Impersonator facts for kids
An impersonator is someone who copies or pretends to be another person. They might imitate how someone acts, talks, or even looks. People become impersonators for different reasons, often for fun or sometimes for more serious purposes.
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Why Do People Impersonate Others?
People impersonate others for several reasons. The most common reason is for entertainment.
Impersonators for Entertainment
Many impersonators are entertainers. They copy famous people, like singers, actors, or even historical figures. Their goal is usually to make people laugh or to celebrate the person they are imitating.
- Celebrity Impersonators: These performers look and act like famous people. They might sing their songs or tell jokes in their style. Some very popular people to impersonate include Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.
- Impressionists: These entertainers are good at copying the voices and mannerisms of many different celebrities. They can switch between different characters quickly.
Impersonators for Protection
Sometimes, impersonators are used to protect important people.
- Political Decoys: A political decoy is someone who looks very much like a political or military leader. They might appear in public instead of the real person. This helps to keep the important figure safe from danger.
Impersonators for Wrong Reasons
Unfortunately, some people impersonate others for bad reasons.
- Pretending to be Someone Else: This happens when someone pretends to be another person to get something they shouldn't have. For example, they might try to get information or property that doesn't belong to them. This is a serious problem and is not allowed.
Celebrity Impersonators
Celebrity impersonators are entertainers who look a lot like famous people. They dress up and act in ways that imitate the celebrity. These performers are also known as look-alikes, imitators, or tribute artists.
People often enjoy seeing celebrity impersonators because it's fun. Sometimes, if a celebrity has passed away, fans might enjoy seeing a tribute artist perform. This helps keep the memory of the celebrity alive.
One of the most famous examples is Elvis Presley. There are more Elvis impersonators and tribute artists around the world than for almost any other celebrity!
Some impersonators even appear in movies or TV shows. For example, Edward Moss has played Michael Jackson in films and sitcoms.
Images for kids
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Impersonators of Kim Jong-un (Howard X) and Donald Trump (Dennis Alan) during the 2018 North Korea–United States Singapore Summit
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Patrick Knight as Boy George
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An impersonator of George Michael
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Theodore Roosevelt impersonator Joe Wiegand performs October 27, 2008 in the East Room of the White House, during a celebration of Roosevelt's 150th birthday.
