Shane Gillis Turns Down SNL’s Donald Trump Role for Comedy Festival

Shane Gillis revealed he declined the opportunity to portray Donald Trump for SNL’s 50th season, choosing to attend Skankfest instead. The search for a new Trump impersonator continues, with James Austin Johnson returning to the role.

In a surprising twist at Skankfest in Las Vegas, comedian Shane Gillis revealed that he was offered the role of Donald Trump for Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) 50th season but ultimately declined. Gillis, who had previously portrayed Trump during his own SNL hosting gig, claimed he turned down the offer while joking about his commitment to attending another event, saying, “I’ve got to go to Coke Magic.” As excitement built around the potential for a new Trump impersonator, SNL’s head, Lorne Michaels, mentioned in a recent interview the need to “reinvent” the character in light of upcoming political debates. Although Gillis could have been the chosen one, the role instead went to James Austin Johnson, who reprised his portrayal of Trump alongside a star-studded cast, including Maya Rudolph and Dana Carvey. The legacy of Trump impersonations on SNL has seen its fair share of actors, most notably Alec Baldwin, who won an Emmy for his portrayal during Trump’s presidency, leaving a tall order for any successor to fill.

Shane Gillis’ revelation about turning down the role of Donald Trump is set against the backdrop of SNL’s iconic history of political satire. The 50th season of SNL promises a fresh take as Lorne Michaels hinted at the need for reinvention in light of the current political scenario, especially with the upcoming presidential debates. Gillis, who had made a splash as a Trump impersonator, found himself at a crossroads between continuing a celebrated legacy and pursuing his own comedic path at local festivals. This instance sheds light on the culture of SNL, where famous impersonations have turned actors into household names, such as Baldwin’s Emmy-winning portrayal.

Shane Gillis’ decision to decline the offer to play Donald Trump on SNL’s 50th season speaks volumes about his comedic priorities and the evolving landscape of political satire on television. With Lorne Michaels searching for fresh voices, the door remains open for new interpretations of Trump’s character, even as established impersonators like James Austin Johnson take center stage. The comedy world holds its breath to see how the show will reinvent itself during such a pivotal moment in American politics.

Original Source: deadline.com