Get Paid to Impersonate a Celeb

A Jack Nicholson impersonator charges $1,200

From Art Teacher to Jack Nicholson Doppelgänger: How SunglassJack Turned Celebrity Resemblance into a Lucrative Side Hustle

Hi Oddies,

Jen Glantz here.

Have you ever been told you look like a famous celebrity?

While most of us might get a comment here or there about resembling someone famous, few people turn that resemblance into a thriving career.

Enter SunglassJack (aka Norman Deesing), a retired high school art teacher who has built an impressive side hustle as one of the world's most convincing Jack Nicholson impersonators.

Sho how did he do this? How can you do it to?

Let’s dive in to all that and more today!

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Who Is SunglassJack?

SunglassJack is a sketch comedy entertainer who's wildly popular on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Behind the iconic sunglasses is Norman Deesing, a sculptor and retired art teacher who has leveraged his uncanny resemblance to Jack Nicholson into a full-fledged entertainment career.

With a 5-star rating from all reviewers on his booking profile, SunglassJack has clearly mastered his craft. One reviewer even commented: "Everyone who has seen the footage/photos all thought it was really him." Now that's what I call nailing an impression!

sunglassjack

A post shared by @sunglassjack

What Services Does He Offer and How Much Does He Make?

SunglassJack offers several services, charging a minimum of $1,200 per appearance. His primary offerings include:

1. Red carpet-style appearances

2. Meet and greets at corporate events

3. Mingling with crowds at parties and special occasions

4. Personalized video shoutouts (starting at $169 via Cameo)

5. Latin-style musical performances (he plays conga and bongos!)

While his exact annual income isn't public information, we can make an educated guess. With a starting rate of $1,200 per appearance, even just 2-4 events per month could generate $30,000-$60,000 annually. Add in his Cameo videos ($169+ each) and other opportunities, and it's clear this is a lucrative side hustle.

Why Celebrity Impersonation Is a Popular Odd Job

Celebrity impersonation has become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons:

1. Social Media Exposure: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have created new opportunities for impersonators to build their personal brands.

2. Event Enhancement: Companies and individuals are constantly looking for ways to make their events memorable. Having a convincing celebrity lookalike creates buzz and photo opportunities.

3. Flexibility: Impersonators can work on their own schedule, picking the gigs that interest them most.

4. Low Startup Costs: Unlike many businesses, getting started primarily requires resemblance to a celebrity and the ability to mimic their mannerisms.

5. Diverse Revenue Streams: From in-person appearances to cameo videos, merchandise, and even acting roles, impersonators have multiple ways to monetize their talent.

How SunglassJack Built His Career

Norman Deesing didn't just wake up one day as SunglassJack. His journey combined natural resemblance with strategic career development:

1. He started with his natural resemblance to Jack Nicholson, which led to opportunities as a stand-in for the real Jack Nicholson on promotional photo shoots.

2. He developed his impersonation skills by studying Nicholson's voice, mannerisms, and signature expressions.

3. He built a professional presence with quality promotional materials and an active social media presence.

4. He leveraged his impersonation skills into actual acting roles on shows like NCIS, CSI, Castle, and Workaholics.

5. He partnered with his wife Lea, who handles filming, directing, and editing of his comedy content.

6. He expanded his services to include personalized video messages and diversified his revenue streams.

How to Start Your Own Celebrity Impersonation Side Hustle

Think you might have what it takes to follow in SunglassJack's footsteps? Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started:

1. Find Your Celebrity Match

The first step is identifying which celebrity you most resemble. Ask friends for honest feedback. The best impersonators have a natural resemblance they can enhance with the right styling, makeup, and mannerisms.

2. Study Your Celebrity

Watch interviews, movies, and public appearances to learn their:

• Voice patterns and accent

• Signature catchphrases

• Body language and gestures

• Facial expressions

• Walking style

3. Create Your Look

Invest in the right:

• Clothing that matches your celebrity's style

• Hairstyling or wigs

• Makeup techniques

• Props (in SunglassJack's case, those iconic sunglasses!)

4. Build Your Brand

• Create professional photos and videos

• Set up social media accounts

• Design business cards and promotional materials

• Consider a memorable name (like "SunglassJack")

• Build a website showcasing your services

5. Start Small and Scale Up

• Begin by performing at friends' parties for free to gain experience

• Create short social media videos to build an audience

• Network with event planners and entertainment agencies

• Register with platforms like GigSalad that connect performers with clients

• Consider joining SAG-AFTRA if pursuing acting opportunities (SunglassJack is a member)

6. Diversify Your Income Streams

Take a page from SunglassJack's playbook:

• In-person event appearances

• Personalized video messages on platforms like Cameo

• Acting roles and commercial work

• Merchandise

• Social media sponsorships

The Business Side of Impersonation

Running a successful impersonation business requires more than just looking the part:

1. Insurance: SunglassJack carries a $1,000,000 insurance policy. This is essential for working professional events.

2. Legal Considerations: Be careful not to claim you ARE the celebrity, which could lead to legal issues. Notice how SunglassJack's branding clearly indicates he's an impersonator.

3. Professional Conduct: Maintain professionalism at all events. As one reviewer noted about SunglassJack: "Always in character. Very professional and great attitude."

4. Marketing Strategy: Leverage social media, word-of-mouth, and entertainment booking platforms to find clients.

The Takeaway

SunglassJack has turned what might have been just a passing comment ("Hey, you look like Jack Nicholson!") into a thriving business that brings joy to clients and fans alike. His success shows that with the right combination of natural talent, dedication to the craft, and business savvy, celebrity impersonation can be a surprisingly lucrative and fulfilling career path.

Whether you're looking to start your own impersonation business or just fascinated by unique side hustles, SunglassJack's story proves that sometimes the most unexpected talents can lead to the most rewarding careers.

Would you ever consider becoming a celebrity impersonator? Or have you had a memorable experience with one at an event? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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🥳 Jen Glantz is the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire and the creator of The Pick-Me-Up newsletter. She offers 1:1 coaching and company workshops. Follow her adventures on Instagram @jenglantz.