Democratic candidates for president took over a news conference held by Mike Pence on coronavirus in the opening sketch of “Saturday Night Live.”
The entertainment industry, like the rest of the country, went abuzz Tuesday over news that Sen. Kamala Harris would join former Vice President Joe Biden on the Democratic ballot this election season, becoming the first Black woman and the first Asian-American person on a major party’s presidential ticket.
“The Office” and “Late Night” actress and writer Mindy Kaling celebrated Harris’ landmark achievement in a series of tweets Tuesday, sharing Biden’s announcement filled her “with hope and excitement.”
“Was there ever more of an exciting day?” she wrote. “For our entire country of course, but especially for my Black and Indian sisters, many of us who have gone our entire lives thinking that someone who looks like us may never hold high office? We work so hard and contribute to the fabric of our lives in America, & now to see @SenKamalaHarris rise to the top like this? It’s thrilling!!”
Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas celebrated the “historical, transformational, and proud moment for all women. All women of colour, all Black women, and all South Asian women,” highlighting the importance of representation in a social media post.
“To my younger self – look how far we have come!” she wrote.
Kamala Harris: Here are Maya Rudolph’s best ‘SNL’ impressions of Joe Biden’s new VP pick
Maya Rudolph, who portrayed Harris in guest appearances on “Saturday Night Live” last season, was recording a virtual panel discussion for Entertainment Weekly when the news broke.
“That’s spicy,” she said after being informed of Biden’s running mate pick.
Rudolph, who has appeared in over 150 episodes of the NBC sketch show as a cast member from 2000–2008 (and has continued to make guest appearances), is currently nominated for an Emmy for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for her portrayal of Harris during the Democratic Presidential debates.
Wanda Sykes joked on the panel “somebody’s gonna be very busy now,” nodding to speculation that the actress would reprise her role on “SNL” later this year.
“SNL” declined to comment, but that hasn’t stopped social media speculation that Rudolph will be back on NBC this fall. USA TODAY also reached out to Rudolph’s rep for comment.
Across social media platforms, other stars have weighed in on Harris making history.
Taylor Swift had only one word to say in response to Harris’ tweet announcement: “YES”
“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg called Biden’s pick “a great moment.”
“Let’s take care of her and make sure we are supportive of her because this is a no nonsense race and she is ready. Go Kamala!!” she tweeted.
Sen.KamalaHarris this is a great moment. Let’s take care of her and make sure we are supportive of her because this is a no nonsense race and she is ready. Go Kamala!!
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) August 11, 2020
Goldberg’s co-host Joy Behar congratulated Harris, a three-time guest on the morning talk show, adding “she will be an awesome partner to V.P. Biden.”
Rachel Dratch, a “Saturday Night Live” alum who made guest appearances alongside Rudolph this season as Amy Klobuchar, tweeted that she was “excited for many reasons” about the announcement alongside a GIF of Rudolph as Harris.
“Hamilton” alum Renée Elise Goldberry tweeted she was “so proud.”
“I. AM. ALL FOR IT!!!!!!!!!” “Will & Grace” star Debra Messing wrote. “I’m so excited!!!!!!!!!”
“History is made,” Reese Witherspoon tweeted.
Tracee Ellis Ross, Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake and Tan France also showed support for Harris.
