‘SNL’ Should Have ‘Retired’ George Bush After Will Ferrell

Will Forte recently opened up about the challenges of following in the footsteps of comedy legend Will Ferrell during his time on “Saturday Night Live.” In a conversation with fellow SNL alum Amy Poehler on her podcast “Good Hang,” Forte discussed the pressure he felt when taking on the role of George W. Bush on the show.

Forte joined SNL in 2002, shortly after Ferrell’s departure, and found himself cast in the iconic role of the 43rd president. Despite the opportunity to showcase his talents, Forte admitted that impressions were not his strong suit, making it a daunting task to live up to Ferrell’s iconic portrayal of Bush.

“Will Ferrell was George Bush! He was so good at it. Anybody replacing…it’s like trying to replace the Church Lady,” Forte remarked, acknowledging the high standard set by Ferrell’s performance. He expressed feeling like his take on Bush was ultimately a “letdown” compared to Ferrell’s rendition.

Reflecting on his time on SNL, Forte shared that the large cast and competitive environment made it challenging to stand out and secure screen time. Despite the difficulties he faced, Forte remained on the show for eight seasons before departing in 2010.

Since leaving SNL, Forte has continued to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry, appearing in a variety of television shows including “The Four Seasons,” “The Great North,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Sweet Tooth,” and “Clone High.”

Forte’s candid discussion about the pressures of following in Will Ferrell’s footsteps serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by comedians in the competitive world of sketch comedy. Despite the obstacles he encountered, Forte’s talent and dedication have solidified his status as a respected and versatile performer in the industry.