Over the years, politics and entertainment have been known to overlap one another. However, with multiple television shows and movies taking on the figureheads of the White House and beyond, it only makes sense that the politicians themselves get in on the action. Not all politicians started out as actors, but they all know how to play themselves better than any actor could. Here’s a look at the politicians who stepped in to play themselves on both the big and small screens.
Joe Biden on ‘Parks and Recreation’
Vice President Joe Biden has grown to become a familiar face on television during his time in the White House. The VP played himself in three episodes of the comedy series Parks and Recreation in 2012 and 2015. Now, he’s gearing up for his next television cameo with a role in an episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Biden will be stepping in alongside Mariska Hargitay’s character to help end violence against women.
Al Gore on ’30 Rock’
Former Vice President Al Gore showed his funny side as well, appearing in two episodes of 30 Rock. One aired in 2007 and the other in 2009.
Al Gore in ‘Futurama: Bender’s Big Score’
However, animation was not off limits for the former VP, either. Gore voiced himself in the 2007 film Futurama: Bender’s Big Score as a cartoon version of himself — and just his head.
John McCain in ‘Wedding Crashers’
Politicians have not just stayed on the small screen. Senator John McCain’s cameo in the 2005 film Wedding Crashers caused quite a stir. The Vietnam veteran received backlash for even getting involved in the film in the first place, and his scene lasted no more than 10 seconds!
John McCain on ‘Parks and Recreation’
Since then, McCain has not shied away from television and film appearances. He appeared on an episode of Parks and Recreation in 2015.
Ronald Reagan on ‘The Burns and Allen Show’
It’s no surprise that former President Ronald Reagan appeared in films and on TV. As an actor first, the politician was certainly familiar with being on camera. However, long before being elected into office in 1981, Reagan appeared as himself on an episode of The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show in 1953.
Gerald R. Ford on ‘Dynasty’
Following his 1974-1977 term, the 38th President of the United States made a cameo on a 1983 episode of the hit show Dynasty. However, appearing on the show wasn’t in Ford’s original plan. It’s said that one of the show’s producers, Esther Shapiro, coaxed him into the scene by saying, “You can’t be President of the United States and not be an actor.”
Newt Gingrich in ‘Men in Black’
However, even Newt Gingrich is not a stranger to television and film. The former U.S. Representative briefly appeared as “Alien on TV monitor” in 1997’s Men in Black.
Newt Gingrich on ‘Parks and Recreation’
He also famously appeared alongside Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) in a 2013 episode of Parks and Recreation.
Newt Gingrich on ‘Murphy Brown’
Gingrich’s acting appearances all began with a 1996 episode of Murphy Brown.
Donald Trump in ‘Home Alone 2’
Before getting involved in politics, businessman and 2016 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was quite the public figure when it came to the world of entertainment. Aside from hosting his own reality television series, The Apprentice, Trump made a cameo as himself in 1992’s Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Trump happened to own the Plaza Hotel, where the movie was being filmed.
Donald Trump in ‘Zoolander’
Nearly 10 years later, Trump returned to the big screen in the 2001 comedy Zoolander. He was seen being interviewed on a red carpet with his now wife, Melania Trump, by his side.
Donald Trump on ‘Sex And The City’
And, yes, Trump even got involved in non-reality television. He was seen doing business with Samantha’s eye candy in an episode of the hit show Sex and the City in 1999.
Donald Trump on ‘The Nanny’
Even earlier than that, Trump appeared on a 1996 episode of The Nanny. In the episode, he’s Fran’s date for the evening — who needs two cell phones to handle all of the business he has.
Donald Trump on ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’
The Donald also managed to play himself in a 1994 episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In the episode, Trump is interested in buying the Banks’ house. He even makes a joke where he says, “Everyone’s always blaming me for everything.”
Hillary Clinton on ‘Saturday Night Live’
Meanwhile, the first female presidential nominee seems to have a flair for comedy herself. The 2016 Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, started showing the public her funnier side by appearing as herself in a 2008 episode of Saturday Night Live and as “Val the Bartender” in a 2015 episode. This could be just the beginning of Clinton’s SNL cameos. Other politicians who have appeared on Saturday Night Live over the years include President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Bernie Sanders.
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