Kate McKinnon Berthold, born on January 6, 1984, in Sea Cliff, New York, is an acclaimed American actress and comedian, renowned for her exceptional talent in character work and celebrity impressions. She gained widespread recognition as a cast member of the iconic NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, where she entertained audiences from 2012 to 2022. McKinnon's unique comedic style and ability to bring a diverse array of characters to life made her a standout performer on the show, earning her a devoted fan base.

Growing up in a creative household, McKinnon was influenced by her parents, particularly her mother, Laura Campbell, and her late father, Michael Thomas Berthold. Her early interests in comedy were cultivated through her participation in school plays and local theater productions. McKinnon's journey into the entertainment industry began in earnest when she joined the cast of The Big Gay Sketch Show, which aired from 2007 to 2010 on Logo. This series allowed her to showcase her comedic talents and paved the way for her later success.

During her tenure on Saturday Night Live, McKinnon received critical acclaim and multiple accolades for her performances. She garnered ten Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including nine for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, winning the prestigious award in 2016 and 2017. Her memorable impressions of public figures, including politicians and celebrities, helped to elevate the show's comedic landscape and solidify her status as a leading figure in sketch comedy.

Beyond her work on Saturday Night Live, McKinnon lent her voice to prominent animated characters, including lead roles in the PBS Kids series Nature Cat from 2015 to 2025 and in the Netflix animated series The Magic School Bus Rides Again from 2017 to 2021. Her versatility as a performer extends to film, where she has appeared in several notable projects. McKinnon's film credits include Sisters (2015), Office Christmas Party (2016), Rough Night (2017), The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018), Yesterday (2019), Bombshell (2019), The Bubble (2022), and Barbie (2023).

In 2022, she took on the role of Carole Baskin in the Peacock miniseries Joe vs. Carole, further demonstrating her ability to tackle a wide range of characters and genres. As of 2023, McKinnon continues to be a significant presence in both television and film, with her upcoming project, The Roses, set to be released in 2025. With a career marked by humor, creativity, and a deep commitment to her craft, Kate McKinnon remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, inspiring future generations of comedians and performers.