Curtis Sliwa in the SNL Spotlight: How Comedy Captured the Guardian Angel's Mayoral Bid

November 02, 2025

New York, NY - Saturday Night Live, the iconic sketch comedy show, recently turned its satirical lens on the New York City mayoral race, delivering a memorable cold open that featured a chaotic and comical debate. Amid the impersonations and punchlines, one figure who stood out was the ever-colorful Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate and founder of the Guardian Angels. The sketch not only provided laughs but also highlighted the unique and often eccentric public persona of Sliwa.

The SNL debate featured host Miles Teller as former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Ramy Youssef as progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani, and a surprise appearance by former SNL cast member Shane Gillis, who took on the role of Curtis Sliwa. Gillis's portrayal captured Sliwa's signature look, complete with the iconic red beret, a nod to the famous "Curtis Sliwa hat" that has been part of his public image for decades. The sketch humorously exaggerated Sliwa's tendency to recount his many dramatic life stories, including being shot. At one point, Gillis's Sliwa declared he was thrilled to be at the debate and "not getting shot in the back of a yellow cab five times."

The comedic debate touched on various aspects of the candidates' platforms and personalities. When the moderator, played by Kenan Thompson, asked the candidates why they wanted "the worst job in the world," Gillis's Sliwa offered a simple, "I need a job." This was a stark and funny contrast to the more elaborate answers of his opponents.

A highlight of the sketch was the surprise appearance of James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump, who crashed the debate to make it all about himself. Trump's character even took a jab at Sliwa's famous headwear, calling it an "Emily in Paris-looking hat."

For those who have followed Sliwa's career, the SNL portrayal was a comical reflection of his larger-than-life persona. From his early days as a young man founding the Guardian Angels to his outspoken political views, Sliwa has long been a fixture in New York City's public discourse. The sketch's references to him being shot are rooted in a real-life assassination attempt in 1992.

While the SNL sketch didn't delve into details like Curtis Sliwa's net worth or his ethnicity, it masterfully played on the public's perception of him as a tough, street-smart New Yorker with a flair for the dramatic. Questions about his personal life, including his wife, and even his height, often circulate, speaking to the public's enduring curiosity about this unique political figure.

The SNL cold open served as a humorous reminder of the often-unpredictable nature of New York City politics. By focusing on the distinct personalities of the candidates, the show provided a satirical take that resonated with viewers familiar with the city's political landscape. For Curtis Sliwa, the sketch added another chapter to his long and colorful public life, placing him firmly in the crosshairs of comedy's biggest stage.