Here’s how past presidents have reacted to Saturday Night Live
By Matt Moore
Ronald Reagan
President Ronald Reagan was in office from 1981 through 1989. That meant he was portrayed by two different cast members on Saturday Night Live.
Joe Piscopo was the first one to take a crack at playing President Reagan. His version of the actor-turned-politician could be seen trying to win reelection by promising great deals on steak knives. Piscopo did his best to recreate Reagan’s unique speaking voice as “the TV president.” Another had Reagan meeting with Sammy Davis, Jr. to discuss campaign strategy.
It’s clear that this version tried to play up Reagan’s Hollywood connections. The idea of celebrity TV pitchman hanging out in the Oval Office with other famous people sounds familiar these days, doesn’t it?
Phil Hartman would then take over Reagan duties. His version had a bit more depth and absurdity that wasn’t necessarily inspired by anything specific. Hartman’s version of the president was mild-mannered and aloof in public but only to hide his true “mastermind” identity.
Similar to President Carter, President Reagan had little to say about how he was viewed on Saturday Night Live. Perhaps his experience as an actor helped him understand the nature of the entertainment business.
Considering President Trump had The Apprentice on NBC, one would think he would also understand how things work. But apparently NBC is on Trump’s list of enemies.