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Watch SNL Alum Jay Pharoah Do 11 Celebrity Impressions in 60 Seconds
His Barack Obama impression is legendary.
SNL fans will instantly recognize the name Jay Pharoah, who was a standout cast member for six years before his exit in 2016. Throughout his time on the sketch show, Pharoah became best known for his spot-on impressions, including an uncanny take on President Barack Obama.
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the stand-up comedian revealed he has mastered over 200 impressions. It was then that Fallon challenged him to do as many as he could in 60 seconds. Of course, Pharoah successfully accomplished the feat, completing 11 impressions, including his signature Obama. Watch the clip, above, to hear them all.
If you want to see Pharoah perform in person, he is actively touring and has upcoming shows June 10-12 at Caroline's in Manhattan. He revealed that, like Fallon, Caroline's comedy club was the first-ever place he performed in New York City. Late comedian Charlie Murphy brought him to the iconic venue when he was just 19 years old. Pharoah explained that Murphy discovered him after seeing him perform as a young comedian in his native Virginia.
"Charlie saw me at Virginia Beach Funny Bone...I had a set, did a great set, and Charlie calls me to the green room," Pharoah said before breaking out into an impression of the comedian. "He goes, 'Hey, yo, man. Listen man, that was a great set, man...I was on my back laughing like a turtle, son.'"
You can also catch Pharoah in the upcoming thriller, Private Property, which also stars Ashley Benson.
"I feel like people have only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to me," the actor said of going beyond comedy in his work. "There's just so much talent, but people are discovering it...I started doing drama when I was 8 years old, so it's just going back."
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC.