Maya Rudolph, the five-time Emmy winner and current nominee, appeared as a guest on the famous talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live. During their conversation, Maya discussed her role as Vice President Kamala Harris on SNL, her upbringing in a show business family, and her passion for music.
The interview kicked off with Jimmy Kimmel expressing his admiration for Maya Rudolph‘s portrayal of Kamala Harris on SNL. Maya revealed that her friend Raven often imitates her SNL dance moves backstage. Jimmy couldn’t help but ask Maya to show him the dance move, which she hilariously referred to as the “triple back.” Maya’s infectious energy and humor were on full display, instantly captivating the audience.
When asked if she was always a fun kid, Maya shared that she used to put on shows in her living room for her family. Her love for music and comedy has always been a part of her life. Maya attributes her brother and father as her biggest influences, with her brother being the funniest person she knew. Growing up in a show business family, watching Mel Brooks movies and performing comedy acts, Maya was inspired to pursue a career that combined all her passions and talents.
One of the most poignant moments of the interview came when Maya spoke about her mother, Minnie Ripperton. Maya fondly spoke about her mother’s talent and the impact she had on her life. Maya’s father, a songwriter, and music producer, also played a significant role in her musical upbringing. Though her mother passed away when Maya was just six years old, her father continued to write songs, and music became an integral part of Maya’s identity.
The conversation took an emotional turn when Maya talked about her children and their natural musical abilities. Maya shared that they have a natural talent for dancing and music, thanks to their upbringing in a musically inclined household. She also amusingly joked about not revealing who the fathers of her four children are.
Jimmy Kimmel touched upon Maya’s early career and her first job on a television show called “City of Angels.” Maya’s breakthrough moment, however, came when she landed a role in a Jim Brooks movie, “As Good As It Gets.” From there, her career skyrocketed, leading her to join the esteemed cast of SNL.
Maya’s husband, Paul Thomas Anderson, also comes from a show business family. His father, Ernie Anderson, was a prolific voiceover artist and had a comedy partnership with Tim Conway. Ernie, known for his distinctive voice, became a significant influence on Maya’s life and career. Maya expressed her admiration for great songwriters, acknowledging the impact they had on her.
Towards the end of the interview, Jimmy Kimmel surprised Maya by asking about her Prince cover band called “Princess.” Maya’s love for Prince is well-known, and she shared that the band started as a tribute to Prince’s early music. Maya and her bandmates, dressed in a mix of Vanity and Prince-inspired apparel, perform Prince songs from his early albums. Maya’s passion for music shines through as she talks about the band and the joy it brings her.
Before the interview came to a close, Maya Rudolph revealed an exciting piece of news. When asked if she would be returning to SNL as Kamala Harris, Maya excitedly shared that she has never experienced anything like this before. The opportunity to play Kamala Harris on the show felt bigger than anything she had ever done. Maya expressed her gratitude for being associated with such an important moment in history and acknowledged the impact her portrayal had on viewers.
Maya Rudolph‘s interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live was a lively and entertaining glimpse into her life and career. Her infectious energy, humor, and talent shone through as she discussed her SNL role, her family, and her love for music. Maya Rudolph‘s magnetic presence on the talk show undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the audience.
Don’t miss out on Maya Rudolph‘s latest show, “Loot,” available on Apple TV Plus. And keep an eye out for her incredible Prince cover band, “Princess,” for a musical experience that will undoubtedly leave you wanting more.
