Not throwing away its shot at another campaign casting stunt, “Saturday Night Live” this weekend unveiled the newest member of its political repertory company: Lin-Manuel Miranda as Julian Castro.
The “Hamilton” writer-star and former “SNL” host dropped by to play the former Obama Cabinet secretary during a parody of last week’s CNN town hall on LGBTQ issues. With his hair slicked back and his lower lip stuck out, Miranda portrayed Castro suggesting that, since he’s young and non-white, “I’m Latinobama! Let’s get a hashtag going!”
After alluding to another important American who never became president, Miranda busted into the opening words of his musical’s title song, “How does a ...,” to big audience applause. When anchor Anderson Cooper (Alex Moffatt) cut him off, Miranda insisted, “I was gonna say Al Gore!”
Fans of the impression included Castro himself, who late Saturday retweeted a photo of Miranda in costume (from Miranda’s father) and added a few “Hamilton” stanzas.
Hey yo, I’m just like my country,
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) October 13, 2019
I’m young, scrappy and hungry,
And I’m not throwing away my shot. https://t.co/Sp8KMgc68q
Also goosing the proceedings was “Pose” co-star and recent Emmy winner Billy Porter, who ushered in the candidates with effusive, drag-ball-style introductions. (Castro was touted as coming “from the House of Urban Deliciousness!”) And Woody Harrelson, who debuted a Joe Biden impression while hosting the “SNL” season premiere, donned the blinding white dental appliance again for a return appearance.
“We’re all equal,” the out-of-touch Biden said. “Whether you’re gay, lesbi, transgenital or queef, you’re OK with Joe.” He closed by planting a kiss on Cooper’s lips.
The rest of the casting was business as usual: Chris Redd as Cory Booker, Colin Jost as Pete Buttigieg and Kate McKinnon as Elizabeth Warren, who ended her speech by lifting her wig to let the rose petals tumble, a la Sasha Velour.
On Oct. 26, Chicago hip-hop hero Chance the Rapper will host “SNL” for the second time as well as perform as the musical guest.
