Reliable Source: Anthony Fauci praises 'classy' Brad Pitt's 'SNL' impersonation of him

In an interview Monday with Telemundo's "Un Nuevo Dia," the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases praised Pitt's portrayal, calling him one of his favorite actors.

"I think he did great. I'm a great fan of Brad Pitt, and that's the reason why when people ask me who I would like to play me, I mention Brad Pitt," Fauci said.

In a recent interview with CNN, Fauci had joked about having the superstar actor play him on a future episode of "SNL." On Saturday, Pitt, who had never appeared on "SNL" before, made a surprise appearance on the show's second "At Home" episode.

Pitt began the cold open by introducing himself as Fauci, speaking in the doctor's distinctive raspy voice while wearing a gray wig and glasses.

"Now, there's been a lot of misinformation out there about the virus," Pitt-as-Fauci said. "Yes, the president has taken some liberties with our guidelines. So tonight, I would like to explain what the president was trying to say."

He went on to discuss several confusing statements issued by President Donald Trump in his various White House coronavirus task force briefings. Pitt took a few jabs at the president over his comments about ultraviolet light and using disinfectant injections as a treatment, and his claims about how long the virus may last.

"It's going to disappear one day - one day it's like a miracle, it will disappear," Trump said in one clip, to which Pitt's Fauci responded: "A miracle would be great. Who doesn't love miracles? But miracles shouldn't be Plan A. Even Sully tried to land at the airport first."

In the "Un Nuevo Dia" interview, Fauci was asked about the candidness of Pitt's portrayal and whether any of the things said during the sketch were things that had actually crossed his mind. Fauci responded with an equal level of candor.

"Everything he said on 'SNL' is what's going on," the White House task force member said. "He did a pretty good job of putting everything together."

Though Pitt's cold open was typical fodder for the sketch show, it was particularly notable when, at the end, the recent Oscar winner broke character, taking off his toupee to address Fauci directly.

"To the real Dr. Fauci, thank you for your calm and your clarity in this unnerving time," he said. "And thank you to the medical workers, first responders and their families, for being on the front line."

Fauci said: "I think he showed that he is really a classy guy when, at the end, he took off his hair and thanked me and all of the health-care workers. So, not only is he a really great actor, but he is actually a classy person."

Based on Pitt's swift involvement in the sketch and his closing statement, it's safe to say the feeling is mutual.