‘SNL’ Alum Can Still Nail Their Famous Barbara Walters Impersonation

Cheri Oteri, a former “SNL” cast member, showed off her impersonation of late journalism icon Barbara Walters during CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage on Saturday.

Oteri, who once interviewed Walters for a bit on “The View,” told co-hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen that the reporter has a knack for creating newsworthy memories and described her as part of the fabric of his childhood.

Walters died Friday at the age of 93 and tributes from across the media industry poured in to honor the iconic broadcaster.

“For every worthwhile memory, she was there,” Oteri said.

Oteri, who impersonated on CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage for the past few years, later revealed what she originally thought about trying her hand at Walters on “SNL.”

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is such a big responsibility,'” Oteri said.

“I didn’t want to do it, but I was like, ‘Wait a second. That would be such an honor. So I studied her like I’ve never studied anyone before.

She added: “Then to have her blessing and be on The View, I was just in awe. She broke down all the journalistic barriers for women, and here she is asking me, ‘Honey, how do you make me ?’ »

Oteri later recalled telling Walters that when she does an interview, she usually gives “three compliments, then [goes] to kill him.'”

You can watch Walters’ Oteri imitation around the 1:48 mark in the video below.

Oteri isn’t the only “Saturday Night Live” alum to impersonate Walters.

Gilda Radner’s “Baba Wawa” recurring character helped define her time with the NBC sketch comedy show between 1975 and 1980.

Radner’s impersonation, Walters said, marked the first time a comedian made fun of news anchors.

“Gilda was the original and of course I laughed at everyone as long as it wasn’t me,” Walters said.

“When Gilda started doing ‘Baba Wawa’, I hated it. I didn’t like it…I don’t talk like that and I say my R’s. Why did my parents have to call me Baba Walters ?

Walters remembers later kissing Radner when she met her in France.

“It was lovely and it was sweet, I loved it before and I’ve loved it since.”