James Austin Johnson

Overview

James Austin Johnson (born July 19, 1989) is an American comedian and actor originally from Nashville, Tennessee. He has garnered attention for his impression of former President Donald Trump, sometimes being referred to as "the best Trump impersonator." He currently is a cast member of the sketch comedy television series Saturday Night Live, where he impersonates both Trump and Joe Biden. In addition to the films Blue Like Jazz and Hail, Caesar!, Johnson has appeared in the television series Adam Ruins Everything, Better Call Saul, and All Rise. He has also filmed a DirecTV television ad with National Football League veteran Peyton Manning. In 2021, Johnson was cast as a featured player on Saturday Night Live, alongside fellow newcomers Aristotle Athari and Sarah Sherman, for its forty-seventh season. During the season premiere cold open, he portrayed President Joe Biden, and later played former president Donald Trump in the season's fifth episode. Andy Hoglund, who recaps SNL episodes for Entertainment Weekly, said "he is one of the most exciting new cast members in years, a cross between Dana Carvey and Darrell Hammond. He's that kind of talent."