There is an interview with Hammond from 2017, I believe, where he discusses his disappointment in not being invited back to portray Trump. He had portrayed him for years on SNL and like most of his impressions it is well done and genuinely funny. He said that he believed they brought Baldwin in to play Trump because they did not want to portray Trump in a neutral fashion, simply poking fun at his persona. He believed that Lorne Michaels was only interested in a grotesque portrayal as a political commentary intended to undermine public perception and that's why they went with an inferior impersonation from an actor who loathes DJT. Hammond is a respectable guy that does not hold animus for Donald and would have portrayed him in a sort of endearing light and, therefore, he was not the proper "fit" for the role. SNL was once upon a time a source of entertainment for all but it morphed somewhere in the 2000s into yet another arrow in the cultural quiver of the left.
It's interesting that Hammond confirmed what I always suspected. In Baldwin's impersonation, the hatred oozes from every word and gesture. I wouldn't be surprised if someone bribed or threatened Michaels to use Baldwin for that reason: sheer unadulterated hate.
With you all the way. One other thing I forgot to mention that your comment elicits from my mind -- Hammond noted in this interview his belief that the best impersonations (ie. most entertaining/comedic) cannot come from a place of resentment or anger. If you really hold distaste for the person only someone who shares your perception of the subject could find anything to laugh at because there is a deep seated emotional appeal/requirement. Happy New Year!
Trump as always is right, Darrell Hammond nailed his impression (as every other) and they brought Baldwin only because they wanted someone more famous
There is an interview with Hammond from 2017, I believe, where he discusses his disappointment in not being invited back to portray Trump. He had portrayed him for years on SNL and like most of his impressions it is well done and genuinely funny. He said that he believed they brought Baldwin in to play Trump because they did not want to portray Trump in a neutral fashion, simply poking fun at his persona. He believed that Lorne Michaels was only interested in a grotesque portrayal as a political commentary intended to undermine public perception and that's why they went with an inferior impersonation from an actor who loathes DJT. Hammond is a respectable guy that does not hold animus for Donald and would have portrayed him in a sort of endearing light and, therefore, he was not the proper "fit" for the role. SNL was once upon a time a source of entertainment for all but it morphed somewhere in the 2000s into yet another arrow in the cultural quiver of the left.
It's interesting that Hammond confirmed what I always suspected. In Baldwin's impersonation, the hatred oozes from every word and gesture. I wouldn't be surprised if someone bribed or threatened Michaels to use Baldwin for that reason: sheer unadulterated hate.
With you all the way. One other thing I forgot to mention that your comment elicits from my mind -- Hammond noted in this interview his belief that the best impersonations (ie. most entertaining/comedic) cannot come from a place of resentment or anger. If you really hold distaste for the person only someone who shares your perception of the subject could find anything to laugh at because there is a deep seated emotional appeal/requirement. Happy New Year!