Jim Gaffigan Reflects on ‘Cool’ Experience of Playing Tim Walz on ‘SNL’
Jim Gaffigan’s time embodying Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live came to an end last week when Kamala Harris lost the election to Donald Trump. But the comedian confirmed that he was grateful to have been part of the late-night sketch show, playing Walz opposite Maya Rudolph’s take on Harris.
“It wasn’t the expectation that Maya and I were gonna continue on the entire time,” Gaffigan told The Hollywood Reporter of the casting for the Democratic ticket. He added that he canceled several tour dates to make the appearances work and isn’t upset that he won’t continue playing the affable Minnesota governor.
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“It was such a cool thing, so I don’t necessarily feel bad,” Gaffigan said. “I feel more gratitude that I had the opportunity and to swim in that pool with all those talented people. You can’t consider modern American comedy and not include SNL in the discourse. And it’s such a unique show, the way it’s produced, so there is something really fun but also awe-inspiring about it.”
Gaffigan first appeared on SNL as Walz in September during the show’s premiere episode. Rudolph resumed her role as Harris after first playing her five years ago when the then-California senator was seeking the Democratic nomination. Former cast member Andy Samberg took on Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff, while Dana Carvey embodied Biden. Gaffigan continued to play Walz over several episodes leading up to the election, including one that saw him debating J.D. Vance (Bowen Yang) and another where he and Harris played Family Feud against Trump.
Next up, Gaffigan will release his new Hulu special, Jim Gaffigan: The Skinny, on Nov. 22.
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