Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon, a beacon of comedic brilliance in the modern entertainment landscape, emerged from the vibrant tapestry of New York’s comedy scene to etch a formidable legacy in Hollywood. Born Kathryn McKinnon Berthold on January 6, 1984, in Sea Cliff, New York, she spent her early years in a household steeped in creativity, with her mother, Laura Campbell, working as a parent educator, and her father, Michael Thomas Berthold, who was an architect. Her upbringing on Long Island was pivotal in shaping a keen sense of humor and a penchant for mimicry, talents that later became her trademarks. McKinnon’s flair for comedy was evident from a young age. Her passion led her to Columbia University, where she actively participated in various comedic pursuits, setting the foundation for her future in entertainment. At Columbia, she co-founded a student comedy group, Tea Party, and earned a BA in Theater in 2006. This period was crucial, serving as a crucible in which she honed her craft, drawing inspiration from comedic greats while developing a distinctive style characterized by a remarkable ability to embody a multitude of personas. Post-college, McKinnon plunged into New York City’s comedy circuit. Her most significant breakthrough came in 2007 with "The Big Gay Sketch Show," a comedic series on Logo TV. As part of the cast, she deftly played a range of characters, showcasing an early glimpse of her versatility and instinct for satirical humor. The show ran for three seasons and positioned McKinnon as a standout performer in LGBTQ+ comedy. Her career trajectory took a decisive turn in April 2012 when she joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) as a featured player. Within a year, she was promoted to a repertory player, marking the beginning of an illustrious era. McKinnon quickly established herself as one of SNL’s leading lights, celebrated for her chameleon-like ability to transform into diverse characters—from the hilariously bizarre alien abductee Ms. Rafferty to the steely, no-nonsense Hillary Clinton. McKinnon’s portrayal of Clinton became particularly emblematic, capturing the zeitgeist with a mix of reverence and humor during the intense political climate of the 2016 presidential election. Her take on Clinton, while undeniably comedic, resonated for its satirical insights into the world of politics. In a profound gesture, Hillary Clinton herself appeared alongside McKinnon in an SNL cold open, solidifying McKinnon's role as a pivotal cultural commentator through comedy. Her tenure on SNL was marked by a series of accolades, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series—a testament to her exceptional talent and beloved status in American comedy. McKinnon’s mastery in sketch comedy was not confined to mimicry alone; she infused her performances with empathy and precision that elevated her impersonations beyond caricature into realms of deeper commentary. Beyond the confines of SNL's studio, McKinnon's star continued to ascend in Hollywood. Her work extended to film, where she made notable appearances in blockbusters and cult hits alike, such as "Ghostbusters" (2016), in which she played the eccentric Dr. Jillian Holtzmann, bringing a distinctive energy to the reboot of the classic franchise. She also starred in comedies like "Rough Night" (2017) and "The Spy Who Dumped Me" (2018), further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress capable of carrying a film with her comedic prowess. Her voice acting work in animated features like "Finding Dory" (2016) and "The Angry Birds Movie" (2016, 2019) showcased yet another facet of her talent, captivating audiences with her vocal agility and charm. McKinnon’s ability to traverse various entertainment platforms—sketch comedy, film, and voice work—underscored the breadth of her skills and her magnetic appeal. As an openly gay entertainer, McKinnon’s success also contributed to broader cultural conversations around representation and inclusivity in media. By excelling in her field, she became an inspiration and a powerful advocate for embracing one’s identity. Her career’s trajectory illuminated a path for future LGBTQ+ artists striving for authenticity in their personal and professional lives. In May 2022, McKinnon concluded her decade-long journey with SNL, a move that signaled the end of an era but also the beginning of new ventures. Her departure from the show was marked by a poignant farewell, bringing full circle a chapter that had seen her rise to the apex of sketch comedy. The legacy she left behind is etched in a multitude of enduring characters and memorable moments that continue to echo in the halls of Studio 8H. McKinnon’s post-SNL endeavors promise to be as engrossing as her storied past. Each step she takes offers a glimpse of an ever-evolving artist committed to exploring new territories while remaining an indelible figure in the landscape of American comedy. A trailblazer with an uncanny ability to reflect and shape cultural narratives, Kate McKinnon stands as a testament to the transformative power of humor in the modern age.