Kate McKinnon Bio
Kate McKinnon Berthold (born January 6, 1984) is an American actress and comedian known for her work on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2022. She is highly recognized for her character work and celebrity impressions, earning multiple nominations and awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. McKinnon has also starred in films such as Ghostbusters and Barbie and has lent her voice to various animated series and movies, making her a prominent figure in both television and film.
Early Life and Background
Kate McKinnon was born and raised in Sea Cliff, New York. She is the daughter of Laura Campbell, a parent educator, and Michael Thomas Berthold, an architect. McKinnon has a younger sister, Emily Lynne, who is also a comedian and actress. Tragically, their father passed away when McKinnon was just 18 years old. From a young age, she displayed a talent for music, learning to play several instruments, including the piano, cello, and guitar. Her interest in performing arts began early, as she showcased her knack for accents during a fifth-grade audition, which she credits as a pivotal moment in her life.
McKinnon graduated from North Shore High School in 2002 and went on to attend Columbia University, where she earned a degree in theatre in 2006. While at Columbia, she co-founded a comedy group called Tea Party, which focused on musical improv comedy. She participated in various Varsity shows and was also a member of a student comedy group known for its elaborate pranks.
Path to Hollywood
McKinnon’s career began in earnest when she joined the cast of the Logo TV series The Big Gay Sketch Show in 2007. This experience allowed her to hone her comedic skills and gain recognition in the industry. After her time on the show, she became a regular performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York City, where she continued to develop her craft. In 2009, she received a Logo NewNowNext Award for Best Rising Comic, which further established her presence in the comedy scene.
In 2012, McKinnon joined the cast of Saturday Night Live as a featured player, quickly becoming a standout member of the ensemble. Her ability to impersonate various celebrities and political figures earned her widespread acclaim and numerous nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards. Her tenure on the show solidified her status as a leading figure in comedy.
Kate McKinnon Career
Early Career (2004–2011)
McKinnon’s early career included various roles in sketch comedy and voice acting. Before her breakout role on Saturday Night Live, she appeared in several projects, including The Big Gay Sketch Show and various voice roles in animated series. Her work in these early years laid the foundation for her future success.
Breakthrough (2012–2022)
McKinnon’s breakthrough came with her role on Saturday Night Live, where she became known for her impressions of political figures and celebrities. Her portrayal of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election was particularly notable, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. In addition to her work on SNL, she starred in the 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters alongside Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, further expanding her reach in the film industry.
In 2023, McKinnon played the role of Weird Barbie in the highly anticipated film Barbie, which showcased her versatility as an actress. Her performances have consistently garnered praise, and she has become a beloved figure in both television and film.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Kate McKinnon has achieved significant milestones, including winning two Primetime Emmy Awards for her work on Saturday Night Live. She is known for her signature roles and has made a lasting impact on the comedy landscape.
Kate McKinnon Award Nominations
Kate McKinnon has received numerous nominations throughout her career, particularly for her work on Saturday Night Live. She has been nominated for ten Primetime Emmy Awards, winning two for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Kate McKinnon Awards Won
McKinnon has won several awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for her outstanding performances on Saturday Night Live. Her recognition in the industry reflects her talent and dedication to her craft.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 1 | 2016 |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 1 | 2017 |
Kate McKinnon Family
Kate McKinnon is the daughter of Laura Campbell and Michael Thomas Berthold. She has a younger sister, Emily Lynne, who is also involved in the entertainment industry as a comedian and actress.
Personal Life
McKinnon has been open about her sexual orientation, identifying as a lesbian. She was in a relationship with photographer and actress Jackie Abbott from 2016 to 2019. McKinnon has expressed gratitude to Ellen DeGeneres for her influence on her acceptance of her identity. Notably, she does not maintain any social media accounts, preferring to keep her personal life private. Additionally, she has the condition known as geographic tongue.
