Sam Rockwell Hilariously Apologizes to Jenna Bush Hager for Playing Her Dad in ‘Vice’

Sam Rockwell and his longtime partner, Leslie Bibb, are going viral after a hilarious and slightly awkward exchange with “Today” show host Jenna Bush Hager.

The 56-year-old actor appeared on the morning show to discuss his latest projects, including his surprise role in HBO’s hit series “The White Lotus.” But it was a moment from his past that sparked laughs and headlines.

Sam Rockwell Channels George W. Bush

During the segment, Rockwell’s portrayal of former President George W. Bush in the 2018 film “Vice” was brought up. Specifically, the fact that he played Bush Hager’s father. The topic resurfaced when Bibb casually mentioned, “So, like, when you played Jenna’s dad—” before Rockwell quickly cut in, gasping, “Yes! Oh my God, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for that.”

Bush Hager couldn’t stop laughing at his reaction, reassuring him, “No, you don’t need to apologize!” The show then pulled up side-by-side images of Rockwell and the former president, drawing more laughs. “Her dad has never been sexier. Look at you two!” Bibb quipped, as Bush Hager chuckled.

Embracing the awkward fun, Rockwell joked, “Jenna, are we going to have to get a therapist?” Bush Hager shot back, “We do have the same physical therapist. We could go to her!”

“We do! And we met briefly, and that was awkward. I’m sorry,” Rockwell said again. “I was probably asking you about your father.” Bibb, ever the supportive partner, chimed in with, “Cookie, you’re fine!”

‘¿Dónde está Guillermo?’

Bush Hager then asked if Rockwell ever busted out the presidential impression in real life. “Like, if you’d go to a Tex-Mex restaurant, would you suddenly start talking like George Bush?” she asked.

Rockwell recalled appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and watching an interview where the real W. Bush jokingly asked, “¿Dónde está Guillermo?” Mimicking Bush’s delivery, Rockwell’s impersonation had both Bibb and Bush Hager in stitches.

Rockwell’s portrayal of the 43rd president earned him an Academy Award nomination. The film, directed by Adam McKay, starred Christian Bale as Dick Cheney and featured an A-list ensemble cast including Amy Adams and Steve Carell. It received eight Academy Award nominations and six Golden Globe nominations, with Bale winning Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.

6-Minute Monologue

As for his recent appearance in “The White Lotus,” Rockwell shocked fans by appearing unannounced in the newest season. He plays Frank, an American living in Thailand who reconnects with Walton Goggins‘ character. (Don’t worry, no spoilers here!)

Viewers praised Rockwell’s performance, especially his powerful six-minute monologue about spiritual awakening, shame, and yes, sexuality. Safe to say it deeply resonated with the show’s themes, if you know what I mean.

The unexpected nature of Rockwell’s role was part of the intrigue. His casting had been kept under wraps, making his debut one of the show’s biggest surprises. In an interview with GQ, Rockwell revealed he had just no more than six weeks to prepare for the role, and Bibb helped him memorize his lines. “She drilled me on the lines. We ran them while watching elephants,” he said.

Leave it to Rockwell to turn even the most awkward moments into gold and deliver unforgettable performances along the way.

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