Tina Fey Doesn't Want to Portray Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live

The folks at "Saturday Night Live" must need a ratings boost. In the past two weeks they've had skits portraying Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her family as backwoods, uneducated, and no better than animals in heat (what other explanation do you have for the reference that Todd Palin is "doing" his daughters?). Now the actress who impersonated Palin on a recent episode says she no longer wants to portray the candidate.

Tina Fey was attending the Emmy Awards and won for role in "30 Rock". Afterwards she was asked about her role as Palin on a recent SNL episode. She explained that from the start she did not want the part. "I was fighting them all week on it. I kept saying, I don't want to do it, I'm not an impressionist.' I kept telling (SNL' producer) Lorne (Michaels), No! I'll show up...I'll do anything except play her. I can't do it.' Then, I was worn down. Lorne wore me down by the end of the week." Later, she was very vocal in her pronouncement that she did not want to do more Palin impersonations. "I want to be done playing this lady November 5, so if anyone can help me be done, that'll be good."

Heck, Tina, that's easy. Here, let me help you with this letter to Lorne Michaels.

Dear Mr. Michaels:

I don't know if you watched the Emmys the other night, but one of your employees, Tina Fey, has stated publicly that she does not want to portray Sarah Palin after November 5. I know she's extremely successful, both on your show and on "30 Rock". And perhaps that's the problem. We know that she will be playing Palin for at least the next four years, and probably longer. I'm guessing that she'd rather stick with "30 Rock" and not have to deal with the humiliation of pretending to be a strong, confident, moral female politician. Since Fey is evidently nervous about letting you in on her personal views, I guess it's up to me to let you know that she will not be returning to SNL after the elections in November. At least she's given you plenty of notice. Thank you.

Now, that wasn't so hard, was it, Tina? I know I feel better already.