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An impersonator of George Michael

Theodore Roosevelt impersonator Joe Wiegand performs October 27, 2008 in the East Room of the White House, during a celebration of Roosevelt's 150th birthday.

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:

• Entertainment: 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), Michael Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, and Lenin. Entertainers who impersonate multiple celebrities as part of their act, can be sorted into impressionists and celebrity impersonators.
• Crime: 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.
• Decoys, 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.
• Sowing discord, causing people to fight, or dislike each other for social, business or political gain.

Celebrity impersonators [edit]

A Michael Jackson celebrity impersonator for the 25th anniversary of the album Thriller at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival with performers from Step It Up and Dance.

A Madonna wannabe, an impersonator of Madonna's 1980s looks and fashion style.

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]}

Edward Moss has appeared in movies and sitcoms, impersonating Michael Jackson.^[2]

Notable impersonators [edit]

• Rich Little (perhaps the most well-known impersonator, called "The Man of a Thousand Voices")
• Will Ferrell
• Tina Fey
• Steve Bridges
• Dana Carvey
• Jimmy Fallon (does regular impersonations, but better known for impersonating famous singers)
• Darrell Hammond
• Jay Jason
• El Moreno Michael
• Vaughn Meader
• Reggie Brown
• Kevin Spacey
• Larry Storch
• 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
• Mike Randall has portrayed Mark Twain and Charles Dickens
• Val Kilmer has portrayed Mark Twain
• Jan Leighton, famous for his impersonations of historical figures

See also [edit]

• False flag
• Impressionist
• Look-alike
• Personation
• Police impersonation
• Soundboard, victim soundboard
• Tribute act
• Wannabe

References [edit]