Chloe Fineman has emerged as a prominent figure in comedy, particularly due to her impressive impersonations. Recently, during her appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, she had a memorable moment with Reese Witherspoon that highlighted her journey in the entertainment industry.
Reviving the Reese Witherspoon Impression
The encounter took place just before the taping of the show. Fineman shared that meeting Witherspoon inspired her to break out into the impression that originally brought her acclaim. She remarked, “Oh my god, you are so cute. Oh my god, no. I mean, I was like, Oprah loves you, seriously,” emulating Witherspoon’s recognizable mannerisms.
Fineman’s Journey on Saturday Night Live
This impression was pivotal for Fineman, as it helped secure her a spot on Saturday Night Live (SNL) back in 2019. Since then, she has become known for her flexibility and sharp comedic timing, transitioning effortlessly between various celebrity impressions.
- JoJo Siwa
- Timothée Chalamet
- Nicole Kidman
- Meryl Streep
Her portrayal of Witherspoon includes iconic characters like Elle Woods from Legally Blonde and Madeline Mackenzie from Big Little Lies, each delivered with striking accuracy.
A Mutual Appreciation
The impression gained significant attention, leading to Witherspoon personally reaching out to Fineman in 2020. The Oscar-winning actress invited her to moderate a Legally Blonde cast reunion on Zoom, indicating her appreciation for Fineman’s comedic homage.
The Emotional Weight of Impersonations
Despite her success, Fineman admits that impersonating celebrities often brings anxiety. She once stated, “I’ll do these impressions and then it’s sort of this panic of like, ‘Have I humiliated myself?’” This adds a layer of satisfaction to her Late Night encounter, as Witherspoon’s presence validated the impression that shaped her career.
The meeting with Witherspoon symbolizes a crucial full-circle moment for Fineman. It reflects not only her growth as a performer but also the warm and humorous connection between the two. This type of interaction is characteristic of the improvisational spirit that defines SNL.
Looking Ahead
As Fineman approaches her fifth year on SNL, she continues to expand her repertoire with new projects. She recently appeared in Despicable Me 4 and the film Megalopolis, showcasing her evolving talent.
Fineman’s journey, from a vibrant online presence to a celebrated SNL mainstay, exemplifies the ambition and humor that epitomize the show. Her recent encounter with Reese Witherspoon not only celebrated her achievement but also underscored the essence of comedy—embracing chaos while connecting through shared laughter.
