Kate McKinnon Biography and Wikipedia
Kate McKinnon, born Kathryn McKinnon Berthold on January 6, 1984, in Sea Cliff, New York, built a successful career as an actress, comedian, and impressionist. She became widely known for her decade-long run on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 2012 to 2022, where her sharp humor and celebrity impressions, including Hillary Clinton and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Growing up on Long Island, she developed a love for performance early on, mastering instruments like the piano, cello, and guitar. She later attended Columbia University, graduating in 2006 with a theater degree while co-founding the comedy group Tea Party. McKinnon first gained recognition on The Big Gay Sketch Show (2007–2010) before rising to fame on SNL, where her versatile characters and spot-on impressions made her a household name.
Age and Birthday
Kate McKinnon, born on January 6, 1984, will be 41 years old in 2025.
Height and Weight
Kate McKinnon is about 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) tall and weighs approximately 109 pounds (51 kg).
Education Background
Kate McKinnon completed her education at North Shore High School in Glen Head, New York, in 2002. She then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Theater at Columbia University, graduating in 2006. While at Columbia, she co-founded the comedy group Tea Party, which focused on musical improv comedy. She also took part in various university productions, further honing her skills and passion for performance. Her time in college greatly influenced her journey into comedy and acting.
Nationality
Kate McKinnon is an American citizen who was born and brought up in Sea Cliff, New York.
Significant Contribution & Notable Work
Kate McKinnon’s career is marked by her outstanding contributions to comedy, acting, and LGBTQ+ representation. Below are some of her most notable works and achievements:
Saturday Night Live (SNL):
McKinnon gained widespread recognition during her decade-long run (2012–2022) on SNL, where she became one of the show’s most iconic cast members. Her spot-on impressions of public figures such as Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Justin Bieber earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Groundbreaking Representation:
As the first openly gay female cast member on SNL, McKinnon has played a crucial role in increasing LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream comedy, making her an influential figure in the industry.
Film Appearances:
Kate has starred in multiple successful films, including:
- Ghostbusters (2016), where she portrayed the eccentric and beloved Jillian Holtzmann.
- The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018), showcasing her comedic chemistry with Mila Kunis.
- Bombshell (2019), highlighting her ability to take on dramatic roles.
- Barbie (2023), where she played Weird Barbie, a fan-favorite character.
Voice Acting:
McKinnon has brought her voice talents to various animated projects, such as:
- Miss Frizzle in The Magic School Bus Rides Again.
- Multiple characters in Family Guy and Nature Cat.
Other Projects:
She co-created and starred in the Audible comedy series Heads Will Roll alongside her sister, Emily Lynne. Additionally, she took on the role of Carole Baskin in the TV miniseries Joe vs. Carole (2022), demonstrating her versatility in both drama and satire.
Cultural Impact:
McKinnon’s work has made a lasting impact on comedy and entertainment. She has inspired countless young performers, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals, encouraging them to embrace their unique talents.
Love and Relationships
Kate McKinnon keeps her personal life private but has been linked to Jackie Abbott, a photographer and actress. They made their first public appearance together at the 2017 Emmys, which sparked curiosity about their relationship. Despite public interest, McKinnon avoids discussing her personal relationships in interviews, choosing to keep that aspect of her life out of the spotlight.
She values her personal life deeply and prioritizes close relationships, including her bond with her beloved cat, Nino Positano, whom she fondly calls her “son.” While she maintains her privacy, her authenticity and commitment to LGBTQ+ representation have made her an inspiring figure for many.
Career
Kate McKinnon launched her career on The Big Gay Sketch Show (2007–2010), where she developed her skills as a sketch comedian and impressionist. Her ability to craft distinct, memorable characters quickly set her apart in the comedy world. This early experience laid the foundation for her future success in television and film.
In 2012, McKinnon joined Saturday Night Live (SNL), where she became one of its most celebrated cast members. Over her decade-long tenure, she delivered unforgettable impressions of public figures such as Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Justin Bieber, along with a variety of original characters. Her outstanding performances earned her critical acclaim and two Primetime Emmy Awards, solidifying her status as a comedic powerhouse.
Expanding into film, McKinnon showcased her versatility in both comedy and drama. She starred as Jillian Holtzmann, an eccentric and tech-savvy scientist, in Ghostbusters (2016). Her comedic timing shone in The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018), while Bombshell (2019) highlighted her ability to take on serious roles. In Barbie (2023), she stole the spotlight as Weird Barbie, a standout character in the blockbuster hit.
McKinnon also made a mark in voice acting, bringing life to characters in animated projects. She voiced Ms. Frizzle in The Magic School Bus Rides Again and played various roles in Family Guy and Finding Dory (2016). In addition to animation, she co-created and starred in the Audible series Heads Will Roll alongside her sister, Emily Lynne. In 2022, she took on the role of Carole Baskin in the limited series Joe vs. Carole, proving her ability to portray larger-than-life figures beyond comedy.
Recogntion & Legacy
Recognition:
Awards and Honors:
Kate McKinnon earned two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, recognizing her standout performances on Saturday Night Live (SNL). She received multiple other nominations, highlighting her widespread acclaim in both comedy and acting.
Critical Acclaim:
Her impressions of public figures like Hillary Clinton and Ruth Bader Ginsburg became iconic moments in modern comedy. Through her original characters and sketches, McKinnon consistently displayed her versatility, earning praise from both fans and critics.
Film and TV Success:
McKinnon expanded her reach beyond SNL with roles in major films like Ghostbusters (2016) and Barbie (2023), bringing her signature comedic style to Hollywood audiences.
Voice Work:
She made a lasting impression in animation by voicing characters in The Magic School Bus Rides Again and Finding Dory, demonstrating her ability to connect with viewers of all ages.
Legacy:
Trailblazing Representation:
As SNL’s first openly gay female cast member, McKinnon shattered barriers and inspired countless performers in the LGBTQ+ community. Her authenticity and courage made her a powerful symbol of representation in mainstream media.
Cultural Impact:
Her sharp comedic instincts allowed her to tackle both serious and absurd topics with wit, leaving a lasting mark on modern sketch comedy. McKinnon’s ability to switch between humor and drama cemented her reputation as a multi-faceted performer.
Inspirational Figure:
She has motivated a new generation of comedians, especially women, to embrace their individuality and carve out their own paths in the entertainment industry.
Net worth
As of 2025, Kate McKinnon’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $10 million. She has accumulated this wealth through her thriving career in comedy, acting, and voice work. Her ten-year run on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where she ranked among the highest-paid cast members with an estimated salary of $25,000 per episode, played a major role in her earnings. Beyond SNL, her performances in blockbuster films like Ghostbusters (2016) and Barbie (2023), along with her work in voice acting, have further contributed to her financial success.
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