Chris Kattan, best known for his time on “Saturday Night Live,” spent eight memorable years as a cast member of the iconic show, which aired on NBC starting in 1975. Born in Culver City, California in 1970, Chris Kattan grew up navigating life between two very different worlds—his mother, a devoted Zen Buddhist, and his father, Kip Kattan, an actor and comedian. This unique upbringing gave Chris Kattan both creative inspiration and moments of introspection that would later shape his comedic path.
Eventually, Chris Kattan found his way into the world of sketch comedy by joining the famed Groundlings, a troupe his father had actually helped found. It was there that Chris Kattan honed his craft, developing the wild, over-the-top characters that would soon make him a standout. His big break came in 1996 when he joined the cast of “SNL.” During his run on the show, Chris Kattan became a fan favorite thanks to unforgettable roles like Mango and Mr. Peepers. One of his most popular sketches, alongside Will Ferrell, featured two head-bopping guys at a nightclub—a bit so successful it was turned into a full-length film.
That movie, A Night at the Roxbury (1998), marked Chris Kattan’s first major step into film. While still on “SNL,” he continued building his resume with roles in movies like House on Haunted Hill (1999) and Corky Romano (2001). His time on the show wrapped up in 2003, but Chris Kattan didn’t slow down. He took on new challenges, including a self-aware role in the mini-series Bollywood Hero (IFC, 2009), where Chris Kattan played a dramatized version of himself. He also landed a recurring part as Bob on the long-running ABC sitcom The Middle (2009–2018).
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Chris Kattan even stepped onto the ballroom floor as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars (ABC, 2005). Then, in 2019, Chris Kattan opened up about his life in a candid memoir titled Baby, Don’t Hurt Me. In it, he revealed a shocking truth—that back in 2001, during a stunt on “SNL,” he suffered a broken neck. The injury had lasting effects, quietly influencing both his personal life and professional trajectory for nearly two decades. Through it all, Chris Kattan has remained a resilient and dynamic presence in entertainment.
When it comes to Chris Kattan’s film career, fans and critics alike have noticed a bit of a range in quality. One standout in his recent work is Famous (2021), which ended up becoming Chris Kattan’s highest rated movie by quite a margin. The film received generally positive feedback, showcasing Chris Kattan in a role that resonated well with audiences. On the other hand, going back a bit, Christmas in Wonderland (2007) didn’t fare as well—it’s widely regarded as Chris Kattan’s lowest rated film to date. While Chris Kattan has had his ups and downs in Hollywood, these two titles really highlight the contrast in his acting journey. Still, Chris Kattan continues to be a recognizable figure in comedy and film.