Laraine Newman says Barbra Streisand confronted her over ‘SNL’ skit
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As “Saturday Night Live” gears up for its 50th anniversary special, several alumni shared wild tales about their time on the iconic sketch comedy show, including comedian Laraine Newman, 72, who revealed she got on one EGOT winner’s bad side.
Newman recently appeared on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” alongside “SNL” vets Cheri Oteri, Cecily Strong, Ana Gasteyer and Rachel Dratch.
(l-r) Andy Cohen, Cheri Oteri, Ana Gasteyer, Laraine Newman, Rachel Dratch, Cecily Strong on “Watch What Happens Live.” Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images
When asked if they’ve ever been confronted by a celebrity who they impersonated during their stint on the comedy show, each had a story — but none was as good as Newman, who revealed she was approached by none other than Barbra Streisand.
While starring on “SNL” between 1975 and 1980, Newman played Streisand, in which she mocked her ego and salary in a sketch.
“[SNL writer] Marilyn Miller wrote this incredible song called ‘Me,’ and the lyrics are great: ‘Even if one of my films sucks, it still makes 4 million bucks for me,’” the comedian recalled.
Laraine Newman as Barbra Streisand during “Me” skit on January 22, 1977. NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Barbara Streisand in the 1975 movie version of “A Star Is Born.” Getty Images
Newman and Streisand happened to be at the same event when the “A Star is Born” actress, 82, approached her.
“And she hadn’t seen it. I was at my friend’s son’s bar mitzvah, and she was singing at it. And she says, ‘I wanna talk to you,’” she said.
Newman told Cohen she failed to stick around to see what the “Funny Girl” star wanted.
Laraine Newman arrives at the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special at Rockefeller Plaza in 2015. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
“I left,” she shared on the late-night show. “I didn’t wanna talk to her.”
The Post reached out to Streisand’s rep for comment.
While everyone erupted in laughter, she wasn’t the only “SNL” vet who was approached by someone they impersonated.
The other ladies chimed in, with Oteri claiming Judge Judy took issue with her portrayal. “She called my manager — ‘Tell Cheri, your client, she’s almost got me,’” she remembered.
Cheri Oteri as Judge Judy on “SNL.”
(l-r) Rachel Dratch as Ally McBeal, Calista Flockhart during the “SNL” monologue. NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Ana Gasteyer as Martha Stewart on “SNL.” NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Gasteyer said that while Martha Stewart and Celine Dion were “super-gracious” over her impersonations, her favorite reaction was Jo Anne Worley, who “left a message on my NBC voicemail. It was the greatest: ‘This is Jo Anne Worley. I just loved the show.’”
Dratch recalled playing Calista Flockhart, adding, “And then she hosted, so we got to do side-by-side.”
Strong said Judge Jeanine Pirro “wanted to get lunch a couple of times,” adding, “I was busy.”
“SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” is promised to be stacked with alums and former hosts, as well as four original cast members.
The three-hour special will air on NBC Sunday beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.
