Pharoah to play Obama on 'SNL'

NEW YORK, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- "Saturday Night Live" producer Lorne Michaels says Jay Pharoah will play U.S. President Barack Obama on the new season of the sketch comedy show.

Best known for his impersonations of actors Denzel Washington and Eddie Murphy, Pharoah takes over the role of Obama from Fred Armisen, who will remain a cast member on "SNL," The Hill said.

"I just thought it might be time to shake it up," Michaels told The New York Times, adding Armisen is "the backbone of the show now."

"SNL" veterans Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg left the show last spring.