Impersonator
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It has been suggested that Impressionist (entertainment) and Celebrity impersonator be merged into this article or section. (Discuss) Proposed since October 2009. |
An impersonator is someone who imitates or copies the behavior or actions of another.[1] There are many reasons for someone to be an impersonator, some common ones being as follows:
- Legally: An entertainer impersonates a celebrity, generally for entertainment, and makes fun of their recent scandals or known behavior patterns. Especially popular objects of impersonation are Elvis (see Elvis impersonator), Abraham Lincoln, and Lenin. Entertainers who impersonate multiple celebrities as part of their act, can be sorted into impressionists and celebrity impersonators.
- Illegally: As part of a criminal act such as identity theft. This is usually where the criminal is trying to assume the identity of another, in order to commit fraud, such as accessing confidential information, or to gain property not belonging to them. Also known as social engineering and impostors.
- Political decoy, used as a form of protection for political and military figures. This involves an impersonator who is employed (or forced) to perform during public appearances, to mislead observers.
- Causing people to fight, or dislike each other for social, business or political gain.
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[edit] Celebrity impersonators
Celebrity impersonators are entertainers who look similar to celebrities and dress in such a way as to imitate them.
Impersonators are known as look-alikes, impressionist, imitators and tribute artists. The interest may have originated with the need or desire to see a celebrity who has died.[citation needed] One of the most prominent examples of this phenomenon is the case of Elvis Presley. There are claimed to be more Elvis impersonators and tribute artists in the world than for any other celebrity.[citation needed] Some figures state that there are 30,000 Elvis impersonators in the world today.[citation needed] while others suggest there are only about 500 Elvis impersonators in the world.[2]
Edward Moss has appeared in movies and sitcoms, impersonating Michael Jackson.[3]
[edit] Notable impersonators
- Will Ferrell
- Tina Fey
- Steve Bridges
- Frank Caliendo
- Dana Carvey
- Darrell Hammond
- Jay Jason
- Rich Little
- El Moreno Michael
- Vaughn Meader
- Reggie Brown
- Kevin Spacey
- Moin Akhter
- Aries Spears
- Clay Jenkinson portrays Thomas Jefferson, Meriwether Lewis, Theodore Roosevelt and Robert Oppenheimer and others.
- Joe Wiegand portrays 26th US President, Theodore Roosevelt
- Hal Holbrook has portrayed Mark Twain
- Val Kilmer has portrayed Mark Twain
[edit] See also
- False flag
- Impressionist
- Look-alike
- Personation
- Police impersonation
- Soundboard, victim soundboard
- Tribute act
- Wannabe
[edit] References
- ^ "Impersonator". The Free Dictionary. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/impersonator. Retrieved 2010-01-03.
- ^ The Professional Elvis Impersonators Association
- ^ Baker, Bob (March 3, 2005). "King of Pop impersonator star of E! trial re-enactment". The Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002195262_jacko03.html.
