Jay Pharoah replacing Fred Armisen as 'SNL''s go-to Obama impersonator
Armisen has portrayed the sitting President since 2008
Jay Pharoah arrives at a screening of "Lola Versus" in New York City.
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NEW YORK (AP) — "Saturday Night Live" has elected a new obama" class="autolink">Barack Obama: Jay Pharoah will take over the plum role of impersonating the president.
"SNL" creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels announced the casting switch in an interview with The New York Times posted Wednesday. Michaels said it was time "to shake it up."
Veteran cast member Fred Armisen has played Obama since 2008. Pharoah joined the show in 2010, and has since stood out for his impressions of Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy and Will Smith.
Michaels also said that Jason Sudeikis will remain with the show at least until January, and will continue to play Obama's Republican opponent, Mitt Romney.
The 38th season of "SNL" premieres Saturday with host Seth MacFarlane, creator of "Family Guy," and musical guest Frank Ocean.
Copyright (2012) Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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September 13, 2012 at 12:05PM EST Reply to CommentFinally. They've under-used Jay Pharoah for too long. He is one of the most talented comedians on the show and is the best impressionist. Armison was never that good at being Obama, but would do a great Harry Reid IMO. SNL thrives during political seaons when they have really talented people playing the candidates (see Carvey as Bush and Perot, Hartman as Clinton).
Haynie
September 13, 2012 at 12:11PM EST Reply to CommentFREE AT LAST! FREE AT LAST!!
tedcohent
March 3, 2013 at 12:38AM EST Reply to Commentpharoh sucks. bring back fred.