Introduction
Kate McKinnon is one of the most versatile and talented comedians of her generation. Known for her impeccable impressions, sharp wit, and unique comedic style, she has made a lasting impact in both television and film. Rising to prominence through Saturday Night Live (SNL), McKinnon has since expanded her career into movies, voice acting, and various other entertainment projects.
In this article, we explore Kate McKinnon’s most notable movies and TV shows, highlighting the roles that have defined her career.
Early Career and Television Breakthrough
The Big Gay Sketch Show (2007–2010)
Kate McKinnon’s first significant television role was in The Big Gay Sketch Show, a sketch comedy series on Logo TV. The show featured LGBTQ+ themes and humor, and McKinnon quickly stood out for her ability to portray a wide range of eccentric characters.
Saturday Night Live (2012–2022)
McKinnon joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2012, becoming one of the show’s most celebrated cast members. Her ability to impersonate political figures and celebrities made her an audience favorite. Some of her best-known impressions include:
- Hillary Clinton
- Justin Bieber
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Kellyanne Conway
Her original characters, such as the paranoid alien abductee Ms. Rafferty, became instant classics. McKinnon won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2016 and 2017 for her work on SNL.
After 10 years on SNL, McKinnon left the show in 2022, marking the end of an iconic era.
Kate McKinnon’s Best Movies
Ghostbusters (2016)
One of McKinnon’s biggest Hollywood roles was in the 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters, where she played Dr. Jillian Holtzmann, an eccentric and brilliant scientist. Her performance was one of the highlights of the film, earning praise for her quirky energy and comedic timing.
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
In this action-comedy, McKinnon starred alongside Mila Kunis as Morgan Freeman (no relation to the actor), a goofy yet lovable best friend who gets caught in a dangerous international conspiracy. The film showcased her ability to balance action, comedy, and heartfelt moments, making it a fun and entertaining watch.
Yesterday (2019)
McKinnon played Debra Hammer, a ruthless and over-the-top music manager in Yesterday, a romantic comedy directed by Danny Boyle. Her character provided comic relief, portraying the money-hungry music executive who sees an opportunity to profit off a struggling musician who mysteriously becomes the only person who remembers The Beatles.
Bombshell (2019)
In a departure from her usual comedic roles, McKinnon starred in Bombshell, a drama based on the real-life sexual harassment scandal at Fox News. She played Jess Carr, a fictionalized character representing a composite of real-life employees. The film showcased McKinnon’s ability to take on serious roles while maintaining her signature charm.
Barbie (2023)
One of McKinnon’s most recent blockbuster roles was in Barbie, where she played Weird Barbie, a hilariously quirky version of the classic doll. The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, was a massive hit, and McKinnon’s performance stood out as one of the most entertaining parts of the movie.
Kate McKinnon’s Notable TV Shows and Voice Acting Roles
The Magic School Bus Rides Again (2017–2021)
McKinnon stepped into the iconic role of Ms. Fiona Frizzle, taking over from Lily Tomlin in the reboot of The Magic School Bus. Her enthusiastic and engaging voice acting made her a perfect fit for the beloved educational series.
Joe vs. Carole (2022)
McKinnon starred as Carole Baskin in Joe vs. Carole, a drama miniseries based on the real-life rivalry between Baskin and Joe Exotic, made famous by Netflix’s Tiger King. This role gave McKinnon a chance to show off her dramatic acting skills, proving she is more than just a comedic performer.
Finding Dory (2016)
McKinnon had a small but notable voice role in Finding Dory, where she played Wife Fish alongside her SNL co-star Bill Hader.
Ferdinand (2017)
In the animated film Ferdinand, McKinnon voiced Lupe, a goofy and energetic goat who befriends the gentle bull, Ferdinand. Her voice work was praised for its humor and high-energy delivery.
The Angry Birds Movie (2016)
McKinnon lent her voice to various characters in The Angry Birds Movie, adding her signature comedic flair to the animated world.
DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
McKinnon voiced Lulu, a villainous guinea pig, in this animated superhero film. Her performance was filled with humor and exaggerated villainy, making her character one of the film’s highlights.
Kate McKinnon’s Other Projects
Notary Publix (2015)
McKinnon and her sister, Emily Lynne, created and starred in the web series Notary Publix, a satirical take on workplace dramas.
Heads Will Roll (2019)
McKinnon co-created this Audible Original podcast, where she played Queen Mortuana of the Night Realm. The fantasy-comedy series featured A-list guests like Meryl Streep and Peter Dinklage, further showcasing McKinnon’s storytelling abilities.
What Makes Kate McKinnon So Special?
Kate McKinnon’s unmatched comedic timing, fearless character portrayals, and ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama set her apart from other entertainers. She is one of the few comedians who can:
- Perfectly impersonate celebrities and political figures
- Effortlessly switch between sketch comedy, film, and voice acting
- Bring a unique and quirky energy to every role
Her ability to connect with audiences, whether through live performances or on-screen roles, makes her a beloved and highly sought-after actress.
What’s Next for Kate McKinnon?
After leaving SNL, McKinnon has focused on expanding her film career, taking on more leading roles in Hollywood comedies and animated films. With the success of Barbie and Joe vs. Carole, it’s clear that she is still at the top of her game.
Possible future projects include:
- More leading roles in comedies and dramas
- Further voice acting in animated films
- Potentially writing and producing her own comedy series
Regardless of what she does next, Kate McKinnon’s legacy in comedy and entertainment is already firmly established.
Conclusion
From her early days in The Big Gay Sketch Show to her legendary run on SNL and her ever-expanding film career, Kate McKinnon has proven to be one of the most versatile and talented performers in Hollywood. Whether she’s playing a quirky scientist in Ghostbusters, an over-the-top villain in Super-Pets, or a serious character in Bombshell, she brings something unique and memorable to every role.
As she continues to explore new projects, one thing is certain—Kate McKinnon is here to stay, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!
FAQ: Kate McKinnon – A Look at Her Best Movies and TV Shows
Who is Kate McKinnon?
Kate McKinnon is an American actress, comedian, and writer known for her work on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and her roles in films like Ghostbusters, The Spy Who Dumped Me, and Barbie.
What are Kate McKinnon’s most famous TV shows?
- Saturday Night Live (2012–2022) – Iconic sketches and celebrity impressions
- The Big Gay Sketch Show (2007–2010) – Early career in sketch comedy
- Joe vs. Carole (2022) – Played Carole Baskin in a dramatized version of Tiger King
- The Magic School Bus Rides Again (2017–2021) – Voiced Ms. Fiona Frizzle
What are Kate McKinnon’s best movies?
- Ghostbusters (2016) – Played Dr. Jillian Holtzmann
- The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018) – Starred alongside Mila Kunis
- Yesterday (2019) – Played a ruthless music manager
- Bombshell (2019) – Took on a dramatic role
- Barbie (2023) – Played Weird Barbie
Has Kate McKinnon won any awards?
Yes! She has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on SNL (2016, 2017).
What are Kate McKinnon’s most famous celebrity impressions?
McKinnon is known for her hilarious impressions of Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, Ellen DeGeneres, Kellyanne Conway, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg on SNL.
Does Kate McKinnon do voice acting?
Yes! She has voiced characters in:
- The Magic School Bus Rides Again (Ms. Fiona Frizzle)
- Finding Dory (Wife Fish)
- Ferdinand (Lupe the Goat)
- DC League of Super-Pets (Lulu the guinea pig)
Why did Kate McKinnon leave SNL?
She left SNL in 2022 after 10 seasons to pursue film and television projects full-time.
What’s next for Kate McKinnon?
McKinnon continues to take on leading film roles, voice acting projects, and potential writing/producing endeavors in Hollywood.
Is Kate McKinnon on social media?
No, Kate McKinnon does not have public social media accounts. She prefers to keep her personal life private.
Where can I watch Kate McKinnon’s best performances?
Her movies and TV shows are available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max, depending on the title.
