Kate McKinnon, American actress and comedian

Kate McKinnon Berthold, professionally known as Kate McKinnon, born on January 6, 1984, is a highly acclaimed American actress, comedian, and writer. Renowned for her distinctive comedic timing, versatile character work, and incisive celebrity impressions, she has carved out a significant niche in contemporary entertainment, showcasing a unique ability to blend the absurd with genuine emotional depth.

Early Career and Breakthrough on Saturday Night Live

McKinnon's career began gaining traction with her memorable contributions to the sketch comedy series The Big Gay Sketch Show, where she was a prominent cast member from 2007 to 2010. However, it was her transformative tenure on NBC's iconic Saturday Night Live (SNL) that truly catapulted her to widespread recognition. Joining the cast in 2012, she quickly became a fan favorite and one of the show's most pivotal performers, ultimately becoming the longest-serving female cast member in SNL's history before her departure in May 2022 after 10 seasons.

On Saturday Night Live, McKinnon became synonymous with her masterful ability to embody a vast array of original, eccentric characters, alongside her uncanny and often hilarious celebrity impressions. Her notable impressions included a stern yet endearing Hillary Clinton during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, television host Ellen DeGeneres, and Dr. Anthony Fauci during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her original characters, such as the alien abductee Colleen Rafferty and the perpetually melancholic lounge singer Barbara DeDrew – often co-starring with Aidy Bryant in popular sketches like "Whiskers R We" – demonstrated her impressive range from the deeply absurd to the subtly profound.

Film and Television Projects Beyond SNL

Beyond her sketch comedy prowess, McKinnon has established a notable presence in feature films. Her filmography includes a variety of comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing her versatility. Key appearances include Balls Out (2014), the 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters, where her portrayal of the eccentric and brilliant nuclear engineer Dr. Jillian Holtzmann garnered significant critical praise and became a breakout performance, solidifying her as a comedic force in cinema. She also featured in Office Christmas Party (2016), Rough Night (2017), the action-comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018) alongside Mila Kunis, the whimsical musical fantasy Yesterday (2019), and the critically acclaimed drama Bombshell (2019), where she played Jess Carr, a fictional producer working at Fox News.

In 2022, following her departure from SNL, McKinnon took on a significant dramatic role in the Peacock miniseries Joe vs. Carole, portraying the controversial big cat sanctuary owner Carole Baskin, a central figure from the popular Netflix documentary Tiger King. This role allowed her to demonstrate her range and capability in more serious, character-driven performances.

Accolades and Recognition

Kate McKinnon's exceptional talent has been widely recognized through numerous prestigious nominations and awards. She has received nine Primetime Emmy Award nominations, a testament to her consistent outstanding performances across her career. These include a nomination for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for her contributions to Saturday Night Live's musical sketches, and a remarkable eight nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the show. She clinched the latter award consecutively in both 2016 and 2017, cementing her status as one of the most celebrated comedic actresses of her generation. These Emmy wins underscored her profound impact and widespread popularity on Saturday Night Live, solidifying her place as a comedic icon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kate McKinnon

Is Kate McKinnon still on SNL?

No, Kate McKinnon officially departed from Saturday Night Live in May 2022, after a highly successful 10-season run on the show.

What are some of Kate McKinnon's most famous celebrity impressions?

She is widely recognized for her uncanny and humorous impressions of figures such as Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ellen DeGeneres, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, among many others.

Has Kate McKinnon won any major awards for her comedy?

Yes, Kate McKinnon has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, securing back-to-back victories in 2016 and 2017 for her exceptional work on Saturday Night Live.

What was Kate McKinnon's role in the 2016 Ghostbusters film?

In the 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters, Kate McKinnon played Dr. Jillian Holtzmann, an eccentric, brilliant nuclear engineer and weapons expert whose performance was a significant highlight and widely praised by critics and audiences alike.