On Thursday, Apr. 18, Hamilton College’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) will host Saturday Night Live (SNL) star Alex Moffat to the Fillius Events Barn for its Spring Comedy Show. This event will mark CAB’s fourth and final comedy show of the year, with previous acts like Mike Birbiglia, Brent Morin, and Moses Storm making appearances throughout the 2018–2019 school year. Doors open at 7:30 PM and the show starts at 8:00 PM.

Opening the show for Moffat is comedian Yedoye Travis, an up-and-coming writer, actor, and comedian with an eye for quick social commentary and plenty of humorous reflections on the state of racism in America. Originally from Atlanta, GA, but now based in New York City, Travis’s debut comedy album Ok was released on Jan. 12, 2018.

Moffat began his career in comedy in Chicago, where he performed improv at several theaters across the city, including at The Second City, Improv Olympic, Annoyance Theater, and Zanies Comedy Club. A year before his SNL debut, Moffat and John Ashton co-starred in the mystery-drama film

Uncle John

in 2015.

Moffat is best known for his work with SNL. The actor joined the well-known variety show back in 2016. In 2018, he was cast as a supporting voice actor for the character of Jimmy in the

Wreck-It Ralph

sequel,

Ralph Breaks the Internet

.

In the years following his debut at Studio 8H, Moffat’s work with SNL has pushed him into the spotlight. While on the show, Moffat has become popular in part for his celebrity impersonations. Although he is recognizable for his performances as Chuck

Schumer and Prince William, perhaps his most notable impersonation has been that of Eric Trump. From his slicked-back hair to his body-language, his characterization of Eric Trump has brought an added dimension of humor to the character’s skits.

But Moffat has also shown equal adeptness in his other roles. He has developed the returning character of “The Guy Who Just Bought a Boat,” in which he portrays a preppy snob; this role has been similarly well-received. Throughout all his performances as a member of the SNL cast, Moffat has built a name for himself as both a talented and versed actor, well-equipped to handle a variety of roles and subjects.

Moffat represents a new generation of SNL cast members, having recently become a repertory cast member for SNL in 2018, its 44th season. His growing list of distinguished performances have helped him to stand out amongst his fellow SNL performers and places him in an important position to influence the future of SNL as a valuable cast member of the show.

In SNL’s post-2016 form, when comedic commentary on politics and pop culture can feel oversaturated at times, Moffat’s wide-ranging work on the show is consistently refreshing and a strong example of skit performance done well. As a result, he remains well-poised to continue to become a defining feature of today’s SNL, a show whose relevance and cultural footprint continues to grow.

If his performances over the past two years are any indication, Moffat appears to have no shortage of characters and personas to comically adapt or creatively critique, and his appearance here on the Hill a chance for the Hamilton community to see his talents in person.