Ellen DeGeneres met herself — sort of — during the Apr. 23 episode of her eponymous daytime talk show. The comedian chatted with up-and-coming star Kate McKinnon, whose spot-on impersonation of DeGeneres has made her a Saturday Night Live favorite after just one season.
“It’s been such a journey. I’m trying not to cry because I have loved you my whole life, truly,” McKinnon, 29, told DeGeneres, 55. “My mother has come up with schemes to try to meet you. I used to paint, I was an oil painter, and she would always say, ‘If you would just paint a portrait of Ellen and send it to her, I’m sure that she would have you as a guest on the show. I don’t know why you don’t just paint a portrait.’ I never did and I don’t know why. I guess it’s because I was meant to appear in a different capacity on the show.”
McKinnon added, “It’s like I’ve met Jesus, if you believe in that sort of thing. I’ve arrived at the gates and here you are.”
“I hope I don’t disappoint you,” DeGeneres quipped. “That’s a lot of pressure for me.”
After discussing McKinnon’s Saturday Night Live audition, DeGeneres asked the comic to change out of her blue dress and put on a matching outfit. “I will treasure this forever,” McKinnon joked. “Thank you!”
Later in the episode, McKinnon reappeared on stage — dressed as DeGeneres! — and pretended to interview the talk show host. “It’s time to say goodbye now,” McKinnon said. “Be kind to one another. Adios, arrivederci, avocados. . . I’m vegan. Just kidding! I’m Ellen.”
To see the look-alike blondes dance to Justin Timberlake‘s “Suit & Tie,” watch the video above now!
