Cecily Strong first stepped into the national spotlight back in the fall of 2012, joining the iconic cast of NBC’s legendary weekend comedy series Saturday Night Live (1975– ). Cecily Strong had already built a solid foundation in Chicago’s vibrant comedy scene, starting out as a young performer in regional theater before diving deep into the city’s renowned improv circuit. Over time, Cecily Strong honed her craft at celebrated institutions like the iO Theater and The Second City—proving herself a standout among a long line of talented comic actors to emerge from the Windy City.
It didn’t take long for Cecily Strong’s sharp timing and fearless performances to catch the eye of Lorne Michaels, the longtime producer behind SNL. And just like that, Cecily Strong was catapulted onto one of television’s most influential comedy stages. From her very first appearances, she made waves with spot-on impersonations—most notably her takes on Rachel Maddow and the infamous “cougars” tied to the General Petraeus scandal. Critics and fans alike quickly noticed Cecily Strong, singling her out as a fresh, dynamic voice in a cast already packed with comedic heavyweights. Cecily Strong wasn’t just keeping up—she was standing out.
When it comes to Cecily Strong’s film career, her highest rated movie is definitely Love, Gilda from 2018—a heartfelt and touching documentary that really resonated with audiences and critics alike. Cecily Strong brought depth and sincerity to her involvement in the project, which might be one reason it stands out so strongly in her filmography. On the other end of the spectrum, Cecily Strong’s lowest rated film to date is The Boss, released back in 2016. While it had its moments and showcased Cecily Strong’s comedic timing, it didn’t quite land as well with viewers or reviewers. Overall, Cecily Strong has shown range across different genres, but these two films mark the high and low points in terms of critical reception.