In a delightful revelation on the Las Culturistas podcast, actress Ana Gasteyer shared a remarkable childhood memory involving President Jimmy Carter and Saturday Night Live (SNL). During a sleepover at the White House with her childhood friend Amy Carter, Gasteyer witnessed an unexpected scene - President Carter enjoying Dan Aykroyd's impression of him on SNL.
Gasteyer, who later became an SNL cast member herself, described finding the President relaxing in the White House living area, wearing a burgundy V-neck sweater and holding a beer while "laughing hysterically" at Aykroyd's portrayal of him on television.
The story emerged when podcast hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers asked Gasteyer about her defining cultural moment. As the daughter of a Washington D.C. family, Gasteyer had formed a friendship with first daughter Amy Carter through their shared interest in violin, leading to numerous White House visits and sleepovers.
Her White House experiences weren't limited to casual visits. Gasteyer recalled performing violin for Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin during the Camp David Accords, and even watching Star Wars with the Sadat family.
The memory of President Carter's reaction to SNL left a lasting impression on young Gasteyer. She noted how the President "understood that it was funny," demonstrating the power of comedy to transcend political boundaries.
Reflecting on the current political climate, Gasteyer emphasized comedy's role in storytelling and political commentary, suggesting that performers might help convey truth in an era where news sources and social media face increasing scrutiny.