Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon is an actress, comedian, and writer best known for her work on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), where she became one of the most recognized cast members for her sharp impressions and original characters. McKinnon was a cast member on SNL from 2012 to 2022, during which time she won two Primetime Emmy Awards. Her versatile impersonations included public figures such as Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Ellen DeGeneres. She also impersonated Kellyanne Conway, Elizabeth Warren, and Jeff Sessions, thus expanding her repertoire of characters.

McKinnon's comedic timing earned her widespread acclaim, leading to her becoming the longest-tenured female cast member in SNL history by season 46. In addition to her work on “SNL,” McKinnon also had a significant television presence. She starred in "The Big Gay Sketch Show" from 2007 to 2010 and later voiced lead roles in animated series such as "Nature Cat" from 2015 to 2024 and "The Magic School Bus Rides Again" from 2017 to 2021.

Her filmography is extensive, with roles in films such as “Ghostbusters," “The Spy Who Dumped Me," and “Yesterday," where her roles further showcased her comedic range and acting talents. She also appeared in other films, including "Sisters," "Office Christmas Party," "Rough Night," "The Bubble," and "Barbie." In addition to live-action roles, she has contributed to animated films such as “Finding Dory” and “The Angry Birds Movie,” lending her voice to characters in "Ferdinand" and "DC League of Super-Pets" as well.

In 2022, McKinnon portrayed Carole Baskin in the Peacock miniseries "Joe vs. Carole." She co-created and co-starred in the web series "Notary Publix" with her sister Emily Lynne and also co-created and starred in the Audible audio series "Heads Will Roll," which premiered in May 2019. Among her other accomplishments, she hosted the 31st Independent Spirit Awards with Kumail Nanjiani in 2016.

McKinnon attended Columbia University, where she studied theater and co-founded a comedy group called Tea Party. She is known for her quirky humor, deadpan delivery, and ability to transform into various characters. She also advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and was one of the few openly gay performers on “SNL.” In 2024, McKinnon published the novel, "The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science, Volume 1."