It’s been a pretty serious day on the mortgage finance front. In my book, that means it’s time for a distraction. So what better than a round of “Celebrity Look-a-likes: The totally serious mortgage finance edition”? 

I’ll start with my inspiration for this blog: Ed DeMarco, acting head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Ed DeMarco is essentially a human mash up of the two best characters on “The Office.” In listening to DeMarco’s speech this morning, I couldn’t help but notice how much he sounds like Steve Carrell. If you don’t believe me, view both of the videos I’m posting below: One of Carrell, and one of DeMarco. Close your eyes and listen. It’s amazing. 

Then, there’s the wonderful resemblance between DeMarco and Rainn Wilson’s portrayal of Dwight Schrute. You can’t make this stuff up, people. 

Then, there’s Brian Moynihan. While Moynihan, the president and CEO of Bank of America [stock BAC][/stock], may not be the most popular man on the block right now, we here at HousingWire couldn’t help but notice his spot-on resemblance to Kurt Russell. Perhaps he can dwell on his handsome doppelganger the next time his speeches are interrupted by protesters. 

Next up is Shaun Donovan, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He bears an eerie resemblance to our much beloved Napoleon Dynamite — arguably the single greatest decisionmaker in the history of cinema. Support Donovan and your wildest dreams will come true! 

Perhaps the most stunning resemblance of all is this one. How much does Richard Cordray, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, look like Jack McBrayer’s portrayal of Kenneth Parcell from “30 Rock”? This was originally pointed out by Jay Leno in a bit, but I can’t help but giggle now every time I see Cordray on television. I’m hoping if I ever land an interview with the man I’ll be able to contain myself. 

We also feel that if anyone ever plays Sheila Bair, former chairperson of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., it will be Kathy Bates. Both women are outspoken and have some hidden funny — not to mention some similar physical features.

And finally, if you thought Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner was fierce before, check out his resemblance to T-1000 (played by Robert Patrick) in “Terminator 2.” Let’s just hope this whole housing crisis doesn’t come down to Geithner running furiously after DeMarco — though that would be entertaining. 

Well, that’s all folks. Hope I assisted in brightening your day. 

jhuseman@housingwire.com