“SNL has been dying slowly for years”: Elon Musk Slams Dana Carvey’s ‘SNL’ Impression of Him | HO
Elon Musk does not appear to be a fan of Dana Carvey’s impression of him, which was debuted on the most recent episode of “Saturday Night Live.” On Nov. 9, the “SNL” alum, who has been regularly starring as President Joe Biden, showed off his Elon Musk impersonation during the show’s cold open in which he was dressed in the outfit that the Tesla co-founder wore at Donald Trump’s controversial Madison Square Garden Rally on Oct. 27.
The comedian also mimicked the billionaire’s behavior from a different Trump rally where he jumped up and down numerous times on stage. However, Musk did not seem impressed with his portrayal, writing in a response on X, “SNL has been dying slowly for years, as they become increasingly out of touch with reality. Their last-ditch effort to cheat the equal airtime requirements and prop up Kamala before the election only helped sink her campaign further.”
Musk was referring to criticisms from Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr over Vice President Kamala Harris’ appearance on “Saturday Night Live” prior to the election, bringing up an equal air time rule. However, NBC then aired a message from Trump during a NASCAR race and NFL game. Additionally, under a different X post, the 53-year-old replied, “Dana Carvey just sounds like Dana Carvey,” and under another, wrote, “They are so mad that @realDonaldTrump won,” adding two crying-laughing emojis.
The world of comedy and public figures often intersects, creating moments that are as controversial as they are entertaining. One such incident unfolded recently when Elon Musk expressed his disapproval of Dana Carvey’s impression of him on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Carvey, a legendary comedian known for his impersonations, added Musk to his repertoire during the November 9th episode of the show. However, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was less than amused.
This essay delves into the circumstances surrounding Carvey’s impersonation, Musk’s response, and the broader implications of this interaction on pop culture, comedy, and the ongoing political discourse in America.
Carvey’s impersonation aired during SNL’s cold open—a segment known for its satirical take on current events. In this instance, Carvey mocked Musk’s behavior during Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27th. Dressed in Musk’s signature outfit from the event, Carvey mimicked the billionaire’s eccentric demeanor, particularly highlighting his jumpy stage antics.
Carvey, as Musk, described the future of America under his hypothetical leadership:
“I run the country now, and America’s going to be like one of my rockets—super cool and super fun, but with a slight chance it could blow up and everybody dies.”
The impression, peppered with references to Musk’s quirkiness and technological aspirations, poked fun at his larger-than-life public persona.
Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his displeasure with Carvey’s portrayal and SNL’s political slant. He criticized the show for losing touch with reality, stating:
“SNL has been dying slowly for years as they become increasingly out of touch with reality.”
The billionaire also alleged that the sketch was a biased attempt to support Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign for re-election by ridiculing Trump and his allies. Musk drew attention to Republican FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s earlier accusations regarding SNL’s unequal airtime practices, pointing out Harris’s guest appearance before the election.
Additionally, Musk critiqued Carvey’s performance directly, writing:
“Dana Carvey just sounds like Dana Carvey.”
To emphasize his disapproval, Musk mocked the show further, claiming that they were upset over Trump’s recent electoral success.
The post-election episode of SNL did not shy away from addressing Trump’s controversial return to the presidency. The cold open sarcastically “praised” Trump, with cast members pretending to support his policies. Comments ranged from jokes about the cast voting for Trump to hyperbolic claims about their admiration for him.
This layered satire aimed to critique Trump’s presidency while lampooning the media and public figures who align with his politics. SNL’s approach underscored the tension between satire and political commentary, a hallmark of the show’s history.
Reactions to Musk’s criticism were divided. His supporters applauded his candor and agreed with his assessment of SNL’s declining relevance. Critics, however, accused Musk of lacking a sense of humor, pointing out his own participation in SNL in 2021.
During his hosting stint, Musk had acknowledged his unique communication style, stating:
“Sometimes after I say something, I have to say ‘I mean that’ so people know I mean it.”
This self-aware humor had won over audiences at the time, making his recent reaction appear contradictory to some observers.
The clash between Musk and SNL highlights a broader issue: the role of satire in shaping political narratives. SNL has long been a platform for comedic critique of public figures, from Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of Trump to Tina Fey’s take on Sarah Palin. These impressions often become cultural touchpoints, influencing public perceptions of their subjects.
Carvey’s impersonation of Musk, though exaggerated, mirrors the billionaire’s polarizing public persona—a mix of innovation, eccentricity, and controversy. By targeting Musk’s alignment with Trump and his participation in political rallies, SNL amplified a narrative that connects Musk’s business success with his growing political influence.
Musk’s response to the sketch reveals his sensitivity to public perception. As a figure who thrives on public admiration and wields significant cultural influence, Musk’s disapproval of the caricature suggests he recognizes the potential impact of satire on his image.
Moreover, his alignment with Trump and criticism of SNL’s alleged political bias underscore his increasing involvement in political discourse. This marks a shift for Musk, who was once celebrated primarily for his technological achievements.
Dana Carvey’s comedic genius lies in his ability to amplify the quirks of his subjects, turning them into hilarious yet recognizable impressions. His Musk portrayal, though criticized, adds to his illustrious career of impersonations, from George H.W. Bush to Ross Perot.
While Musk dismissed the impression as unoriginal, Carvey’s performance resonated with audiences who appreciate his sharp wit and knack for capturing the essence of public figures.
The feud between Elon Musk and SNL exemplifies the intersection of comedy, politics, and cultural influence. As public figures like Musk navigate an increasingly polarized world, the power of satire to shape perceptions remains undeniable.
While Musk may view Carvey’s impression as a slight, it ultimately reflects the billionaire’s undeniable relevance in today’s cultural and political landscape. Whether he embraces or rejects such portrayals, Musk’s larger-than-life persona ensures he will remain a frequent subject of public scrutiny and comedic commentary.
