Nearly two decades after Amy Poehler hilariously impersonated a young Jenna Bush Hager on Saturday Night Live, the two shared a lighthearted moment reflecting on the skit. 

During a recent episode of TODAY with Jenna & Friends, Poehler, who was guest co-hosting on February 10, found herself face-to-face 

with the woman she once portrayed on the iconic sketch show.

Jenna Brings Up the Throwback Moment

While discussing the upcoming Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special, Jenna couldn’t help but bring up the time Poehler played her on SNL.

“One thing that I remembered about your lustrous career is that you actually played me once,” Jenna said with a smile, prompting a laugh from Poehler.

Curious to hear her thoughts, Poehler asked if the portrayal had earned her approval. Jenna, taking it all in good humor, assured her that the impersonation was “excellent.”

The skit in question aired in 2005 during SNL’s 30th season. Poehler took on the role of Jenna Bush Hager, while fellow comedian and SNL alum Tina Fey portrayed Jenna’s twin sister, Barbara Bush. The scene was set after their father, President George W. Bush’s, inaugural ball, playing up the idea of the Bush twins as fun-loving, slightly mischievous young women.

Jenna Watches the Clip with Poehler by Her Side

As TODAY rolled the footage of the skit, Jenna cracked up watching Poehler’s take on her younger self. Meanwhile, Poehler feigned nerves, exclaiming, “I’m sweating, I’m sweating.”

Jenna took the moment in stride but pointed out an interesting detail.

“Y’all might be thinking, ‘Oh, she’s making fun of college Jenna.’ By then, I had actually graduated. I walked across the stage. And I was a teacher of third graders in Washington, D.C. But you still got a lot right,” Jenna said, causing Poehler to burst into laughter.

While many may have assumed the sketch was poking fun at Jenna’s college days, she clarified that by 2005, she had moved on to a career in education. That didn’t stop Poehler and SNL from leaning into the playful, party-girl persona often associated with the Bush twins at the time.

Poehler Explains the Inspiration Behind the Skit

Looking back on the impersonation, Poehler shared that the sketch was written by her longtime collaborator Tina Fey. The comedic angle? The Bush twins were depicted as having their own secret twin language, communicating with each other in a way that no one else could understand.

“That is kind of the job of SNL,” Poehler explained. “You do end up sometimes standing next to the person that you’re impersonating. But thank you for having a good sense of humor about it. It was really fun to do.”

Jenna’s positive reaction to the skit echoed the playful, good-natured energy that Poehler and Fey brought to the original performance. Rather than taking offense, she embraced the comedic moment, showing that she could laugh at the portrayal even 20 years later.

The Legacy of SNL’s Political Impersonations

Over the years, Saturday Night Live has become famous for its political and celebrity impersonations. From Will Ferrell’s exaggerated take on President George W. Bush to Tina Fey’s spot-on Sarah Palin, the show has long been known for its satirical approach to public figures.

For Poehler, impersonating Jenna Bush Hager was just one of many political impressions in her career. She famously played Hillary Clinton multiple times on SNL, often alongside Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin.

Jenna, on the other hand, is no stranger to SNL’s comedic takes on her family. Throughout her father’s presidency, the show frequently featured sketches poking fun at the Bush administration, with actors like Will Ferrell and Dana Carvey portraying different members of the Bush family.

Looking Ahead to SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special

With SNL gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Poehler’s appearance on TODAY was a fitting reminder of how the show has left a lasting impact on comedy and pop culture. The long-running sketch series has given audiences countless memorable moments, and its ability to bring people together—even those it has parodied—is part of its charm.

As Jenna and Poehler shared laughs over the impersonation, it was clear that good comedy, especially when done with a sense of humor and mutual respect, stands the test of time.

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