Today marks Fred Armisen’s 48th year of being alive. To commemorate his birth we’ve looked into the depths of his time on Saturday Night Live. While acknowledging the humor in classic characters such as Nicholas Fehn, the man who is never quite able to give satirical quips about the news; his character on the dramatic soap The Californians; and spot-on impersonations of Larry King and Prince; let’s take a moment to appreciate Amrisen’s underrated gems.
Contestant on “Dry Eyes”
As an overly emotional contestant on the show that “challenges you to keep from crying,” Fred’s character weeps at the thought of being nominated as Teacher of the Year.
Muammar Gaddafi
Through his impression of Gadhafi, this sketch illustrates that jet leg, being distracted by the movie Taken, and traveling with an extremely large tent all led to the Libyan dictator’s absurdly long and “rambly” speech.
Tech Correspondent Randall Meeks
Demonstrating on Weekend Update the great innovation that is Google Glass, Tech Correspondent Randall Meeks has trouble connecting to the NBC wifi and muting his porn download.
Steve Jobs
Introducing the iPhone on Weekend Update, Armisen’s version of Steve Job consistently recommends using the iPhone to watch The Office. “You can film a movie, while watching a movie, while making a phone call all by watching your favorite episode of… The Office.”
Thom Yorke
Armisen’s overtly tweaked-out Thom Yorke performs a holy duet with Michael Bublé for his upcoming Christmas album.
Roger A. Trevanti
Appearing once on Weekend Update preceding the Writers Guild of America Strike in 2008, Roger A. Trevanti is a studio head and AMPTP member against the strike. Following his appearance on SNL he showed up on a couple Funny or Die videos saying, “I hope you writers get ass cancer and die.”
Giuseppef
While tucked in the background of Kenan Thompson’s “What’s Up With That” serenade, Armisen’s Giuseppe performs with great passions as the show’s saxophone player.
