Comedy star Kate McKinnon recently appeared on the SmartLess podcast to discuss her latest young adult book, Secrets of the Purple Pearl, but the conversation soon shifted to her intense experience auditioning for Saturday Night Live. During the chat, McKinnon revealed how the encouragement from fellow comedian Bobby Moynihan helped ease her nerves and gave her the confidence to succeed on the iconic sketch show.
How a Simple Compliment Changed McKinnon’s SNL Audition
McKinnon described her audition for Saturday Night Live as a nerve-wracking experience, sharing that she felt “horrendously nervous” while trying out for the role. However, Moynihan, already a cast member by that time, had seen her perform a one-woman show at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater and approached her before the audition.
But then Bobby Moynihan… I guess maybe had seen me at [New York comedy theater] UCB doing a one-woman show. And he came up to me and he said, ‘Hey, you’re funny.’ And then I could breathe.
– Kate McKinnon
This unexpected praise became a pivotal moment, offering the psychological boost McKinnon needed. Known for usually improvising on stage, she revealed she had rehearsed for her SNL audition an estimated 50,000 times to prepare.
McKinnon’s Emotional Tribute to Moynihan’s Support
Reflecting on Moynihan’s gesture, McKinnon humorously mimicked an emotional acceptance speech, attributing her success to his kindness. The podcast hosts — Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes — playfully encouraged her as she delivered the heartfelt tribute.
I do credit him with everything,
she said, adopting a sentimental tone.
Then, with mock tears, she elaborated:
when someone reaches out to you in the dark, all it takes is one. Because when someone has the kindness to see you, then you get a little bit taller. And you can fly!
– Kate McKinnon
She added a candid note about an alternate future had Moynihan not offered support.
But if he had not done that, honestly, I would be in Romania,
referring to a previous mention on the podcast that without showbiz success, she might have become an English teacher overseas.
Behind the Scenes: McKinnon’s Early One-Woman Shows
Before SNL, McKinnon performed one-woman shows at the UCB theater that involved an unusual amount of props and costumes. These sets included a variety of items she had to transport herself, contributing to the demanding logistics of her early career.
I did one [that] had a cake in it,
she recalled.
And a full rotisserie chicken and seven wigs. So I would have to bring all the wigs, and then I would stop at the Gristedes grocery store and buy a cake and a full rotisserie chicken and bring them down. And so I was lugging those. Those were exciting days, and just lugging a lot of props and wigs. I had amassed a collection of 45 or so wigs that were gross and had chicken juice in them. They got all chicken-y, and they got all cake-y.
– Kate McKinnon
These quirky details highlight the physical and creative challenges McKinnon overcame during her climb in comedy.
Unexpected Connections and Reflections on Past Projects
During the podcast, a humorous moment arose when cohost Will Arnett realized Jason Bateman and McKinnon had appeared together in the film Office Christmas Party. Neither seemed eager to delve into the topic, adding another layer of banter to the lively conversation.
The Importance of Encouragement in Pursuing Comedy
Kate McKinnon’s story underscores how a small gesture of encouragement can profoundly impact an aspiring performer’s confidence and career trajectory. Bobby Moynihan’s simple act of kindness not only helped her during a moment of intense anxiety but also exemplifies the supportive camaraderie often found within comedy circles. As McKinnon balances her work on her Millicent Quibb book series and her enduring legacy from SNL, it’s clear that moments like these shaped her path and continue to inspire her journey.
