Everyone Who Could Play Tim Walz on 'SNL'

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz is sure to be a Saturday Night Live sketch fixture—but who can play the Minnesota governor and do him justice?

We already know Maya Rudolph will return as Vice President Kamala Harris, so whoever takes the mantle to play Walz will have to have chemistry with the Loot star—but that shouldn't be hard, since she could make an interaction with a brick wall funny.

From fan casts to out-of-the-box options, these are stars we think could capture Walz's Midwestern accent, dad vibes and down-home energy when SNL returns on Sept. 28, 2024.

Related: Kamala Harris' Coconut Tree Meme, Explained

Stars Who Could Play Tim Walz on SNL

Steve Martin

Fans really wanted Steve Martin to play Walz—and so did SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels. The Only Murders In the Building star diplomatically passed on the idea.

"I wanted to say no and, by the way, he wanted me to say no," the 79-year-old comedy veteran told The Los Angeles Times. "I said, 'Lorne, I'm not an impressionist. You need someone who can really nail the guy.' I was picked because I have gray hair and glasses."

He added that the fact that he'd have to play Walz on an ongoing basis was part of his decision to decline.

"It's ongoing. It's not like you do it once and get applause and never do it again," he said. "Again, they need a real impressionist to do that. They're gonna find somebody really, really good. I'd be struggling."

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Jim O'Heir

Jim O'Heir, who starred as fan favorite Jerry on Parks and Recreation, has been floated as a potential fan-casting for Walz.

Michael Harney

If O'Heir isn't available, lookalike Michael Harney, famous for Orange Is the New Black and NYPD Blue, may be a stellar fit. Not only has he done comedy (including OITNB and Weeds), but he's also played a veteran in the 2015 indie drama Bad Hurt.

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Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks is America's dad, and he could absolutely deliver in regards to channeling Walz's propensity for dad jokes.

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Jeff Bridges

Both Jeff Bridges and Walz have down-home charm, though Bridges does have significantly more hair. That's what the costume department is for!

Related: Jeff Bridges' Best Roles

Dan Aykroyd

Sure, Dan Aykroyd is Canadian, but the Ghostbusters icon and SNL alum can likely get Walz's Minnesota accent down pat.

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Mike Myers

Mike Myers may be busy with the fourth Shrek sequel, but if he's available, he may be able to pull off playing Walz at his old stomping grounds.

Darrell Hammond

SNL alum and its current announcer, Darrell Hammond already has experience playing former president Bill Clinton—and he's got familiarity with the staff. He's impersonated, throughout his tenure, 107 different people, so he can probably impersonate Walz in his sleep.

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Matt Damon

Famously supportive of unions and teachers, an aged-up Matt Damon could do wonders as Walz ... if he can trade his Boston accent for a Midwest one.

Related: The Role Matt Damon Passed On That Cost Him Millions

Danny DeVito

Because Danny DeVito is a national treasure who should play everyone, everywhere, all the time.

Kurt Russell

Hear us out: Kurt Russell is one of the ultimate badasses of cinema, but he knows how to be wholesome, too—remember The Christmas Chronicles? All he needs is a bald cap and a dialect coach and he'll be good to go.

Himself

Walz has already proved that he can both deliver jokes and take jokes at his own expense—and he doesn't even need a teleprompter. Put the man to work!

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