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cheri oteri
Cheri Oteri Breaks Out Her Barbara Walters Impression In Sweet Tribute—And It's Still Spot On
On Friday, journalism icon and trailblazer Barbara Walters died at the age of 93, and people all over the world have been paying tribute to the legend.
Saturday Night Live alum Cheri Oteri joined Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen on CNN's New Year's Eve coverage and reprised her renowned impression of Barbara Walters as she emotionally paid tribute to the woman who Oteri described as "such a part of the fabric of [her] childhood."
Oteri shared:
"For every newsworthy memory, she was there."
Of being asked by SNLto portray Walters, she revealed:
"I was like, 'Oh, my God, this is such a big responsibility.'"
"I didn't want to do it, but then I was like, 'Wait a second. That would be such an honor.'"
"So I studied her like I never studied somebody before."
Oteri said that Walters even asked how she was able to imitate her.
"Then to have her blessing and be on 'The View,' I was just in awe."
"She broke every journalistic barrier for women, and here she is asking me, 'Cheri, how do you do me?'"
Oteri's studies led her to the flawless execution of her role as the icon:
"Usually, Barbara, when you do an interview, you usually give three compliments and then go in for the kill."
Oteri proceeded to demonstrate by impersonating Walters.
"You're a 'New York Times' best-selling author, you're an accomplished and celebrated concert pianist, and a three time Academy Award winning actor."
And then for the kill:
"Why the porn?"
You can check it out below.
\u201cCheri Oteri, who memorably portrayed Barbara Walters on "Saturday Night Live," remembers the TV legend following her death. #CNNNYE https://t.co/oouPLpZMfq\u201d— CNN (@CNN) 1672546173
Viewers of the bit loved Oteri's reprisal and tribute to the late Walters.
That @cherioteri did the perfect Barbara Walters impression: an empty question followed by a vacuous stare.
— Daboll Stan Account #BigBlue (@michaelbcooke) January 1, 2023
Cheri's impression of Barbara will never not be funny!
— Eboné COZY Smiley⁷ (she/her) (@smileystylist) January 2, 2023
Nice to see Cheri. Classy tribute.
— Soaps and Sci-Fi (@SoapsandSciFi) January 1, 2023
That was awesome!!!
— MandingoDali (@ClaymoStallion) January 1, 2023
So good!
— Colour Bars (@colourbars) January 1, 2023
Barbara, right to the cut!
— pauline davis (@huffandpuff) January 1, 2023
She did it great ! It was phenomenal
— Solen (@Solen94854663) January 1, 2023
@cherioteri Cheri you're still amazing as Barbara Walters! Sad day indeed due to her passing. Here's to an incredible 2023 for you! ❤️
— MultitimeMulticentury (@Multitimestwo) January 2, 2023
That was beautiful Cheri ❤️❤️❤️
— @PeggyBrava™ 🌻 🗳️🦉📚 (@PeggyBrava) January 2, 2023
I am so glad that you have been paying tribute to the legend that is Barbara Walters this night and EVERY TIME you opened your mouth and she jumped out...now I will go cry like I did last night when I first saw this.
— All the Musks are RATS...Rotten Ass TraitorS... (@mbk5359) January 2, 2023
Your impression of her was spot on and absolutely respectful. Thanks for that.
— Thomas Senor (@tsenor) January 2, 2023
Your words in tribute to your hero were beautiful. ❤️
— SammyJ (@sammijill420) January 3, 2023
Of the tribute Oteri said:
"I am still so sad of Barbara's passing."
"It was a shock, but it warms my heart that I got to honor her with @andersoncooper and @Andy."
"She was my hero."
\u201cI am still so sad of Barbara\u2019s passing it was such a shock but it warms my heart that I got to honor her with @andersoncooper and @Andy She was my hero\u2665\ufe0f\u201d— Cheri Oteri (@Cheri Oteri) 1672609585
We think Oteri's tribute was just perfect.