Born: 1984 (Sea Cliff, New York)
Biography:
Kate McKinnon Berthold, known professionally as Kate McKinnon, was born on January 6, 1984, in Sea Cliff, New York. She is an American actress, comedian, impressionist, writer, and singer. McKinnon rose to prominence as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL), where she showcased her remarkable character work and celebrity impressions. Prior to her time on SNL, she gained recognition for her role on the Logo sketch program The Big Gay Sketch Show. With her versatile talents and comedic genius, McKinnon has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Growing up on Long Island, McKinnon displayed her passion for performance from a young age. She learned to play multiple instruments, starting with the piano at just five years old. Additionally, she mastered the cello at twelve and taught herself to play the guitar at fifteen. Her love for accents also emerged early on when she auditioned with an English accent for a fifth-grade role as the queen of reading week. This experience ignited a lifelong passion for accents that has become a hallmark of her comedic repertoire.
After graduating from North Shore High School in 2002, McKinnon went on to pursue her passion for theater at Columbia University. There, she co-founded a comedy group called Tea Party, which specialized in musical improv comedy. McKinnon’s talents shone brightly in various theatrical productions, including Varsity shows such as Dial D for Deadline, Off-Broadway, and The Sound of Muses. Among her cast and crewmates were future talented actors, Jenny Slate and Grace Parra, as well as director Greta Gerwig and The Onion managing editor Peter Koechley. She also became a member of Prangstgrüp, a student comedy group known for their elaborate college pranks.
In 2007, McKinnon joined the original cast of Logo TV’s The Big Gay Sketch Show, where her comedic skills flourished. For three seasons, she delighted audiences with her unique character portrayals and impeccable comedic timing. This marked a significant moment in her career, propelling her toward greater success.
However, it was her entrance into the world of SNL in 2012 that truly catapulted McKinnon into the public eye. Over the course of a decade, she became one of the most beloved cast members in the show’s history. McKinnon’s ability to transform into various characters and accurately portray public figures and celebrities earned her widespread acclaim. From her iconic impersonations of Hillary Clinton, Angela Merkel, and Jeff Sessions to her original characters like Ms. Rafferty and Olya Povlatsky, McKinnon’s comedic genius continually captivated audiences.
In addition to her television work, McKinnon showcased her talent on the big screen. She appeared in films such as Balls Out (2014), Ghostbusters (2016), Office Christmas Party (2016), Rough Night (2017), The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018), Yesterday (2019), and Bombshell (2019). Her ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama highlighted her versatility as an actress.
McKinnon’s impact goes beyond her impressive comedic skills. Throughout her career, she has been an inspiration and role model for aspiring female comedians. Her success on SNL, as well as her numerous accolades, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2016 and 2017, have broken barriers for women in comedy. She has become a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of female comedians to seize their rightful place in the industry.
Awards:
– Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2016, 2017)
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