5 Ways Ariana Grande’s Jennifer Coolidge Impression Single-Handedly Revived A Hollywood Icon’s Career

The bond between pop superstar Ariana Grande and comedy icon Jennifer Coolidge is one of Hollywood's most delightful and unexpected friendships. What started as a simple, spot-on celebrity impression has evolved into a career-defining moment for both women, culminating in a series of viral sketches and a genuine mutual admiration. As of December 13, 2025, the impression remains a cornerstone of Grande’s comedic repertoire, having recently resurfaced in a major *Saturday Night Live* appearance that once again broke the internet.

This isn't just a funny imitation; it’s a story of how a single comedic sketch can change the trajectory of an entire career, leading to what fans now affectionately call the "Jenaissance." From the initial *Legally Blonde* reference to the latest *SNL* mirror gag, the *Ariana Grande Jennifer Coolidge impression* is a masterclass in celebrity mimicry and a testament to the power of pop culture influence.

The Genesis of the Impression: From Fallon to the "Jenaissance"

The story of the impression that launched a thousand memes—and arguably, a career resurgence—began not on the stage of *SNL*, but on a late-night talk show. Ariana Grande first showcased her uncanny ability to mimic Jennifer Coolidge's distinct voice and mannerisms in 2018 on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*.

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The 2018 Viral Moment on *The Tonight Show*

During the segment, Grande was challenged to do a "Wheel of Musical Impressions," a recurring bit on the show. When the wheel landed on Jennifer Coolidge, Grande didn't hesitate. She immediately adopted the breathy, drawn-out cadence of Coolidge's beloved character, Paulette Bonafonté, from the 2001 film *Legally Blonde*.

The specific line Grande chose—a reference to Paulette’s iconic "4th of July" speech—was delivered with such precision that it instantly went viral. This moment marked the beginning of a key connection between the two stars, one that would soon lead to a major collaboration and a dramatic shift in Coolidge’s professional life.

Jennifer Coolidge’s Career-Reviving Reaction

The most fascinating part of this story is Jennifer Coolidge's own reaction. Far from being offended, Coolidge has openly credited Grande’s impression with directly reviving her acting career. She has stated that her career was "flatlining" before the impression and the subsequent collaboration.

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Coolidge has emphasized that the exposure and renewed public interest generated by Grande’s viral sketch and the music video role led to a massive increase in opportunities. This momentum eventually paved the way for her career-defining, Emmy-winning role as Tanya McQuoid in the HBO series *The White Lotus*. The impression didn't just honor her past work; it propelled her into a new, globally recognized era.

The Ultimate Collaboration: The "thank u, next" Music Video

The relationship solidified when Ariana Grande cast Jennifer Coolidge in her highly anticipated 2018 music video for "thank u, next." The video, a homage to iconic 2000s films like *Mean Girls*, *Bring It On*, and *13 Going on 30*, featured Coolidge reprising her role as Paulette.

In the video, Coolidge delivers a hilarious monologue to Grande (playing Elle Woods), recounting a story about a confusing encounter with a delivery man involving a "seven-layer dip." This cameo was a massive cultural moment, perfectly blending nostalgia with Grande’s current pop dominance.

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• The Role: Coolidge returned as Paulette Bonafonté, the nail technician and friend of Elle Woods.
• The Dialogue: The famous "seven-layer dip" and "bend and snap" references were included, further cementing the *Legally Blonde* legacy.
• The Impact: The video garnered hundreds of millions of views, placing Coolidge directly in front of a new generation of fans and reminding Hollywood of her unique comedic genius.

This collaboration was a direct result of Grande's initial impression. It illustrated a rare and positive instance of a celebrity impression leading to a professional partnership, amplifying both Grande’s creative vision and Coolidge’s visibility.

The Latest Evolution: The 2024 *SNL* Maybelline Spoof

The comedic gold of the impression was mined again in October 2024 when Ariana Grande hosted *Saturday Night Live*. This time, the impression was updated to reflect Coolidge’s most recent success as Tanya McQuoid in *The White Lotus*.

The Dual Impression Sketch with Chloe Fineman

The sketch featured Grande alongside *SNL* cast member Chloe Fineman, who is also known for her excellent Jennifer Coolidge impersonation. The two appeared as mirror images of Coolidge, spoofing a *Maybelline* commercial.

The premise involved both Grande and Fineman perfectly mimicking Coolidge’s signature movements, from applying lip gloss to delivering breathy, observational dialogue. The sketch was a huge success, quickly becoming one of the most-watched segments of the season and proving the enduring popularity of the impression.

Why the Impression Endures

Ariana Grande’s success as an impersonator stems from her background in musical theater and her impeccable vocal control. Unlike many celebrity impressions that focus on caricature, Grande’s take on Coolidge is rooted in vocal accuracy and a genuine affection for the subject.

Her ability to capture the specific pitch, tempo, and unique speech patterns of Coolidge—particularly the elongated vowels and dramatic pauses—is what makes it so spot-on. This talent is also evident in her other famous impressions, including Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Jennifer Lawrence.

The Cultural Significance of the "Coolidge Effect"

The phenomenon surrounding Jennifer Coolidge's career resurgence is often referred to as the "Coolidge Effect" or the "Jenaissance." It highlights how a beloved, yet underutilized, comedic actress was finally given the high-profile roles she deserved, largely thanks to a viral cultural moment.

The *Ariana Grande Jennifer Coolidge impression* served as a vital bridge between Coolidge’s cult status from films like *Best in Show* and *American Pie* and her current global icon status. It was a catalyst that reminded Hollywood’s gatekeepers of her undeniable star power and unique appeal.

Her subsequent success in *The White Lotus*, which earned her a Golden Globe and multiple Emmys, is the payoff of that renewed attention. It’s a powerful narrative that demonstrates the unpredictable and often heartwarming way that social media and pop culture virality can influence the traditional entertainment industry.

The story of Ariana Grande and Jennifer Coolidge is more than just a funny bit; it’s a modern Hollywood fairy tale. Grande’s talent for impression not only entertained millions but also played a direct role in elevating a friend and legendary actress back to the top of the industry. It’s a classic example of how genuine admiration can lead to genuine career change.