Who Played Curtis Sliwa on SNL? The Surprise Face Behind the Red Beret

Viewers anticipated political satire when Saturday Night Live began its most recent episode with a parody of the New York City mayoral debate, but instead they were treated to a master class in comedic transformation. The Guardian Angels founder turned political firebrand Curtis Sliwa was portrayed by Shane Gillis, who captured all of Sliwa’s iconic exaggerated gestures and street-corner confidence. His portrayal was incredibly powerful, striking a balance between caricature and a strangely accurate realism that made people laugh and recognize him.

With Ramy Youssef playing state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and Miles Teller playing former governor Andrew Cuomo, the sketch established the scene. Wearing the distinctive red beret, Gillis entered that mix and spoke with a rhythmic defiance that gave the parody a remarkably realistic feel. He shouted over his opponents, broke up the debate, and shared stories of his dramatic street encounters while posing as Sliwa. Raw, self-assured, and purposefully erratic, the delivery reflected Sliwa’s own erratic energy.

The choice to cast Gillis was especially significant. After being fired from SNL in 2019 due to controversy surrounding his previous podcast comments, his return to the show represented an unexpected redemption arc. It was ironic and redemptive to see him return to the same stage as a legendary character like Sliwa. It showed how comedy can turn setbacks into opportunities. Gillis made the role his own by using his unique comedic edge, making fun of Sliwa while also relating to him as a man whose bravado belies a desire to be heard.

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In addition to being humorous, Gillis’ performance was remarkably explicit in its purpose. It illuminated Sliwa rather than merely making fun of him. The sketch showed a candidate who was more concerned with show than substance, a man who was so engrossed in acting that even a parody could seem like an autobiography. In this way, Gillis portrayed Sliwa as well as the concept of Sliwa: the media-savvy New Yorker who thrives on publicity, controversy, and self-mythology. Because it made it difficult to distinguish between imitation and interpretation, the impression was especially novel.

Despite a star-studded cast that included Teller and Youssef, Variety and The Guardian critics pointed out that Gillis’ performance dominated the sketch’s energy. Cheers, laughter, and the kind of collective recognition that occurs when satire hits home were the audience’s immediate reactions. SNL’s material selection was very effective; by parodying a local debate, the program turned civic politics into a national comedy. For New Yorkers who have witnessed Sliwa’s dramatic political appearances for decades, the outcome felt particularly pertinent.

Because the humor was based on cultural reality, it worked. With his trademark red beret and decades of radio experience, Curtis Sliwa is as much a representation of New York as the street vendor or the yellow taxi. Gillis capitalized on that familiarity to create a performance that was both ridiculously modern and nostalgic. His lines were delivered with that unique blend of irony and zeal that characterizes successful satire, his timing was noticeably precise, and his facial expressions were purposefully exaggerated.

The way this sketch reflected actual political theater was what made it so enduring in discussion. The kind of chaos that SNL thrives on broke out when James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump stormed onto the stage halfway through. The debate was transformed into performance art by Trump’s interference, and Gillis’ Sliwa, with his animated responses and spontaneous one-liners, masterfully capitalized on the situation. It demonstrated SNL’s singular ability to find order in absurdity and was both unscripted in spirit and controlled in execution.

Beyond the laugh track, this portrayal has broader social significance. SNL recognized the capacity for forgiveness as well as the timeless appeal of provocative humor by casting Gillis. With careful handling, comedy can be used as a tool for commentary rather than devastation. Gillis’ performance demonstrated how satire can be both scathing and helpful when it is grounded in self-awareness. It significantly enhanced the narrative surrounding his career by redefining him as a resource—a comedian who can turn controversy into relevance—rather than as a risk.

The subject choice also has a profoundly contemplative quality. Sliwa’s life has always been characterized by spectacle; he has led street patrols, ridden subways, and run for mayor with catchphrases as dramatic as his own. That eyeglass turned into a mirror in Gillis’s grasp. In addition to making fun of Sliwa, the sketch explored how political life has turned into a show. At times, the laughter was a little awkward because it echoed realities that were too familiar to ignore: that in today’s politics, the loudest personality is frequently rewarded over the most intelligent voice.

This position was especially advantageous for Gillis’s career. It enabled him to maintain the bold humor that cultivated his fan base while showcasing his comedic instincts on popular television. Once polarizing, his voice now seems grounded, matured yet still full of the irreverent energy that draws listeners in. It was the sort of comeback that seems earned rather than planned. It was an ingenious method for SNL to combine artistic expression with controversy.

Online viewers commended the sketch for both its wit and humor. It was critical without being harsh, and political without being partisan. In a culture that frequently penalizes mistakes, the balance was remarkably effective. It’s important to note that Sliwa and Gillis have something in common that makes them interesting satirical subjects: unadulterated authenticity. Regardless of the consequences, they speak their minds, and when comedy is used to express that rawness, it becomes electrifying.