Ana Gasteyer Remembers Laughing President Carter at White House Sleepover

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ana Gasteyer, a guest co-host on a talk show, reminisced about a remarkable childhood experience at the White House with her friend Amy Carter, daughter of former President Jimmy Carter. During a segment that aired on February 11, 2025, Gasteyer shared the story of watching President Carter laugh while taking in a comedic impersonation of himself on ‘Saturday Night Live.’

The moment unfolded during a sleepover at the White House when Gasteyer was a young girl. ‘We walked by, and he was watching Dan Aykroyd portray him, laughing, laughing, super hard, alone,’ Gasteyer recalled. ‘In fact, that was the first beginning of the memory was hearing him laugh and then looking up and realizing.’ The incident took place in 1977, showcasing a light-hearted side of the former president.

Gasteyer, known for her impressions of personalities like Martha Stewart and Celine Dion during her tenure at ‘SNL,’ reflected on the late president, who passed away at age 100. She described him as ‘extraordinarily humble’ and expressed how performing impressions carries deeper meaning beyond just eliciting laughs. ‘It is really true that imitation is the highest form of flattery,’ she stated.

Gasteyer emphasized that impressions hold a ‘kernel of insight or some kind of reflection back on the import of a person’s impact on society.’ In her view, President Carter’s ability to laugh at himself and appreciate the humor in Aykroyd’s portrayal was profoundly moving.

In a previous conversation on the podcast ‘Las Culturistas,’ Gasteyer reiterated the impression the scene left on her. ‘He was laughing hysterically,’ she shared, recalling details about the president enjoying a beer and wearing a burgundy V-neck sweater while watching the show.

Gasteyer affectionately referred to Carter as ‘the most amazing human being’ who performed ‘incredible acts of humanity.’ She remarked on the surreal nature of witnessing a world leader participate in such an ordinary human experience—laughing at an impersonation of himself.

Her reflections on this memory resonate with others who have experienced the intersection of comedy and politics. Jenna Bush Hager, who also shared anecdotes about her grandfather George H.W. Bush, highlighted how humor brought levity in challenging times, noting that after her grandfather’s 1992 election loss, Dana Carvey performed at the White House to boost the morale of his staff.

This nostalgic account reinforces the enduring legacy of President Carter, showcasing his ability to connect with people through laughter and humility, even in the most formal settings.