During the late 1960s and early 1970s, David Frye (1934–2011) frequented variety and late-night talk shows, creating some of the most acclaimed impersonations of politicians. Frye aimed “to get not just a few characteristics, but the whole presence” of his subjects. “Comedy,” he believed, “lies in the fact that all politicians pretend to be statesmen when they’re really politicians.” Frye’s career suffered after the downfall of Richard Nixon, of whom Frye did his most celebrated impersonation.