variety.com
variety.com
 
Kate McKinnon’s Decade on SNL: A Legacy of Laughter
User avatar
Curated by
cdteliot
3 min read
935
Kate McKinnon is an Emmy Award-winning American actress and comedian, best known for her decade-long stint as a cast member on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" from 2012 to 2022. Born on January 6, 1984, in Sea Cliff, New York, McKinnon has gained recognition for her versatile character work, celebrity impressions, and contributions to film and television comedy.

 

Kate McKinnon’s Early Life and Education

biography.com
biography.com
Kate McKinnon was born on January 6, 1984, in Sea Cliff, New York, to parents parent educator Laura Campbell and architect Michael Thomas Berthold
1
.
McKinnon had a natural ability for music and performance from a young age, beginning to play the piano at age five, the cello at twelve, and the guitar at fifteen
1
.
Her talent for accents began in fifth grade, when she faked a British accent to audition for "Queen of Reading Week," which she credits as the beginning of her comic career. McKinnon attended North Shore High School and graduated in 2002 before enrolling at Columbia University
1
.
She co-founded the Tea Party comedy club at Columbia, which focuses on musical improv comedy, and graduated with a theatrical degree in 2006
1
.
These early experiences with music, accents, and comedy established the groundwork for McKinnon's subsequent success in sketch comedy and acting.
imdb.com favicon
1 source

 

Kate McKinnon's Breakthrough on 'The Big Gay Sketch Show'

out.com
out.com
Kate McKinnon's sketch comedy career began with her appearance on "The Big Gay Sketch Show," which ran on Logo TV from 2007 to 2010
1
.
This LGBT-themed sketch comedy program, produced by Rosie O'Donnell and directed by Amanda Bearse, gave McKinnon an opportunity to display her comic abilities early in her career
1
.
McKinnon stood out among the cast at the age of 23, showing the same scene-stealing skills that would later become her signature on "Saturday Night Live"
2
.
The show included a number of sketches with LGBT themes or twists, such as parodies of vintage sitcoms and original character-driven comedy
1
3
.
McKinnon's performances in "The Big Gay Sketch Show" paved the way for her future success, honing her skills in character work and impressions, which would become key to her comedic approach
2
4
.
en.wikipedia.org favicon
reddit.com favicon
afterellen.com favicon
4 sources

 

Kate McKinnon (Photos)

britannica.com
britannica.com
imdb.com
imdb.com
interviewmagazine.com
interviewmagazine.co...

Emmy-Winning Comedic Talent

Kate McKinnon has received numerous accolades for her work in comedy, particularly for her performances on "Saturday Night Live." Her talent and versatility have been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards and nominations across various categories.
AwardCategoryResultYear(s)
Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesWon2016, 2017
Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy SeriesNominated2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
Primetime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Original Music and LyricsNominated2014
Screen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion PictureNominated2020, 2024
Daytime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Performer in an Animated ProgramNominated2017
McKinnon's Emmy wins in 2016 and 2017 for her work on "Saturday Night Live" solidified her status as one of the show's standout performers
1
2
.
Her consistent nominations over the years demonstrate her enduring impact on the comedy landscape
2
.
Additionally, McKinnon has been recognized for her film work with Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for her performances in ensemble casts
3
4
.
en.wikipedia.org favicon
emmys.com favicon
imdb.com favicon
4 sources

 

Kate McKinnon’s Interviews (Videos)

youtube.com
youtube.com
Watch
youtube.com
youtube.com
Watch

 

Iconic Impressions on 'Saturday Night Live'

ew.com
ew.com
Kate McKinnon's appearances on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) from 2012 until 2022 were distinguished by her outstanding aptitude for celebrity impressions. Her impersonation of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential race became one of her most memorable performances, mimicking the politician's mannerisms and speech patterns with amazing realism
1
.
McKinnon's flexibility was evident in her various impersonations, which included Justin Bieber, Ellen DeGeneres, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
1
.
Her ability to change into various characters made her one of SNL's most valuable actors, with her impressions often becoming show highlights (2). McKinnon's talent for mimicry and character work enabled her to add depth and humor to her representations, making even excessive caricatures appear grounded and approachable
1
.
Her talents to SNL's political satire and pop culture parodies cemented her place as one of the show's most memorable cast members in the 2010s
1
.
britannica.com favicon
1 source

 

Kate McKinnon's Secretive Personal Life

news.amomama.com
news.amomama.com
Kate McKinnon, the Emmy Award-winning comedy actress known for her various roles and spot-on impressions, has kept a low-key personal life despite her high-profile job. McKinnon rose to prominence as a regular cast member on the famed sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" for more than a decade, where she was known for her impersonations and original characters.
1
2
McKinnon has had main parts in action comedy films and worked as a voice-over actress, but she has been private about her personal life. She is openly gay and has had a relationship with actress Jackie Abbott since 2017. McKinnon's ability to smoothly switch between minor television appearances and higher-profile jobs has cemented her reputation as a versatile performer, garnering her numerous Emmy nominations and victories for her work on SNL.
1
3
emmys.com favicon
imdb.com favicon
ew.com favicon
3 sources

 

Closing Thoughts on Kate McKinnon's Career

Television and movies. As a frequent cast member and Emmy Award-winning comedian on "Saturday Night Live," McKinnon demonstrated her flexibility by doing spot-on impressions and creating original characters
1
.
Her roles have grown beyond her typical humorous repertoire, displaying a rising range of film roles for female actors
2
.
While McKinnon has excelled in both minor and major television roles, her imitation talents and ability to create distinctive characters have been her signature
1
.
As a female cast member who advanced from original cast to host, she set the way for future humorous actors. McKinnon's popular impressions and high-profile performances have gained her not just critical acclaim, but also many Emmy nominations, cementing her reputation as a brilliant and adaptable performer in both television and film
3
.
en.wikipedia.org favicon
biography.com favicon
emmys.com favicon
3 sources
Related
What inspired Kate McKinnon to pursue a career in comedy
How did Kate McKinnon's early work influence her future success
What are some of Kate McKinnon's most iconic roles in movies
How did Kate McKinnon's time at Columbia University shape her career
What awards has Kate McKinnon won for her performances
Keep Reading
Tim Conway: Comedic Legend
Tim Conway: Comedic Legend
Tim Conway was a beloved American comedian and actor best known for his roles on the TV shows McHale's Navy and The Carol Burnett Show. Over his long and successful career, he won numerous accolades including five Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for his comedic performances.
9,478
Ellie Kemper: Talented Actress and Hilarious Comedian
Ellie Kemper: Talented Actress and Hilarious Comedian
Ellie Kemper, born Elizabeth Claire Kemper on May 2, 1980, in Kansas City, Missouri, is an American actress, comedian, and writer. She is best known for her roles as Erin Hannon on the NBC series *The Office* and Kimmy Schmidt in the Netflix comedy series *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt*, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for her performances.
1,792
Joyce DeWitt's: From Janet Wood to the Stage
Joyce DeWitt's: From Janet Wood to the Stage
Joyce DeWitt, best known for her role as Janet Wood on the iconic ABC sitcom "Three's Company" from 1977 to 1984, has maintained a diverse career in theater, television, and film since her breakout role. The 74-year-old actress has continued to act on stage and make occasional TV appearances, while also honoring the legacy of her famous sitcom and co-stars.
2,594
Mike Myers: The Comedic Genius from Scarborough
Mike Myers: The Comedic Genius from Scarborough
Mike Myers, born on May 25, 1963, in Scarborough, Ontario, is a renowned Canadian-American actor, comedian, and filmmaker known for his versatile comedic performances and iconic characters. According to his IMDb biography, Myers rose to fame as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" and went on to star in popular film franchises such as "Wayne's World," "Austin Powers," and "Shrek."
1,348