Fred Armisen has shown a wide range of talent, having been involved with both comedy and music for many years. In 1988, he moved from New York to Chicago to play drums for the punk rock band Trenchmouth. The ’90s found Armisen playing background drums for Blue Man Group. He later revealed another side to his musical abilities by directing the music video for The Helio Sequence’s “Don’t Look Away.”

Some people would say Armisen’s career transitioned from music to comedy with the short film Fred Armisen’s Guide to Music and South by Southwest (1998). Following that project, he worked as an interviewer for the television series Reverb (1999), before appearing as characters Fericito and Father Fred on Late Friday (2001).

In 2002, Armisen joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. His ‘featured player’ status on the show was upgraded in 2004, when he became a repertory cast member. On SNL, Armisen is known for portraying such real-life figures as Barack Obama, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Prince, Howie Mandel and Gene Simmons.

When not altering his voice to impersonate celebrities, Armisen uses it for numerous cartoon characters. His credits in the animated realm include Aqua Teen Hunger Force (2004-2008) and Squidbillies (2005-2008). Armisen also voiced puppet Chip Douglas in the TV series Crank Yankers (2003-2004) as well as various personalities in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV (2008).

While continuing his run on SNL, Armisen has appeared on the big screen. Audiences have seen the comedian in such films as Like Mike (2002), EuroTrip (2004), Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006), Deck the Halls (2006), The Promotion (2008) and Baby Mama (2008).

For Armstrong Interviews, Armisen was recently kind enough to participate in a brief Q&A, addressing his cast membership with SNL. He likewise touched on his upcoming movies The Rocker (2008) and Christmas on Mars (2008).

________________________________________

Josh Armstrong: Where can folks now find Fred Armisen’s Guide to Music and South by Southwest?

Fred Armisen: I think online here and there. I usually make people DVD copies if they ask me for it.

[Editor's Note: Following the interview, I found Fred Armisen's Guide to Music and South by Southwest at Stereogum.]

JA: How did you become a cast member on Saturday Night Live?

FA: My agent and manager sent SNL a tape of some of my material. Then they asked me to come out to New York and audition. And I did. It was incredible even stepping foot into Studio 8H.

JA: How did you land the role of Barack Obama on SNL? Who were some of the other SNL cast members in consideration for that part?

FA: Lorne just asked me to do it. I have no other details about it!

JA: During your entire time with SNL, who are the characters you’ve enjoyed playing most and least?

FA: Most? Steve Jobs. Least? None! I love doing it all!

JA: Who are some people you would like to someday impersonate on SNL?

FA: Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts.

JA: Have you ever had a celebrity or public figure get angry at you for your portrayal of him or her?

FA: No. Luckily I have not had that experience.

JA: What can you say about your roles in The Rocker and Christmas on Mars?

FA: In The Rocker, I play a bass player in a hair metal band from the 80’s. The outfits are something to see for sure!

Christmas on Mars was with Flaming Lips. Lovely guys. Great great band. Space-y movie! Yay!

________________________________________

Fred Armisen’s latest film, The Rocker, will open in theaters nationwide on August 20.