An impersonator is someone who imitates or copies the behavior or actions of another. There are many reasons for impersonating someone:
Living history: After close study of some historical figure, a performer may dress and speak "as" that person for an audience. Such historical interpretation may be a scripted dramatic performance like Mark Twain Tonight! or an unscripted interaction while staying in character.
Entertainment: An "impressionist" impersonates well-known figures in order to entertain an audience. Especially popular objects of impersonation are Elvis Presley (see Elvis impersonator), Michael Jackson (see Michael Jackson impersonator) and Madonna (see Madonna impersonator). Other uses of impersonation for entertainment include male drag queens (previously called "female impers...
Main article image
1980s Madonna style.jpg
A model showing Madonna's early fashion style in the mid-1980s.
George-Michael-Impersonator.jpg
A celebrity impersonator of George Michael, singing at a nightclub.
Joe Wiegand TR WhiteHouse 2008.jpg
Theodore Roosevelt impersonator Joe Wiegand performs Monday evening, Oct. 27, 2008 in the East Room ...
Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump impersonators.jpg
Howard X and Dennis Alan, impersonators of Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump during the 2018 North Korea–...
Michael Jackson impersonator for Thriller 25th anniversary.jpg
Michael Jackson impersonator Pete Carter at the 25th anniversary celebration of Thriller for the 200...
Patrick Knight as Boy George.jpg
Photo taken of a Boy George impersonator, Patrick Knight in outfit and make-up.