Who Plays Donatella Versace on SNL?

If you’re a fan of Saturday Night Live, you might have noticed a familiar face portraying Donatella Versace in some of their sketches. But who exactly is the talented actress behind the character?

Maya Rudolph as Donatella Versace

The answer is none other than Maya Rudolph. The multi-talented comedian, actress, and singer has been a staple on SNL for years, and her impression of Donatella Versace has become one of her most famous characters.

Who is Donatella Versace?

Before we dive into Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of the fashion icon, let’s first take a look at who Donatella Versace is. She is an Italian fashion designer who took over as the creative director of the Versace brand after her brother Gianni Versace was tragically murdered in 1997.

Since then, Donatella has been responsible for designing some of the brand’s most iconic pieces and has become a well-known figure in the fashion industry.

Maya Rudolph’s Impression

Now back to Maya Rudolph. Her impression of Donatella Versace typically involves her speaking with an exaggerated Italian accent and wearing a blonde wig styled to mimic the designer’s signature look.

In sketches, she often portrays Donatella as being overly dramatic and eccentric, making for some hilarious moments on the show.

The Origin Story

Maya Rudolph first debuted her impression of Donatella in 2001 during Season 27 of SNL. The sketch was called “Versace Pockets” and saw Rudolph playing the designer in a commercial parody for pants with absurdly large pockets.

Since then, she has brought back the character several times over the years and even portrayed her alongside Lady Gaga during an episode hosted by the pop star.

  • Other Famous Impressions
  • Maya Rudolph has become known for her impressive impressions of various celebrities over the years. Some of her most famous include:
    • Beyonce
    • Oprah Winfrey
    • Kamala Harris

Conclusion

Maya Rudolph’s portrayal of Donatella Versace on SNL has become a fan favorite and has cemented her status as one of the show’s most talented cast members. Her ability to capture the fashion icon’s over-the-top personality and mannerisms is nothing short of impressive.