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Bill Hader deploys spot-on impressions of Lorne Michaels, Seth Rogen and more

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 6/22/21

Bill Hader shared a story during Monday's Conan about flying cross-country with Fred Armisen and Seth Meyers in Lorne Michaels' private plane that would have been funny on its own, but his perfect impression of his former Saturday Night Live boss really brought it home:

Hader explained that Armisen and Meyers encouraged him to go sit in the back with Michaels, which he was really excited about before his exhaustion took over. While Michaels regaling SNL's illustrious history is "the coolest thing," all Hader wanted to do was sleep.

The three-time Emmy winner, at Conan O'Brien's urging, then moved into working with Seth Rogen on 2007 comedy Superbad. Hader's impression of Rogen—he smartly did not attempt to replicate his signature laugh—was just as impressive.

O'Brien then brought out Hader's take on acclaimed director and filmmaker Judd Apatow, whom he worked with on Trainwreck (2015) and described as sounding like "he's had a cold since he was two years old," before the segment ended with an impression of legendary award-winning actor and comedian Alan Alda.

"I did more impressions here than my SNL audition," Hader quipped, busting out in laughter. "What is happening?"

Hader grew his performing profile on SNL by 2005 before officially joining the cast in 2006 and ended his eight-season run in May 2013. His celebrity impressions and original characters, most notably "Weekend Update" correspondent Stefon, made him a fan favorite.

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