She was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2001, and during that time, she really made a name for herself with her wild and eccentric characters—many of which became fan favorites. You might also remember her as Betty Lou Who in the 2000 movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas, where her quirky charm truly shined. Fast forward to 2013, and she earned critical acclaim when she was nominated for an Emmy for her guest appearance on the HBO series Enlightened. That role really showcased her range beyond comedy.
Before all the fame, though, her journey began at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied drama and eventually graduated in 1987. She slowly built her career, landing a role in the 1989 horror film remake of The Phantom of the Opera, which was one of her earlier breaks. After that, she appeared in small but memorable roles on shows like In Living Color and Twin Peaks, steadily gaining attention in the industry.
On a personal note, she married Fritz Chesnut in 2004, and together they have a daughter and a son—family clearly means a lot to her. Her father worked as a sales manager, and while her upbringing had its challenges, she’s spoken before about how life changed dramatically when she was just four years old. Tragically, she was involved in a car accident that took the lives of her mother, younger sister, and cousin—an event that undoubtedly shaped her resilience and depth as both a person and a performer.
She really made a name for herself when she starred in the 1999 film Superstar, bringing her iconic SNL character Mary Katherine Gallagher to the big screen. It was such a standout role, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling off that mix of awkward charm and heartfelt humor quite like she did. Over the years, she’s continued to show her range, especially through voice work—like her portrayal of Wanda in the Hotel Transylvania movies. Yeah, she may not always be front and center in live-action roles, but she’s definitely left her mark, and fans still love her for the unique energy she brings. She’s just one of those performers who makes every project a little more memorable.