he said.

He continued: “Now, just imagine if science and karma could somehow team up to send us all a message as to how dangerous this virus can be.”

Turning and staring at the frozen Trump he said: “I’m not saying I want it to happen, but just imagine if it did.”

Fans seemed uncertain about Carrey’s performance, with some comparing it negatively to the manic energy seen in his role as The Mask.

Others were favourable, and said they hoped Biden would win so that Carrey could continue with his impressions of Biden. 

See some of the reactions below:

In the same episode, Chris Rock mocked Trump after the US president tested positive for Covid-19.

“President Trump is in the hospital with Covid… and my heart goes out to Covid,” he said to laughter and applause from the audience.

In the “Weekend Update” segment, Colin Jost quipped: “It’s been very weird to see all these people who clearly hate Trump say ‘we wish him well’. I think a lot of them are just guilty that their first wish came true.”