Quick Facts
Cancer
Biography
James Austin Johnson (born July 19, 1989) is an American comedian and actor originally from Nashville, Tennessee. He has garnered attention for his impression of former U.S. president Donald Trump, sometimes being referred to as "the best Trump impersonator". Johnson is currently a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy television series Saturday Night Live, which he joined as a featured player for the show's 47th season in 2021. On SNL, he impersonates both Trump and Joe Biden. Johnson was promoted to a repertory player in 2023.
Career
In addition to the films Blue Like Jazz and Hail, Caesar!, Johnson has appeared in the television series Adam Ruins Everything, Better Call Saul, and All Rise. He has also filmed a DirecTV television ad with National Football League veteran Peyton Manning.
In 2021, Johnson was cast as a featured player on Saturday Night Live, alongside fellow newcomers Aristotle Athari and Sarah Sherman, for its forty-seventh season. During the season premiere's cold open, he portrayed President Joe Biden and later portrayed former President Donald Trump in the season's fifth episode. Andy Hoglund, who recaps SNL episodes for Entertainment Weekly, said "he is one of the most exciting new cast members in years, a cross between Dana Carvey and Darrell Hammond. He's that kind of talent." Johnson was promoted to Repertory Status in 2023.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | October Baby | Truman | |
| 2012 | Blue Like Jazz | Drunk Freshman | |
| 2014 | Rocket Pack Jack and the Babylon Virus | Krane | |
| 2016 | Hail, Caesar! | Studio Assistant at Action Western | |
| 2022 | She Said | Donald Trump | Voice |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Alumni | Jeffry | Television film |
| Coffeeteria | Barrett Klausman | Miniseries | |
| 2015 | Adam Ruins Everything | Farmer Jed | Episode: "Adam Ruins Summer Fun" |
| 2016 | The Last Tycoon | Movie Theater Usher | Episode: "Pilot" |
| 2017–2020 | Future Man | Young Gabe Futturman | 2 episodes |
| 2018 | Better Call Saul | Fred Whalen | Episode: "Winner" |
| 2019 | All Rise | Adam Connolly | Episode: "How to Succeed in Law Without Really Re-Trying" |
| 2020 | Kwaczala | Dennis (Glenn) | Episode: "I am a Lion" |
| Robbie | Ninja Turtle | Episode: "Robbie vs. Ava vs. Danielle" | |
| 2021 | Tuca & Bertie | Kyle (voice) | 2 episodes |
| Squidbillies | Pharmacy Man (voice) | Episode: "One Man Banned" | |
| 2021–present | Saturday Night Live | Various characters | |
| 2022–present | Fairview | Various characters (voice) | Recurring role |
| 2022 | The G Word | Various characters | |
| Birdgirl | Ed Todd/Kaptain Khaos (voice) | Episode: "With a K" | |
| 2023 | Barry | Pastor #2 (voice) | Episode: "the wizard" |