Chloe Fineman has reached a remarkable milestone in her career, encapsulating her full circle journey with a compelling encounter with Reese Witherspoon during a recent appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The comedian recounted the moment of meeting Witherspoon for the first time, which unexpectedly prompted her to slip into the impression that initially secured her a spot on Saturday Night Live.
Fineman shared with Meyers that their encounter occurred just before the taping of the show. In a humorous moment, she described her reaction: “I just met her for the first time in the flesh just now, and I can’t help but go into—And I’m like, ‘Oh my god, you are so cute. Oh my god, no. I mean, I was like, Oprah loves you, seriously.’”
This impression of Witherspoon, which Fineman perfected while auditioning for SNL in 2019, was pivotal in her selection for the show. As she enters her fifth year as a cast member, Fineman has solidified herself as one of the show’s standout mimics, known for her versatility and ability to ingeniously switch between characters.
Throughout her tenure on SNL, she has showcased her talent with impressions of various celebrities, including JoJo Siwa, Timothée Chalamet, and even Meryl Streep. Notably, her portrayal of Witherspoon’s beloved characters, such as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde and Madeline Mackenzie from Big Little Lies, has garnered significant attention. This led to a delightful invitation from Witherspoon herself in 2020, when she reached out to Fineman to moderate a Legally Blonde reunion on Zoom, emphasizing her appreciation for Fineman’s work.
Despite the pressure of impersonating high-profile figures, Fineman has expressed her joy and anxiety regarding the reactions from those she emulates. “I’ll do these impressions and then it’s sort of this panic of like, ‘Have I humiliated myself?’” she explained on The Tonight Show. The recent exchange with Witherspoon was heartwarming and served as a satisfying confirmation of her talent.
This serendipitous meeting underscored Fineman’s growth in the entertainment industry, demonstrating her journey from making clips online to performing live in front of the people she once mimicked. It reflects the comedic tradition of honoring personalities through humor, a hallmark of SNL.
As Fineman continues to thrive, her career shows no signs of slowing. She has been involved in recent projects such as Despicable Me 4 and the upcoming film Megalopolis, all while maintaining her signature SNL sketches that captivate audiences.
Fineman’s trajectory highlights ambition, creativity, and a touch of whimsical chaos—all essential qualities in the world of comedy. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the progress one can achieve, reminding fans to stay tuned for her future endeavors.