Kristen Wiig’s unforgettable tenure on Saturday Night Live, spanning seven seasons, cemented her status as a comedic force majeure. With her uncanny ability to transform into a myriad of hilarious and endearing characters, she left an enduring legacy on the sketch comedy institution.
In a career marked by versatility and impeccable timing, Wiig’s contributions to SNL were nothing short of extraordinary. She breathed life into a roster of iconic characters, including the endearingly naive Sue, the exasperated target of advice in Target Lady, and the unforgettable Gilly, a woman with an unyielding obsession with her cats. Wiig’s sketches were not merely parodies or silly skits; they often carried a tinge of poignancy, exploring the complexities of human behavior with razor-sharp wit.
Through her memorable sketches and the countless characters she embodied, Kristen Wiig left an indelible mark on SNL. Her legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences, cementing her place in the pantheon of comedic greats.
Wiig’s Unforgettable Characters
Kristen Wiig’s iconic characters on Saturday Night Live left an unforgettable mark on viewers. Her ability to create memorable impressions and develop endearing original characters showcased her exceptional comedic talents.
Target Lady
Wiig’s portrayal of a Target employee named Penelope became a cultural phenomenon. Penelope’s monotonous delivery, deadpan humor, and uncanny ability to make even the most mundane retail tasks seem absurd propelled the character to stardom. Wiig’s subtle yet brilliant physical comedy and impeccable timing brought Penelope to life, making her one of the most beloved SNL characters of all time. Here’s a breakdown of Penelope’s key traits:
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
|
Monotonous Delivery |
Penelope spoke in a flat, emotionless voice that contrasted hilariously with the absurdity of her situations. |
|
Deadpan Humor |
Wiig used subtle facial expressions and body language to convey Penelope’s dry and sarcastic wit, even when her words were seemingly innocuous. |
|
Absurd Situations |
Penelope often found herself in bizarre or nonsensical situations, which she navigated with an unwavering deadpan demeanor. |
|
Customer Interactions |
Penelope’s interactions with customers were a highlight of the character, as she consistently managed to exasperate and amuse them with her unyielding politeness and awkwardness. |
The Art of Physical Comedy
Kristen Wiig’s physical comedy on SNL was a masterclass in the art form. She had an uncanny ability to use her body to convey emotions, tell stories, and create laughs. Her physicality was so expressive that she could communicate without saying a word.
Facial Expressions
Wiig’s facial expressions were legendary. She could contort her face into an endless array of expressions, from the subtle to the downright bizarre. Her ability to exaggerate her features and create unique characters with just a few movements was incredible.
One of Wiig’s most famous facial expressions was her “Drunk Uncle” character. This character featured exaggerated wrinkles, a droopy mouth, and bloodshot eyes. Wiig’s physicality perfectly captured the character’s drunken state and made it one of the most memorable SNL characters of all time.
Body Movements
Wiig’s body movements were equally impressive. She had a natural grace and coordination that allowed her to perform complex physical stunts with ease. She was also a master of timing, which made her physical comedy even more effective.
One of Wiig’s most famous physical comedy sketches was “The Garth and Kat Show.” In this sketch, she played a one-legged woman who was constantly falling over. Wiig’s timing and physicality were impeccable, and she made the character incredibly funny and relatable.
Wiig’s physical comedy was a major part of her success on SNL. She had a unique ability to use her body to create memorable characters and tell hilarious stories. Her legacy as one of the greatest physical comedians of all time is well-deserved.
Pitch-Perfect Impressions
Wiig’s uncanny ability to impersonate celebrities is legendary. Her spot-on renditions of Nancy Pelosi, Taylor Swift, and Kathie Lee Gifford still have us in stitches.
But perhaps her most iconic impression is of pop star Britney Spears. Wiig’s Spears is a perfect caricature of the troubled star, complete with her signature lisp and erratic behavior. In one particularly memorable sketch, Wiig’s Spears performs a heartrending rendition of “Everytime” while sitting on a toilet. It’s a hilarious and poignant send-up of the singer’s struggles with fame and mental illness.
Wiig’s impressions aren’t just limited to celebrities. She’s also a master at creating quirky and memorable characters. Her Suze Orman sketch, in which she plays a financial advisor with a thick New York accent, is a fan favorite. And her Penelope Cruz character, a Spanish actress who’s always eager to please, is a hilarious send-up of Hollywood stereotypes.
Table of Notable Kristen Wiig Impressions from SNL
| Celebrity/Character | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Britney Spears | Lisp, erratic behavior |
| Nancy Pelosi | Thick Boston accent, no-nonsense demeanor |
| Taylor Swift | Country twang, bubbly personality |
| Kathie Lee Gifford | Loud, obnoxious demeanor, signature catchphrase “Kathie Lee, baby!” |
| Suze Orman | Thick New York accent, tough-talking financial advice |
| Penelope Cruz | Heavy Spanish accent, eager-to-please personality |
The SNL Ensemble at its Best
Kristen Wiig was a master collaborator, and her sketches often showcased the brilliance of the entire SNL ensemble. She had an uncanny ability to elevate the work of her fellow cast members, creating memorable moments that will forever be etched in the annals of comedy history.
5. Target Lady: A Masterclass in Physical Comedy
Kristen Wiig’s Target Lady character is a comedic gem that perfectly encapsulates her exceptional physical comedy skills. In one iconic sketch, Wiig plays a shopper who is so determined to find a perfect pair of jeans that she becomes a human bulldozer, crashing through displays and leaving a trail of chaos in her wake. Her commitment to the physicality of the role is extraordinary, with every flailing limb and twisted expression adding to the hilarity. The sketch also highlights Wiig’s impeccable timing and ability to maintain a straight face amid the absurdity.
| Year | Episode | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | “Hosted by Justin Timberlake” | Target Lady |
Behind the Scenes with Kristen Wiig
Kristen Wiig’s tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL) stands as an unparalleled testament to her comedic brilliance and versatility. Behind the scenes, Wiig played a multifaceted role, contributing not only her hilarious performances but also her unique creative vision and collaborative spirit.
Writing & Editing
Wiig actively participated in the writing process, bringing her signature wit and observational humor to countless sketches and characters. She also served as an editor, meticulously shaping material to maximize its comedic impact.
Mentorship
Wiig fostered a supportive environment for up-and-coming cast members. She mentored younger performers, offering guidance and encouragement, and helped them develop their own comedic voices.
Ensemble Player
Wiig excelled in ensemble sketches, showcasing her ability to play off other cast members and create memorable group dynamics. Her chemistry with fellow performers like Will Ferrell, Bill Hader, and Andy Samberg was undeniable.
Musicality
Wiig possessed a surprising musical talent, which she often incorporated into her performances. She played various instruments and sang in numerous sketches, adding an extra layer of entertainment to her comedic repertoire.
Character Development
Wiig brought depth and nuance to her characters, creating a gallery of memorable and relatable individuals. From the clueless Sue to the overbearing Penelope, Wiig’s characters resonated with audiences and left an enduring impression.
Pushing Boundaries
Wiig was not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom and push the boundaries of comedy. She embraced unconventional characters and explored sensitive topics, breaking new ground in the world of sketch comedy.
| Sketch | Role |
|---|---|
| Target Lady | Penelope |
| The Californians | Sue |
| Garth & Kat | Kat |
From Gilly to Target Lady: Wiig’s Versatility
8. Penelope
As Penelope, Wiig created a character who perfectly captured the awkwardness and insecurity of adolescence. Penelope was shy, awkward, and often the target of ridicule. But Wiig brought a real sense of vulnerability and heart to the character, making her both relatable and lovable.
Penelope’s most famous sketches include “The Beckoning,” in which she tries to get the attention of a boy she has a crush on, and “The Target Lady,” in which she works at a Target store and tries to help a customer who is looking for a very specific type of candle.
| Penelope’s Sketches |
|---|
| The Beckoning |
| The Target Lady |
In these sketches, Wiig uses her physical comedy skills to great effect, creating a character who is both physically and emotionally awkward. But she also brings a real sense of realism to the role, making Penelope a character that audiences can connect with on a personal level.
Penelope is just one of many memorable characters that Kristen Wiig created during her time on Saturday Night Live. Her ability to bring such a wide range of characters to life is a testament to her versatility as an actress.
The Evolution of Wiig’s Comedy
Kristen Wiig’s comedic journey began in 2005 when she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. Her rise to fame was marked by her ability to create memorable characters and deliver hilarious punchlines, establishing herself as one of the most iconic performers in the show’s history.
Early Characters & Impressions:
Wiig’s early SNL appearances were characterized by her quirky and offbeat characters. She brought to life memorable personas such as Penelope, the over-enthusiastic talk show host, and Target Lady, a clueless and cheerful employee. Her spot-on impressions of celebrities like Suze Orman and Nancy Pelosi also showcased her versatility and comedic timing.
The Penelope Years:
Penelope became one of Wiig’s most beloved characters. With her infectious energy and oblivious nature, Penelope charmed audiences with her ridiculous interviews and absurd anecdotes. Wiig’s portrayal of the character helped her establish herself as a master of physical comedy and improvisational humor.
Gilly, the One-Sided Relationship:
Wiig’s character Gilly was an awkward and painfully awkward woman who was relentlessly pursued by a man named Keith (played by Bill Hader). Through Gilly’s cringe-worthy interactions and uncomfortable situations, Wiig explored the complexities of social anxiety and the discomfort of unrequited love.
Sue, the Target Lady:
Wiig’s Target Lady character became an instant hit with her enthusiastic and clueless demeanor. Always eager to help, Sue’s misadventures in the retail world provided a humorous look at consumerism and the challenges of customer service.
Recurring Characters & Ensemble Cast:
As Wiig’s tenure on SNL progressed, she became known for her ability to create recurring characters and contribute to the show’s ensemble cast. She created memorable characters such as Tracey Morgan’s “Brian Fellow” and Jason Sudeikis’ “Lazer Matthews.”
Movie Star Impersonations:
Wiig showcased her comedic range with her uncanny impersonations of movie stars. She transformed into Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron, and even the late Natalie Wood, capturing their mannerisms and delivering hilarious takes on their iconic roles.
Political Impersonations:
Wiig’s political impersonations were equally spot-on and biting. She lampooned Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, and even Hillary Clinton, using humor to critique the political landscape with a sharp wit.
Host of ‘SNL’:
In 2013, Kristen Wiig hosted SNL for the first time, showcasing her versatility as both a performer and a comedic leader. The episode featured her signature characters and a host of memorable sketches, solidifying her status as one of the show’s most beloved alumnae.
The Halo of Distraction:
In one of her most iconic sketches, Wiig played a woman constantly distracted by an invisible halo hovering over her head. The sketch highlighted her ability to create absurdist and imaginative worlds, keeping audiences in stitches with her surrealist humor and deadpan delivery.
| Kristen Wiig’s Best SNL Sketches | |
|---|---|
| Penelope Interviews Oprah | |
| Gilly & Keith | |
| Sue, the Target Lady (Christopher Walken Documentary) | |
| The Halo of Distraction |
The Best of Kristen Wiig on SNL
Kristen Wiig was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2005 to 2012. During her time on the show, she became known for her hilarious and unforgettable characters, including Penelope, Target Lady, and Sue. Wiig also co-wrote and starred in the sketch comedy film Bridesmaids, which was a critical and commercial success. In this article, we will take a look at some of Wiig’s best moments on SNL.
One of Wiig’s most iconic characters is Penelope, a naive and awkward woman who is always getting into embarrassing situations. In one sketch, Penelope goes on a blind date with a man who turns out to be a serial killer. Despite the man’s creepy behavior, Penelope remains oblivious to the danger she is in. Wiig’s portrayal of Penelope is both hilarious and cringe-inducing, and it is one of the reasons why she is so beloved by SNL fans.
Another one of Wiig’s most popular characters is Target Lady. Target Lady is a customer service employee at a Target store who is always trying to be helpful, but always ends up making things worse. In one sketch, Target Lady helps a customer find a birthday present for her husband. However, Target Lady’s suggestions are so bizarre and inappropriate that the customer ends up leaving the store in disgust. Wiig’s performance as Target Lady is both funny and relatable, and it is one of the reasons why she is so successful on SNL.
People Also Ask
What is Kristen Wiig’s most famous SNL character?
Kristen Wiig’s most famous SNL character is Penelope, a naive and awkward woman who is always getting into embarrassing situations.
What is Kristen Wiig’s most popular SNL sketch?
Kristen Wiig’s most popular SNL sketch is “Target Lady,” in which she plays a customer service employee at a Target store who is always trying to be helpful, but always ends up making things worse.
What is Kristen Wiig’s most successful movie?
Kristen Wiig’s most successful movie is Bridesmaids, which she co-wrote and starred in. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $288 million worldwide.
