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“HBO Real Sports” profiles comedian, Countdown contributor Caliendo

Frank Caliendo prepares to  impersonate ESPN's Chris Berman. (Photo courtesy HBO Sports)
Comedian and Sunday NFL Countdown contributor Frank Caliendo prepares to impersonate ESPN’s Chris Berman in this scene from “HBO Real Sports” profile of Caliendo.
(Photo courtesy HBO Real Sports)

The past few years, fans have seen more and more of comedian/impressionist Frank Caliendo on ESPN. He makes regular appearances on ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike and has been a contributor to ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown pregame show since 2012.

Speaking of impressions, Caliendo’s work usually leaves one. Whether he’s reciting Allen Iverson’s famous “practice” rant in the voice of actor Morgan Freeman or playing multiple characters in segments like his 30 for 30-inspired Richard Sherman mockumentary, the result is usually hilarious.

For fans who wonder how Caliendo can seamlessly impersonate everyone from George W. Bush and Bill Belichick to ESPN personalities like Mel Kiper, Jr., Ron Jaworski and Chris Berman, now’s the chance to go behind the makeup and the prosthetics to find out.

“HBO Real Sports” will profile Caliendo tonight (10 p.m. ET/PT, HBO). Reporter Bernard Goldberg interviewed Caliendo and a “Real Sports” crew spent time with him at the ESPN campus this month to catch a rare glimpse of his unique blend of sports and humor.

Caliendo’s next planned appearance on Countdown is Sunday, Oct. 12.

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