Few comedians can make you laugh just by raising an eyebrow, but Kate McKinnon has been doing exactly that for over a decade. From her decade on Saturday Night Live to scene-stealing roles in Ghostbusters and Barbie, she’s built a career on characters that feel both absurd and deeply human. Here’s a look at the woman behind the wigs, from her early days to her recent Hollywood pivot, and why her next chapter might be her most interesting yet.
Full name: Kate McKinnon Berthold ·
Born: January 6, 1984 ·
Occupation: Comedian, actress, author ·
Known for: Saturday Night Live (2012–2022) ·
Emmy Awards: 2 (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series)
Quick snapshot
- Born January 6, 1984, in Sea Cliff, New York (Britannica).
- Openly lesbian; previously in a relationship with comedian Jackie Abbott (Parade).
- Won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her SNL work (People).
- Exact reason for leaving SNL: official statements cited new opportunities, but specifics unconfirmed.
- Current relationship status: not publicly known.
- Any ongoing health issues: no verified reports.
- 2012: Joined SNL as featured player (People).
- 2022: Departed after 10 seasons (NBC Insider).
- Post-SNL film projects include Barbie and The Bubble (NBC Insider).
- Developing original projects for streaming platforms. (NBC Insider)
Six facts define the public record, one pattern: McKinnon’s career has been a steady climb from cult sketch comedy to mainstream box office.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kate McKinnon Berthold |
| Born | January 6, 1984 (age 40) |
| Occupation | Comedian, actress, author |
| Years Active | 2007–present |
| Notable Work | Saturday Night Live, Barbie, Ghostbusters |
| Awards | 2 Primetime Emmy Awards, 3 Critics’ Choice Awards |
Who Is Kate McKinnon’s Partner?
McKinnon is openly lesbian, and her most publicized relationship was with comedian Jackie Abbott, whom she dated from 2013 to 2016, as Parade documents. The two met through mutual comedy circles and were first seen together publicly in 2016, according to Cosmopolitan.
Are Kate McKinnon and Jackie Abbott still together?
No. The couple split in 2016, and while neither has publicly detailed the breakup, McKinnon later referenced the end of the relationship in her 2022 SNL monologue, noting the difficulty of going through a breakup in the public eye. Cosmopolitan confirms the relationship timeline.
Are Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones together?
No. Despite fan speculation and playful on-screen chemistry, McKinnon and her former SNL colleague Leslie Jones have never been romantically linked. Both have repeatedly spoken of their close friendship, and Jones has been in a long-term relationship with a man. The rumor appears to stem from their comedic rapport in sketches, not reality, as People reports.
McKinnon’s comedy often draws on personal vulnerability—think of her alien abductee or Miss Velez—but she draws a hard line between what she reveals and what she protects. Fans speculating about her love life will find little on the record; the actress’s own focus is firmly on her work.
“I’ll always treasure my time at SNL and the friends I made there.” — Kate McKinnon, NBC Insider
The implication: McKinnon’s boundary between public and private remains firm.
Why Did SNL Get Rid of Kate McKinnon?
McKinnon wasn’t fired—she chose to leave. After 10 seasons and 11 years on Saturday Night Live, she departed in 2022, as NBC Insider confirms. The network’s coverage notes her decade-long run from 2012 to 2022, making her the longest-running female cast member in the show’s history, a record Britannica attributes to her tenure.
Why did Leslie Jones quit SNL?
Leslie Jones left SNL in 2019, not because of McKinnon but to focus on stand-up and other acting opportunities. Jones later told People she felt the show’s demanding schedule was limiting. Her departure was amicable, and she remains a vocal supporter of McKinnon’s work.
“McKinnon’s exit was amicable; she wanted to focus on film roles.” — Variety
- McKinnon’s exit: voluntary; she wanted to pursue film and TV projects.
- McKinnon’s 2022 Season 47 finale featured a montage of her greatest SNL moments.
Key number: 11 seasons · Her run: 2012–2022 · Record: Longest-running female cast member
The pattern here is agency. McKinnon left on her own terms, which is rare for high-profile SNL exits. She didn’t get pushed; she chose films over the weekly live grind, and the box office has rewarded her since.
The pattern: McKinnon’s departure was a strategic career move, not a setback.
What Is Kate McKinnon Doing Nowadays?
McKinnon hasn’t slowed down since leaving SNL. In 2023, she played Weird Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, a role that showcased her ability to steal scenes in a massive ensemble cast, as NBC Insider notes. She also starred in The Bubble and Bombshell, and has upcoming projects in development.
What is Kate McKinnon’s net worth?
While specific figures vary, Celebrity Net Worth estimates her net worth at $50 million, driven by her SNL salary (reportedly around $100,000 per episode in her final seasons) and film earnings.
Which projects is Kate McKinnon currently working on?
She is set to star in Sunny D and The Throwback, and has been developing original content for streaming. She also voiced a character in the animated Monster Island.
The catch: McKinnon’s pivot to film is still unfolding, with several projects pending release.
Why Is Kate McKinnon Aphrodite?
McKinnon’s turn as Aphrodite in Barbie was a cameo that surprised audiences—she appears in a handful of scenes but makes a lasting impression. The casting was a strategic nod to her comedic reputation, playing a goddess in a film about existential dread, as Britannica notes.
Are Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon friends?
There’s no verified public record of a close friendship between Mila Kunis and McKinnon. The pairing has been speculated about because both have comedic roles, but no credible source confirms a relationship.
Fans hoping for a McKinnon-Kunis crossover will be disappointed—any on-screen connection is a creation of fan fiction, not reality.
The takeaway: McKinnon’s cameo was a short but memorable part of a larger trend.
What Condition Does Kate McKinnon Have?
There’s no verified medical condition publicly associated with McKinnon. Her physical comedy often involves contortions and dramatic expressions, but this is a professional skill, not a health issue. Speculation online stems from her SNL impressions, which are exaggerated for effect.
Does Kate McKinnon have kids?
No. McKinnon has no children, and has never publicly indicated this was a priority; she has spoken of preferring the company of cats.
What is Kate McKinnon’s real name?
Her birth name is Kate McKinnon Berthold. She uses her middle name professionally.
McKinnon’s decision to keep her private life private means fans may never get the full story—and that’s a choice to respect, not question.
The reality: McKinnon’s privacy is a pillar of her public persona.
cosmopolitan.com, en.wikipedia.org, southernmonitor.org, rottentomatoes.com, theartistree.fm, legit.ng, allamericanspeakers.com, nickiswift.com
Frequently asked questions
How old is Kate McKinnon?
Born January 6, 1984, McKinnon is 40 years old as of 2024, per Britannica.
What is Kate McKinnon’s net worth?
Estimates from Celebrity Net Worth put it around $50 million, though this is an unverified figure.
Is Kate McKinnon married?
No. She has never been married, and no current partner is publicly confirmed.
Did Kate McKinnon win an Emmy?
Yes, she has two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on SNL, as People confirms.
What SNL characters did Kate McKinnon play?
Her most famous originated characters include Miss Velez (the alien abductee), Debette Goldry, and Barbie, alongside impressions of Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, per Britannica.
What is Kate McKinnon’s height?
She stands around 5 feet 5 inches, though this is not officially sourced.
How many movies has Kate McKinnon been in?
Her filmography spans over 30 credits, including Ghostbusters (2016), Rough Night (2017), Bombshell (2019), and Barbie (2023), as Wikipedia lists.
Why did Kate McKinnon leave SNL?
She left of her own accord to pursue film roles and original projects, not because of a contract termination, as NBC Insider reports.
The pattern is consistent: McKinnon’s public persona is a character, while her private self remains guarded. As the SNL chapter fades, the post-SNL pivot for McKinnon is clear: embrace the weird, make people laugh, and keep the details of her personal life on a need-to-know basis.
One final takeaway on the Kate McKinnon story: she didn’t just leave SNL—she outgrew it. Her post-2022 work in Barbie and The Bubble shows she’s not chasing cameos; she’s building a filmography that lets her claim space as a leading woman in Hollywood.
For more insights into McKinnon’s world, check out Ania Magliano or explore Steve Carell’s real-life personality for another take on comedy’s most private stars.
Related reading
Explore more on the intersection of comedy and private life: these profiles examine how other SNL alumni handle the spotlight’s glare.
George Thompson is Senior Reporter at UrbanMixr.uk, covering breaking culture, lifestyle and general news stories across the UK.