Laraine Newman’s Impression of Barbra Streisand: A Memory That Lingered

Former Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member Laraine Newman once found herself in an awkward situation involving the legendary Barbra Streisand. Back in 1977, Newman performed a musical parody of Streisand titled “Me,” which playfully mocked the singer’s ego and the massive paychecks she earned, even when her films didn’t fare well. The sketch included catchy yet cheeky lyrics like, “Even if one of my films sucks, it still makes 4 million bucks for me.” While the sketch was undeniably funny to audiences, Newman later revealed that it left an impression on Streisand—though not necessarily a positive one.

Newman shared the story during an interview with Bravo’s Andy Cohen, recalling the tension that followed the sketch. She remembered attending a bar mitzvah for her friend’s son, where Streisand was performing. Although Streisand hadn’t apparently seen the sketch, she approached Newman and said, “I want to talk to you.” Newman, anticipating an uncomfortable conversation, decided to avoid it altogether. “I left,” she admitted. “I didn’t want to talk to her.” The encounter left Newman wondering if Streisand had taken offense to her impersonation, but she never found out for sure. This story highlights the delicate balance between comedy and celebrity egos, as well as the unexpected consequences that can follow when famous figures are mocked on stage.

Other Female SNL Alums Share Their Celebrity Encounters

Laraine Newman isn’t the only former SNL cast member who has had memorable interactions with celebrities they’ve impersonated. Several other female alums have shared their own stories of how their portrayals were received by the real-life stars they parodied. For some, the reactions were harsh, while others were surprisingly gracious.

Cheri Oteri, known for her over-the-top impressions, revealed that Judge Judy took notice of her impersonation—and she wasn’t entirely thrilled. Oteri recalled that Judge Judy contacted her manager and said, “Tell Cheri, your client, she’s almost got me.” The comment was both a backhanded compliment and a subtle warning, leaving Oteri to wonder if she had crossed a line. Meanwhile, Cecily Strong shared a lighter anecdote about her impression of Fox News personality Jeanine Pirro. Strong admitted that Pirro attempted to arrange a lunch date with her on multiple occasions, but Strong politely declined, humorously adding, “I was busy.” The story paints a picture of Pirro’s lively personality and her interest in connecting with the woman who had mimicked her on live television.

The Mixed Reactions: From Praise to Passive-Aggressive Remarks

Not all celebrities took offense at being impersonated on SNL. In fact, some even appreciated the attention. Ana Gasteyer, another alumna of the show, shared a few heartwarming stories about the positive feedback she received from the stars she parodied. For instance, Martha Stewart and Celine Dion both reached out to Gasteyer to compliment her impressions, with Dion being particularly gracious. But one of the most touching reactions came from Jo Anne Worley, a veteran actress and comedian. Worley left a voicemail for Gasteyer at NBC, saying, “This is Jo Anne Worley. I just loved the show.” Gasteyer called it “the greatest” message, highlighting the mutual respect that can exist between comedians and their subjects.

Rachel Dratch, another former SNL cast member, also had a unique experience with Calista Flockhart, whom she impersonated. Dratch recalled that when Flockhart hosted the show, she and Dratch were able to perform side-by-side, creating a memorable moment for both of them. This lighthearted interaction showed that even when celebrities are poking fun at themselves, they can appreciate the humor and camaraderie that comes with being part of SNL.

SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration and Its Significance

The stories shared by Newman, Oteri, Strong, Gasteyer, and Dratch remind us of the lasting impact SNL has had on both pop culture and the celebrities it has lampooned over the years. To celebrate its legacy, NBC will air SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration, a live event that promises to bring together some of the show’s most iconic alumni and cast members. The special, which will air live on Sunday at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific, will also stream live on Peacock.

A Look Back at the Power of Impersonation

The ability to impersonate a celebrity is both a gift and a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows comedians to connect with audiences by exaggeratedly highlighting the quirks and personalities of well-known figures. On the other hand, it can lead to awkward encounters and misunderstandings, as seen in the stories shared by these SNL alums. However, these anecdotes also remind us of the power of comedy to bring people together—whether through laughter, mutual respect, or even the occasional awkward conversation. SNL has always thrived on its ability to walk this fine line, making it one of the most enduring and influential comedy shows in television history.

As the countdown begins for SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration, fans of the show will undoubtedly tune in to relive some of its most iconic moments, including the impressions that have become a hallmark of the series. Whether it’s Laraine Newman’s Barbra Streisand or Rachel Dratch’s Calista Flockhart, these performances remind us that comedy, at its core, is about connection—both with the audience and with the people being portrayed. And while not every celebrity may take kindly to being impersonated, the stories from these former cast members prove that even the most uncomfortable moments can leave a lasting impression.