Steve Martin's Political Impersonations: The Internet's Dream Casting

Steve Martin is out, and the roles of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump seem settled. But the internet has been busy dream-casting the rest of the political figures for Saturday Night Live. Despite his iconic comedic status, Martin has been hesitant to step into the realm of political impersonations. "I was picked because I have gray hair and glasses," Martin told the Los Angeles Times in response to calls for him to depict Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on the show.

You won't see Steve Martin playing Gov. Tim Walz on “Saturday Night Live.” Ever since Vice President Kamala Harris picked Martin lookalike, the internet has been buzzing with speculation about who could fill the role. “Only Murders in the Building” star Steve Martin has reportedly declined Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels' offer to play Gov. Walz, leaving fans eager to see who will ultimately take on the part.

For decades, Saturday Night Live's political impressions almost entirely went to cast members. Historically, it's been a mixed bag between accuracy and satire, with some performances becoming iconic while others fell flat. Steve Martin's next role will not be the Midwestern politician the internet hoped he'd portray, but fans are still holding out hope for a surprise appearance in the future.

Funny enough, the show that jump-started Martin's career wasn't exactly known for being uncontroversial — Tom and Dick Smothers used their platform on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. While Martin may not be taking on the role of Gov. Walz, his impact on the world of comedy and entertainment remains undeniable.

Steve Martin can play the banjo, but can he do the Walz? After Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz as her running mate, the internet saved Lorne Michaels from needing to find a new impersonator. With Martin declining the offer to portray the governor, the search for the perfect SNL cast member to take on the role continues.