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Bernie Sanders makes a cameo on 'SNL'
01:26 - Source: NBC/Broadway Video
CNN  — 

How did Larry David deliver a spot-on impression of Bernie Sanders on “Saturday Night Live”? Apparently it’s in his DNA.

In an upcoming episode of “Finding Your Roots,” a PBS program in which celebrities find out more about their lineage and history, David will learn he has genealogical ties to the senator and former presidential candidate, who he channeled for numerous appearances on “SNL” during the election.

David spoke about the surprising discovery on Wednesday during a panel for the return of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” during the Television Critics Association press tour after a reporter, who’d seen an advance screener of the “Finding Your Roots” episode, posed a question about it.

David said he’d been instructed to keep the connection a secret, presumably because the network wanted to promote or tease the reveal.

David said he was “very happy” to learn about his connection to the Vermont senator.

“I thought there must be some connection,” he said. “I love Bernie.”

David couldn’t remember the exact nature of their relation, but said Sanders was “like a third cousin or something.”

David’s “SNL” hosting gig last year, during which he performed a sketch titled “Bern Your Enthusiasm” as Sanders, earned him an Emmy nomination in the outstanding guest actor in a comedy series category.

“Curb Your Enthusiasm” returns to HBO on October 1, with guest stars like Bryan Cranston, Jimmy Kimmel and Judge Judy.