Back in Time Today
Kate McKinnon has been a staple on Saturday Night Live, renowned for her comedic genius and the many instances she left her peers in stitches.
Her knack for improvisation and a talent for embodying hilarious characters have led to countless memorable moments.
Here are 24 times Kate McKinnon broke people on SNL, showcasing her unparalleled ability to make fellow cast members and hosts laugh uncontrollably.
1. Close Encounter Skit
In the ‘Close Encounter’ skit, Kate McKinnon plays Ms. Rafferty, a woman recounting her bizarre alien abduction. Her outrageous descriptions and physical comedy had the entire cast, including Ryan Gosling, struggling to keep straight faces. McKinnon’s comedic timing and unexpected ad-libs made this sketch unforgettable.
Gosling, known for his composure, couldn’t help but laugh out loud, particularly when McKinnon mimicked the aliens’ peculiar methods. This skit remains a highlight of McKinnon’s SNL career.
2. Debette Goldry at the Oscars
Portraying the eccentric and fictional elderly actress Debette Goldry, McKinnon shines in her critique of Hollywood’s past. Her character’s candid remarks about “the old days” left everyone, especially host Emma Stone, in stitches. Her portrayal brought both humor and subtle commentary on Hollywood.
With outrageous tales of Tinseltown, McKinnon’s Debette is equal parts satire and hilarity. This mix of absurdity and truth is where McKinnon thrives, making this character a fan favorite.
3. Dr. WeNotice Segment
As Dr. WeNotice, McKinnon adopts a nerdy persona with an over-the-top enthusiasm for mundane inventions. Her exaggerated excitement and peculiar inventions had everyone on set chuckling.
Bill Hader, known for his ability to stay in character, couldn’t resist chuckling at McKinnon’s antics. Her playful and chaotic energy in this segment perfectly exemplified her improvisational skills, earning this sketch a special place in SNL history.
4. Weekend Update with Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Kate McKinnon’s portrayal of Ruth Bader Ginsburg during ‘Weekend Update’ was both hilarious and impactful. Her exaggerated dance moves and comical “Gins-burns” left the audience and cast laughing aloud.
Michael Che, a seasoned comedian, couldn’t hide his laughter at McKinnon’s antics. This impression was not only funny but also a clever commentary on the real Ginsburg’s cultural impact, showcasing McKinnon’s ability to marry humor with meaningful satire.
5. Hillary Clinton Election Night
McKinnon’s performance as Hillary Clinton on the night of the 2016 election provided comedic relief amid tense times. Her portrayal captured a mix of optimism and stress, as she humorously prepared for potential outcomes.
This sketch allowed McKinnon to explore a range of emotions, bringing laughter in an uncertain political climate. Her nuanced performance highlighted her ability to handle sensitive topics with humor and grace, leaving a lasting impression.
6. Kellyanne Conway’s Day Off
In a brilliant take on Kellyanne Conway, McKinnon captures the spokesperson’s exasperation and media struggles. Her deadpan delivery and physical comedy made her cast members giggle uncontrollably.
McKinnon’s ability to mockingly portray political figures with just the right amount of edge is a testament to her skill. Her depiction of Conway was both amusing and eerily accurate, resonating with audiences and earning her acclaim.
7. Colleen Rafferty in Alien Abduction II
Reprising her role as Colleen Rafferty, McKinnon once again left the cast in stitches during an alien abduction scenario. Her vivid recounting of the aliens’ antics and her exaggerated physical expressions were comedic gold.
This skit is a testament to McKinnon’s talent for physical comedy and quick wit, keeping both the audience and her fellow actors in laughter. Her unique comedic style is what makes such characters memorable.
8. Whiskers R We with Tiffany Haddish
In a ‘Whiskers R We’ segment with Tiffany Haddish, McKinnon plays a quirky pet adoption facilitator. Her oddball antics and kitten-related puns were so funny they broke Haddish’s usual composure.
The combination of McKinnon’s eccentric character and Haddish’s genuine laughter created a delightful scene that resonated with viewers. The chemistry between the two comedians highlighted McKinnon’s adaptability and charisma, adding to the segment’s charm.
9. Olya Povlatsky on Weekend Update
Playing the Russian peasant Olya Povlatsky, McKinnon delivers hilarious commentary on current events with a heavy Russian accent. Her exaggerated mannerisms and witty lines left everyone in stitches.
Even seasoned hosts found it hard to stay in character against McKinnon’s comedic force. Her ability to transform into diverse characters with ease and humor is part of why she remains a standout SNL performer, continually keeping audiences entertained.
10. Shud the Mermaid
As Shud, a bizarre mermaid, McKinnon created one of the most unexpected characters on SNL. Her awkward movements and strange fishy habits had the audience, including host Scarlett Johansson, laughing uncontrollably.
McKinnon’s fearless approach to unusual roles demonstrates her unmatched versatility and creativity. Her ability to infuse humor into the peculiar made Shud an unforgettable character, adding an extra layer of comedic depth to the show.
11. Ellen DeGeneres Impersonation
McKinnon’s impersonation of Ellen DeGeneres, complete with playful dance moves and charismatic charm, had audiences in stitches. Her ability to mimic Ellen’s mannerisms with such precision was both impressive and hilarious.
Her portrayal was so spot-on that it became a recurring highlight in SNL’s lineup, showcasing her talent for impressions. McKinnon’s commitment to capturing the essence of real-life figures is what sets her apart in the comedy world.
12. Angela Merkel on Weekend Update
As Angela Merkel, McKinnon crafted a comically reserved yet sharp character that left audiences amused. Her portrayal included clever quips about international politics, delivered with impeccable timing.
The mix of faux seriousness and humor in her performance broke Colin Jost’s usual composure. McKinnon’s ability to balance satire with respect highlights her unique approach to comedy, making this impersonation a standout moment on SNL.
13. Cecily Strong Breaks During the Cat Lady Sketch
The ‘Cat Lady’ sketch saw McKinnon in her element, her eccentric character causing Cecily Strong to break character. McKinnon’s wild enthusiasm and bizarre antics were comedic gold.
The laughter was infectious, as McKinnon’s portrayal of a cat-obsessed woman left both her co-star and the audience in stitches. Her ability to push boundaries in her roles is what makes her such a compelling performer on SNL.
14. Leslie Jones Can’t Hold it Together
In a game show parody, McKinnon’s outrageous character left Leslie Jones unable to maintain her poker face. McKinnon’s unpredictable ad-libs and facial expressions were a comedic triumph.
Her knack for improvisation and ability to create on-the-spot humor brought out genuine reactions from her co-stars. McKinnon’s unique brand of comedy and her talent for breaking her peers is what makes her sketches so memorable.
15. Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp
As Liza Minnelli, McKinnon transforms a mundane task into a theatrical performance. Her over-the-top dramatics and impeccable impersonation left the audience roaring with laughter.
This sketch underscores McKinnon’s prowess in character work, exaggerating quirks to perfection. Her ability to breathe life into iconic personalities is unmatched, making even simple actions unforgettable and hilarious on SNL.
16. Hillary Clinton Bar Talk
In a skit featuring Hillary Clinton in a bar, McKinnon showcases her comedic dexterity. Her lively conversations with patrons, filled with humorous insights, were as funny as they were sharp.
The sketch allowed McKinnon to explore Clinton’s character in a unique setting, blending humor with political satire seamlessly. Her ability to handle real-world figures with a comedic edge remains a testament to her talent on SNL.
17. Justin Bieber Calvin Klein Ad
McKinnon’s portrayal of Justin Bieber in a Calvin Klein ad was hilariously spot-on. Her exaggerated poses and playful parody of Bieber’s persona were a hit with audiences and cast alike.
This sketch highlights McKinnon’s talent for mimicry and her flair for physical comedy. By capturing Bieber’s essence with humor and precision, McKinnon crafted a performance that was as entertaining as it was memorable.
18. Robert Durst Interview
Portraying Robert Durst, McKinnon brought a darkly humorous edge to this character. Her portrayal was both chilling and comical, capturing Durst’s peculiar mannerisms perfectly.
The sketch’s humor came from McKinnon’s ability to balance creepiness with comedy, creating an eerie yet funny atmosphere. Her range in taking on such diverse roles is what makes her an exceptional talent on SNL.
19. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Workout
In a sketch imagining Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s workout routine, McKinnon brought physical comedy to new heights. Her exaggerated exercises and dance moves were hilarious and endearing.
This portrayal combined humor with a touch of admiration, capturing the essence of Ginsburg in a playful way. McKinnon’s ability to blend satire with respect showcases her as a master of comedic impersonation.
20. Penelope Cruz in Pantene Commercial
McKinnon’s take on Penelope Cruz in a Pantene commercial was a masterclass in comedic impersonation. Her struggle with complex shampoo names, delivered in a thick accent, was pure comedy gold.
Her ability to mimic Cruz’s elegance while injecting humor into the situation highlights McKinnon’s skill in transforming simple premises into hilarious sketches. This performance remains a testament to her talent for bringing celebrity impressions to life on SNL.
21. Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s One-Liners
McKinnon’s portrayal of Ruth Bader Ginsburg became iconic for its one-liners, known as “Gins-burns.” Her sharp wit and energetic delivery kept both audiences and cast entertained.
Her ability to blend humor with cultural commentary in these sketches highlights McKinnon’s talent for impactful comedy. The cleverness and timing of her lines made this portrayal a memorable part of SNL’s comedic landscape.
22. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
McKinnon’s take on the Duchess of Cambridge is both charming and humorous. Her portrayal captured the royal’s elegance while playfully exaggerating certain quirks.
The combination of regal demeanor and comedic elements in the sketch made it a delight to watch. McKinnon’s ability to parody real-life figures with humor and respect is what elevates her work on SNL, making her portrayals stand out.
23. Tonkerbell in ‘Peter Pan’
In ‘Peter Pan,’ McKinnon’s Tonkerbell was a riotous twist on the classic fairy. Her mischievous antics and witty remarks added a new layer to the beloved story.
McKinnon’s ability to reinvent well-known characters with humor and creativity is what makes her performances on SNL so engaging. Her unique take on Tonkerbell left audiences both surprised and amused, cementing her as a comedic force.
24. Kate McKinnon as Elizabeth Warren
McKinnon’s portrayal of Elizabeth Warren during SNL’s political sketches was both insightful and funny. Her exaggerated expressions and witty dialogue delivered laughs while capturing Warren’s political fervor.
The sketch highlighted McKinnon’s skill in political satire, offering humor with a hint of realism. Her ability to capture the essence of political figures with both humor and respect is what makes her stand out on SNL.