Kate McKinnon, born Kathryn McKinnon Berthold on January 6, 1984, in Sea Cliff, New York, is an American actress, comedian, and writer renowned for her sharp wit and versatile performances.
Raised in a tight-knit family, McKinnon’s early life was shaped by her parents, Laura Campbell, a parent educator, and Michael Thomas Berthold, an architect, who nurtured her creative inclinations.
From a young age, McKinnon displayed a flair for comedy, often performing impressions and making home videos that hinted at her future stardom.
Her education at Columbia University, where she studied theater, further honed her skills, setting the stage for a career that would make her a household name.
McKinnon’s ability to embody a wide range of characters, from political figures to quirky originals, has cemented her as one of the most celebrated comedians of her generation.
Siblings
Kate shares a close bond with her younger sister, Emily Lynne Berthold, who is also a comedian and actress.
Born approximately five years apart, the sisters grew up in Long Island, New York, where they developed a shared passion for comedy.
Emily, often referred to professionally as Emily Lynne, has carved her own path in the entertainment industry, appearing in projects like the digital series Notary Publix and collaborating with Kate on the Audible comedy series Heads Will Roll.
Their creative partnership extends to other endeavors, such as the audiobook narration for Kate’s debut novel, The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science, set in the fictional town of Antiquarium in 1911.
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Career
McKinnon first gained prominence as a cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 2012 to 2022, becoming one of the show’s longest-serving performers.
On SNL, McKinnon earned acclaim for her impressions of figures like Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Ellen DeGeneres, as well as original characters like the alien-abductee Colleen Rafferty.
Her work on the show showcased her ability to blend sharp satire with heartfelt humor.
Beyond SNL, McKinnon has starred in major films, including Ghostbusters (2016), Rough Night (2017), The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018), and Barbie (2023), where she played the eccentric Weird Barbie.
She has also lent her voice to animated projects like The Angry Birds Movie and Finding Dory.
McKinnon’s foray into writing includes her 2024 middle-grade novel, The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science, which reflects her quirky storytelling style.
Her collaborations with Emily, particularly on Heads Will Roll, highlight her ability to blend family ties with professional creativity.
Accolade
McKinnon’s talent has earned her numerous accolades, underscoring her impact on comedy and entertainment.
She has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Saturday Night Live in 2016 and 2017, with multiple nominations in subsequent years.
Her SNL performances also garnered her several nominations from the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild.
In 2016, she received the American Comedy Award for Supporting Comedy Actress in a TV series.
McKinnon’s film work has also been recognized, with nominations for awards like the People’s Choice Awards for her roles in Ghostbusters and The Spy Who Dumped Me.
Beyond formal awards, McKinnon has been celebrated for her cultural impact, earning praise for her representation as an openly lesbian actress and for her ability to bring humor to complex political and social commentary.
Her contributions to comedy, both solo and alongside her sister Emily, have made her a beloved figure in the industry.
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