Back in Time Today
Kate McKinnon has charmed audiences with her brilliant comedy and memorable characters on Saturday Night Live and beyond. Behind her hilarious impressions and characters lies a thoughtful, witty person whose words often reveal surprising depth. From her thoughts on comedy to her personal philosophy, McKinnon’s quotes give us glimpses into the mind of one of today’s most talented performers.
1. The Secret to Her Creative Process
Kate’s creativity flows most naturally when she’s alone with her thoughts. “I only come up with things when I am talking to myself, which I do constantly,” she admits.
The comedian finds urban settings particularly inspiring for her internal dialogues. “The sidewalk and the subway are the best places for this. I speak at full volume and then laugh at myself if I like what I just said.”
This unfiltered self-conversation reveals how McKinnon’s distinctive comedic voice develops—through playful experimentation and self-amusement before any audience sees the results.
2. Finding Authenticity in Comedy
McKinnon discovered early in her career that pretending to be someone she wasn’t yielded poor results. “I tried for a short time to be something I wasn’t, and had no success with it. It’s a practical solution to just be yourself.”
This philosophy has guided her approach to comedy and life. Rather than forcing herself into predetermined molds, she embraced her natural quirks and perspectives.
Her authenticity shines through in her performances, making her characters believable despite their often outlandish nature—a testament to finding strength in being genuinely herself.
3. The Introvert Behind the Performer
Despite her larger-than-life stage presence, McKinnon values her privacy and quiet time. “When I’m away from a red carpet, I’m a big introvert, I’m very quiet, and I like to sit in silence at home with my cat, Nino, who is my whole world, or most of it.”
This contrast between her public and private personas highlights the energy required for her performances. Many fans might be surprised to learn about her introverted nature.
Her relationship with her cat reveals a tender side to the comedian who otherwise commands attention with bold characters and fearless comedy.
4. Comedy With Heart
“I never want to offend anybody,” McKinnon reveals about her approach to comedy. “I always want to do comedy with love, and to make fun of someone as a celebration—really to make fun—but not to deride in the process.”
This compassionate philosophy sets her apart in an industry where mockery can often turn cruel. McKinnon seeks to find humor that brings people together rather than tears them down.
Her impressions, while pointed and accurate, maintain this sense of celebration rather than derision—a difficult balance that showcases her skill and humanity.
5. Embracing Physical Comedy Without Boundaries
McKinnon’s commitment to physical comedy knows no bounds, though her comfort zones might surprise fans. “If you asked me to seriously kiss someone on a screen, I would be very uncomfortable. But I will lick any part of your face.”
This quote perfectly captures her comedic sensibility—finding humor in the absurd while maintaining personal boundaries. She’s willing to go to extreme physical lengths for comedy but remains selective about intimate scenes.
Her fearlessness with physical comedy has produced some of her most memorable moments, from alien abduction sketches to political impressions.
6. Setting the Bar Low (But Soaring High)
When reflecting on her early career aspirations, McKinnon reveals a charmingly modest goal: “My one goal when I started was not to actually vomit on TV or run away.” This humorous admission speaks volumes about her initial nervousness and the pressure of live television.
From such humble beginnings, she’s become one of comedy’s most celebrated performers. Her self-deprecating humor about these early fears endears her to fans and aspiring comedians alike.
McKinnon’s journey from simply hoping not to flee the stage to winning multiple Emmy Awards represents an inspiring trajectory in comedy.
7. The Joy of Playing Confident Characters
McKinnon finds particular delight in portraying characters with unearned confidence. Describing one role, she noted: “She’s extraordinarily high-maintenance and spirited in all the wrong ways, but still genuinely confident in what she believes she deserves.”
This insight reveals McKinnon’s talent for finding humanity in potentially unlikable characters. Rather than simply mocking their flaws, she explores the fascinating disconnect between their self-perception and reality.
Her performances of confident yet clueless characters from Colleen Rafferty to various political figures showcase this special talent for finding comedy in misplaced certainty.
8. Championing Complex Female Characters
“A lot of male-protagonist journeys involve trying to start a business, heal a friendship, find one’s place in the world,” McKinnon observes. “A woman typically ends in some sort of romantic partnership. I like to play women who are trying to succeed, trying to become the fullest version of themselves.”
This perspective reveals her commitment to portraying women with depth and purpose beyond romantic storylines. She actively seeks roles that showcase female ambition and self-actualization.
Her preference for these complex characters has helped expand the representation of women in comedy beyond traditional limiting roles.
9. Simple Pleasures: The Cheese Enthusiast
While many celebrities might indulge in wild after-parties, McKinnon reveals her more modest preference: “The after-party is always at a restaurant, and for me, the fun starts when I get a cheese platter. That’s as f-ed up as I get.”
This endearing admission showcases her down-to-earth nature and appreciation for life’s simpler pleasures. In an industry often associated with excess, McKinnon finds joy in culinary delights rather than wilder pursuits.
Her cheese enthusiasm has become something of a character trait fans adore—a relatable passion that connects her to audiences beyond her performances.
10. Wanderlust With a Dose of Reality
McKinnon’s travel aspirations reveal both curiosity about the world and practical self-awareness. “There are a lot of places in the world I’d like to visit, like Laos, but I don’t know whether I’ll ever make it there.”
Her candid admission about wanting company for certain adventures shows vulnerability beneath her confident public persona. “I’d love to go to Laos and Kazakhstan and some other places I wouldn’t feel comfortable traveling to alone.”
This balance between adventurous spirit and practical considerations resonates with many who share similar travel dreams tempered by real-world concerns.
11. The Emotional Farewell to SNL
After a decade on Saturday Night Live, McKinnon’s departure came with complicated emotions. “Telling Lorne [Michaels] was really hard…” she confessed about her decision to leave the iconic show.
Her vulnerability shines through when discussing breaking character during performances: “I felt ashamed, because we’re not supposed to [break character], and there’s something unprofessional about it.” This perfectionist streak reveals the high standards she sets for herself.
Despite these concerns, her occasional character breaks became beloved moments for fans, showcasing her genuine delight in the comedy she created.
12. Her Secret Music Persona
Few might guess that McKinnon harbors musical aspirations behind her comedy career. With typical self-deprecating humor, she jokes: “I love to just get in the booth. Put some tracks down. I’m basically Rihanna.”
This playful comparison to one of music’s biggest stars reveals McKinnon’s ability to poke fun at herself while hinting at genuine musical interests. Her performances on SNL often showcased her singing abilities, from impressions to original characters.
The contrast between her humorous claim and Rihanna’s persona creates an instantly amusing image that captures McKinnon’s gift for unexpected comparisons.
13. Political Humor With a Twist
McKinnon’s approach to political comedy often involves absurdist declarations that highlight the ridiculousness of political posturing. With mock seriousness, she proclaims: “Citizens, you will elect me—I will be your leader.”
This satirical take on political speeches captures the overconfidence often seen in campaigns. Rather than direct impersonation, she sometimes creates these heightened caricatures that expose the underlying patterns in political rhetoric.
Her political impressions became signature moments during her SNL tenure, offering catharsis and perspective during turbulent political times through humor rather than direct commentary.
14. Embracing the Uncool
In an industry often obsessed with coolness, McKinnon takes the opposite approach. “I pride myself on being tragically uncool,” she declares, turning what might be considered a weakness into a point of personal pride.
This self-acceptance allows her to access comedy that more image-conscious performers might avoid. By embracing her authentic self—quirks and all—she creates characters and moments that feel genuine rather than calculated.
Her willingness to appear foolish or awkward without fear has produced some of comedy’s most memorable recent moments, from alien abduction victims to eccentric cat lovers.
15. The Art of Impression
McKinnon’s remarkable talent for impressions comes from a place of genuine appreciation rather than mockery. “For an impression, I just find that I can do a lot of the people I love without much research, because I’ve already watched hours and hours of them on video and it seeped into my brain while I wasn’t thinking about it.”
This insight reveals her natural observational skills and how her fandom informs her craft. The best impressions come from deep familiarity rather than superficial study.
Her approach explains why her impressions capture not just voices and mannerisms but the essence of her subjects.
16. Finding Meaning in Small Moments
Beyond the spotlight and accolades, McKinnon finds profound meaning in quiet, human connections. “The most meaningful moments were moments when, like on a Friday night at rehearsal, I decided to stop and look around at the people who I loved so much and just make a memory of it.”
This reflection reveals a mindfulness that grounds her amid the whirlwind of fame and performance. Rather than focusing solely on career achievements, she treasures relationships and present-moment awareness.
Her appreciation for these seemingly ordinary moments showcases an emotional intelligence that likely informs the depth she brings to her comedy.