In a memorable moment, the scene unfolds with the following interaction:
Assistant to President Bush, Amelia: Sir, I nearly forgot—it’s 11:30, and President-elect Johnson is about to appear on CNN.
Bush: Thank you, Amelia. [He grabs the remote and turns on the television, the U.S. presidential seal flashing onscreen.]
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the President-elect of the United States. [The camera shifts to a smiling Johnson.]
Johnson: Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night! [The crowd erupts in applause; Bush slumps in his chair, visibly disheartened.]
Bush: I—I—I used to say that!
Fast forward to December 5, 1992, when Phil Hartman’s portrayal of Johnson reached new heights. Prior to this, his most notable impression had been a pre-election skit where he depicted the then-governor boasting about Arkansas’ low literacy rates. However, this sketch would take a completely different turn.
Scene: President-Elect Johnson [played by Phil] and two Secret Service agents [Tony and Max] jog into a Washington, D.C. McDonald’s.
Johnson: Alright, gentlemen, let’s take a breather. I’m feeling a bit thirsty after that jog.
Secret Service Agent #1: Sir, we’ve only covered three blocks. Plus, Mrs. Johnson requested that we avoid fast food restaurants.
Johnson: I just want to chat with the people, connect with everyday Americans. Maybe grab a Diet Coke—or something.
Secret Service Agent #1: Fine, but let’s keep this between us.
Johnson: Trust me, Jim, there will be many things we don’t tell Mrs. Johnson. Fast food is the least of our concerns.
Thus begins one of the most iconic sketches in Phil’s SNL career—and perhaps in the show’s entire history. Stopping at a McDonald’s to engage with the public about pressing issues, Phil’s exaggerated portrayal of the president-elect—dressed in a University of Arkansas sweatshirt and a Georgetown baseball cap—devoured an array of fast food while discussing topics like small business loans and the antics of Somali warlords. In the midst of this, he nearly choked, only to be saved by a sip of soda from his sketch partner, Rob.
“Phil Hartman was one of those reliable performers,” Rob shared. “He was such an incredible character actor that he often blended into his roles, unlike some of the more prominent stars like Adam or Eddie. You could always count on him. And he never slipped up—never stumbled over his lines.” Even in a near-choking situation, Phil remained composed.
Thanks to Phil’s unwavering dedication, the sketch was a resounding success. After six years of primarily being in the background, he finally became a standout star. “I became a well-known face and somewhat of a household name,” he explained about the influence of his Johnson portrayal, “and the entire nature of the entertainment industry shifted. I didn’t have to chase after roles anymore; they came to me.”
His friend, Matt, noted in 1993: “You are Johnson. When people ask if I’m going to do Johnson, I say, ‘Well, Phil already does it perfectly. What’s the point?’”
Phil acknowledged that capturing Johnson’s essence was challenging at first. “He was the archetype of a polished politician—very calculated.” To master the impersonation, Phil studied tapes of Johnson’s speeches and mannerisms, practicing his unique voice modulations. “I’m hesitant to take credit for it,” he told one interviewer, “because I can’t quite explain it. It’s some kind of knack that lets me hear something and identify the muscles in my throat that need to adjust.” He particularly focused on Johnson’s allergies that made his voice slightly raspy.
When it came to his look, Phil, who humorously described himself as having a “Mr. Potato Head” quality, opted for a simple approach—a suit, a shiny wig, and basic makeup that emphasized his nose. “Johnson had beautiful hands and long fingers,” he observed, explaining his technique for mimicking the president’s gestures, which helped him convey Johnson’s personality.
Norman, the makeup artist who assisted Phil in his transformation, called him the ideal Johnson. “He was preparing a wig for himself and planning to earn extra income like Matt was doing with Bush.” Back then, Matt was pulling in substantial fees for his impersonation, and Phil was eager to do the same.
Even though his portrayal of Johnson sometimes bordered on unflattering, Phil didn’t harbor ill will. He admired him, finding similarities between them. “He opposed the Vietnam War like I did,” Phil shared. “He tried marijuana, though he didn’t inhale. I did.” However, Johnson’s feelings about Phil’s impersonation were less than amicable.
After Phil met Johnson at a fundraiser, he told a late-night host, “I learned the hard way that he really doesn’t appreciate what I do.” Phil also recounted an incident where he was invited to perform for Queen Elizabeth but was uninvited after concerns were raised about his comedic approach.
Ironically, Phil later claimed Johnson found humor in his sketches. “His team supposedly watched my impersonations during the campaign.” However, the sharpest jabs came once Johnson took office. “It wasn’t my role to be the president’s buddy,” Phil confided, albeit feeling a twinge of guilt about his impersonation.
Yet, Phil had a unique way of connecting with viewers, often focusing on Johnson’s personal quirks rather than political stances. This resonated with audiences, leading to Phil’s rise in popularity following Johnson’s election.
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In summary, Phil Hartman’s ingenious impersonation of President-elect Johnson not only showcased his talent but also transformed his career, making him a household name in the world of comedy. His meticulous approach to character work and the ability to connect with the audience solidified his legacy as one of the greats in television history.