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| Kate McKinnon | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kate McKinnon |
| Occupation | Actress, comedian, writer |
Kate McKinnon
Kate McKinnon is an American actress, comedian, and writer known for her character work, impressions, and political satire. She rose to prominence on sketch comedy and has appeared in film, television, stage, and voice acting roles while receiving multiple awards and nominations for her performances.
McKinnon was born in Sea Cliff, New York and raised on Long Island near Glen Cove, New York; she attended North Shore Schools (New York) before moving for higher education. She studied at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where she participated in theater productions and student organizations connected to improv comedy and sketch comedy troupes that often collaborate with Second City alumni and performers from Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. During her formative years she trained with instructors and programs linked to The Groundlings, Annoyance Theatre, and regional theaters associated with Portland Stage Company and Waterville Opera House.
McKinnon's early career included stand-up and sketch work in improvisational theaters in New York City and Los Angeles, where she performed alongside comedians who appeared on programs from Comedy Central and HBO. She contributed writing and performing to web series and sketch collectives that intersect with creators from Funny or Die, CollegeHumor, and Nerdist. She made guest appearances on television series produced by networks such as NBC, ABC, FOX, and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, and collaborated with filmmakers and producers associated with studios including Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Sony Pictures Classics.
McKinnon joined the cast of Saturday Night Live as a featured player before being promoted to repertory status, where she became known for impressions of political figures and cultural personalities. On Saturday Night Live she parodied politicians and public figures who also appeared in coverage by outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, and she worked under showrunners and hosts affiliated with Lorne Michaels, SNL Digital Shorts, and musical guests from Saturday Night Live Band collaborations. Her recurring characters and impersonations placed her alongside other cast members who shared desks with performers from Mad TV, In Living Color, and alumni who later joined film casts from Saturday Night Live.
In film she appeared in comedies and dramas produced by companies like Skydance Media, Plan B Entertainment, and independent distributors that screen at festivals such as Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and South by Southwest. On television, McKinnon guest-starred on series developed by creators from Broad City, Portlandia, and The O.C., and she had roles in pilots and limited series connected to producers at Amazon Studios and HBO Max. She collaborated with directors who have worked with actors from Saturday Night Live alumni films and with producers associated with franchises at Universal Studios and Warner Bros..
McKinnon lent her voice to animated features and series produced by studios such as Illumination Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, and Walt Disney Animation Studios, joining casts that include performers from Toy Story, Shrek, and Frozen franchises. On stage she appeared in productions connected with regional theaters and Broadway-adjacent companies like Atlantic Theater Company, Roundabout Theatre Company, and festivals such as New York Theatre Workshop and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, often working with directors who also collaborate with actors from Saturday Night Live and ensembles associated with Second City.
Her work has been recognized by awards and organizations including the Primetime Emmy Award, Critics' Choice Television Awards, and honors from film festivals that have presented prizes such as Audience Award (Sundance Film Festival). She received nominations from institutions like the Television Critics Association and accolades noted by outlets including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Entertainment Weekly. Her ensemble and individual performances have been cited in year-end lists by publications such as Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone.
McKinnon is publicly associated with LGBTQ advocacy groups and has supported campaigns connected to organizations like Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and civic initiatives tied to voter registration drives coordinated with Rock the Vote and cultural events organized by Lambda Legal. She has participated in benefit performances alongside entertainers from Broadway and comedy fundraisers linked to Comic Relief and philanthropic efforts supported by celebrities who have worked with Doctors Without Borders and humanitarian relief organizations.
Category:American comedians Category:American actresses Category:American voice actresses