Maya Rudolph is game to return to SNL to play Kamala Harris after VP pick

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Kamala Harris has been chosen as the running mate alongside Joe Biden in the election this November. If Biden wins, Harris will be our new Vice President and that could also spell a return for Maya Rudolph to Saturday Night Live, who famously portrayed Harris on the show.

Rudolph was in the middle of a virtual roundtable interview with several other Emmy nominees when the VP news broke. Rudolph scored an Emmy nomination for her work as Kamala Harris on SNL and when the news broke, after exclaiming "Oh s***", Rudolph gave a more detailed response and even suggested she's willing to return to play Harris if things can be worked out safely.

"I love going to the show. Any excuse I can get, I love. I just didn't really anticipate traveling during… but if there's anyone that can work it out I'm sure Lorne [Michaels] has some sort of invisible helicopter that can get me there."

Kamala Harris, a Senator from California, becomes the first Black and first Asian to be nominated for the office of Vice President. Harris is also the third woman to be nominated for the position. Harris was once seeking the Democratic nomination for President herself before dropping out of the race. Prior to being chosen, she was seen as one of former Vice President Joe Biden's top candidates for the position.

Social media was immediate with their reactions to the decision and some of the funnier social media posts specifically made light of Maya Rudolph's possible return to SNL since it's bound to make for a ratings bonanza. Speaking further on the matter, Rudolph expressed her surprise about the pick and even threw in one of her signature catchphrases from the show:

"I'm as surprised as you are, guys. That's spicy. I don't know that I'm ready to go right this minute, but it's so nice to have this nomination be associated with the show because it's my true love."

Maya Rudolph ended her seven-year run on SNL in 2007 but she has maintained a strong relationship with the show. Rudolph has hosted the show since her departure and she has appeared on multiple occasions over the years since leaving the show. I can see things being worked out to Rudolph to return to play Harris because the Presidential race is a goldmine for Saturday Night Live when it comes to content that goes viral and leads to increased viewership. SNL intends on returning to the studio for its upcoming 46th season after doing several at-home shows toward the end of last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There most likely won't be a studio audience so the dynamic will change but that doesn't mean that can't keep us laughing at home. 

Do YOU want to see Maya Rudolph return to play Kamala Harris?