You may have seen Larry David impersonate Bernie Sanders on Saturday Night Live, and wondered if the two comedians share more than a striking resemblance. Well, it turns out that they do. In fact, they are cousins.
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How Did They Find Out?
The surprising discovery was made in 2017, when both David and Sanders participated in the PBS program Finding Your Roots, hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr. The show explores the ancestry and genealogy of celebrities using DNA tests and historical records.
According to Time, in the fourth season premiere of the show, Gates gave each man a book that had photos of a distant cousin. David hoped for a good athlete, but was shocked to see Sanders’ picture. Sanders had a similar reaction, laughing and saying “You’re kidding!
How Are They Related?
The show did not reveal the exact degree of kinship between David and Sanders, but David said that Sanders is “a third cousin or something.” This means that they share at least one great-great-grandparent, or that they are descended from siblings of their great-grandparents.
According to Rolling Stone, both David and Sanders have Jewish roots that trace back to Eastern Europe. David’s paternal grandfather was born in Ukraine, while Sanders’ father was born in Poland. Both men also have ancestors who immigrated to the United States in the early 20th century.
What Do They Think of Each Other?
David and Sanders seem to have a good relationship, despite their political differences. David is a self-proclaimed liberal, while Sanders is a democratic socialist. However, they both share a sense of humor and a passion for social justice.
David told Variety that he was very happy to learn that he was related to Sanders, and called him “cousin Bernie.” He also praised Sanders’ performance in the 2016 presidential election, saying that he “did great.”
Sanders also expressed his admiration for David’s talent, especially his impression of him on SNL. He told Time that David does a better Bernie Sanders than he does, and that he thought his sketches were “very funny.”
What’s Next for Them?
Both David and Sanders are still active in their respective fields. David is returning to his HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, which will premiere its 11th season on October 24th. He will also reprise his role as Sanders on SNL, if the senator decides to run for president again in 2024.
Sanders is currently serving as the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, where he is pushing for progressive policies such as Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage, and a Green New Deal. He is also one of the most popular and influential politicians in the country, with millions of supporters and followers.
So there you have it. Larry David and Bernie Sanders are not only look-alikes, but also relatives. And they are both making an impact in the world of comedy and politics. Who knows, maybe one day they will reunite on SNL or in the White House.
