Celebrity Info
When Kate McKinnon joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 2012 as a featured player, she made history in a significant way—becoming the first openly lesbian performer to be part of the long-running sketch comedy series. Now, while it was later revealed that Danitra Vance, who was on the show during the 1985–86 season, was also a lesbian, Kate McKinnon’s presence marked a new era of visibility and representation on one of television’s most influential stages.
Born Kate McKinnon Berthold in Nassau County, New York, and raised on Long Island, she cultivated her comedic voice early on. After earning her degree from Columbia University, Kate dove into the world of improv, performing across New York City. She became a regular at the renowned Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, where she developed a reputation for bold, eccentric one-woman shows—like the delightfully bizarre “Kate McKinnon On Ice.” Her unique style caught attention, and by 2007, she landed a spot on “The Big Gay Sketch Show” (LOGO, 2007–2010), spending three seasons refining her knack for original characters and spot-on impressions.
Then came the big break: in the spring of 2012, Kate McKinnon joined “SNL,” stepping in after Paul Brittain’s sudden departure. Many saw her as a natural successor to Kristen Wiig, and honestly, she didn’t just fill shoes—she sprinted ahead with her own energy. Known for playing tightly wound, slightly unhinged characters—like the wildly intense Russian immigrant Olya Povlatsky—Kate quickly became a standout. One of her most viral moments came in 2015 during a sketch with Ryan Gosling, where she hilariously recounted disturbing alien abduction experiences. It was absurd, sharp, and totally unforgettable.
But Kate McKinnon wasn’t just about quirky originals—her impersonations were next level. From Ellen DeGeneres to Shakira, and from a creepily accurate Justin Bieber to an award-worthy Hillary Clinton (yes, she even shared a scene with the real Hillary during the 2016 election cycle), Kate brought uncanny precision and fearless humor to every portrayal. Her work earned her Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in both 2014 and 2015—a well-deserved recognition of her rising star power.
As her fame grew on “SNL,” Kate McKinnon began expanding into film. She started with smaller roles in indie comedies like “Life Partners” and “Intramural” (also known as “Balls Out”), both released in 2014. Then came bigger projects tied to the SNL universe—such as “Staten Island Summer” (2015), written by Colin Jost, and “Sisters” (2015), starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. But it was her leap into major studio films that really cemented her status. In 2016, she lent her voice to Pixar’s “Finding Dory” and took on a lead role in Paul Feig’s reboot of “Ghostbusters,” sharing the screen with Melissa McCarthy and fellow SNL alumni Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones.
Through it all, Kate McKinnon has remained a trailblazer—funny, fearless, and refreshingly authentic. Whether she’s delivering political satire or voicing animated sea creatures, Kate brings a rare blend of intelligence, timing, and heart to everything she does. And honestly, it’s hard to imagine “SNL”—or comedy in general—the same without her.
So, when it comes to Kate McKinnon’s film career, there are definitely some standout moments—and a few that didn’t quite hit the mark. If we’re talking about her highest rated project, it’s hard to overlook Barbie (2023), which really showcased Kate McKinnon’s range and comedic brilliance. The movie was not only a box office smash but also earned strong reviews, making it a clear highlight in Kate McKinnon’s body of work. On the flip side, one of her less successful ventures was Staten Island Summer (2015), which ended up being her lowest rated film to date. While it had its moments, it just didn’t resonate with audiences or critics the way other projects featuring Kate McKinnon have. Overall, though, Kate McKinnon continues to build an impressive resume, bouncing between quirky roles and mainstream hits with ease.
United States
