Kate McKinnon’s Transformative Genius: A Look back at Her Iconic ‘Saturday Night Live’ Characters
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Kate McKinnon’s decade-long run on “Saturday Night Live” cemented her status as a comedic powerhouse. From uncanny political impersonations to wildly original characters, McKinnon’s versatility and commitment to her craft were on full display every week. As “Saturday Night Live” celebrated its 50th anniversary in February 2025 with two specials,including a concert at Radio City Music Hall and an extended Sunday episode,the return of McKinnon highlighted her enduring impact on the show. Her ability to embody diverse personalities with minimal props and impeccable comedic timing made her a standout performer.
The Art of Conversion
McKinnon’s departure from “Saturday Night Live” in 2022 marked the end of an era. during her time on the show, she became known for her sharp wit and ability to capture the essence of a character, whether real or imagined. McKinnon shared her approach to character work with Vulture, explaining, The only thing that ever made sense to me was doing a funny voice. I have always worked from the sound of a voice, wich makes impressions easy, because you just copy what’s already there.
However, her transformations extended far beyond mere vocal mimicry. She possessed a unique talent for using minimal props—a wig, a few pieces of clothing, or sometimes a prosthetic—to create comedic gold.
unforgettable Impersonations
Jeff Sessions: Capturing the Mouse
The Trump management provided a wealth of material for “Saturday Night Live,” and McKinnon’s portrayal of Jeff Sessions, Trump’s attorney General, was a recurring highlight. Sessions’ tenure was marked by controversy,and McKinnon captured his off-putting demeanor and distinct Southern drawl with remarkable accuracy.
McKinnon’s Sessions appeared frequently on “Weekend Update,” lampooning his policies and personality. In 2017, she discussed her Sessions impression on “late Night with seth Meyers”, revealing the key to her portrayal: It began as a joke pitch, and then it just sort of happened. What I noticed was, he’s got this funny little mouth, and I could always do this thing with my lip.
She demonstrated the pointed mouth,likening it to a turtle’s. He popped up into the world,
she said, and I thought, oh my gosh! I’m gonna use it!
Rudy Giuliani: Manic energy Embodied
As “Saturday Night Live” has deep roots in New York City, McKinnon had several opportunities to portray Rudy Giuliani, the city’s former mayor. McKinnon’s portrayal came long after giuliani’s peak, after his presidential aspirations faded. During her time on “Saturday Night live,” Giuliani’s career took a downward turn; he was eventually disbarred and became known as President Donald Trump’s lawyer.
For her Giuliani transformation, McKinnon donned a bald cap to mimic his receding hairline, paired with black-framed glasses and a wide-eyed, manic expression. During a 2018 appearance on “Late night with Seth Meyers”, mckinnon admitted initial hesitation about portraying Giuliani. However, she quickly found her footing. Turns out, it wasn’t as hard as I thought, as we have something in common,
she said, widening her eyes in a manner resembling indignant panic—perfectly capturing Giuliani’s strange vibe. When Meyers joked that Giuliani adopted the expression from McKinnon, she quipped, I’ve been doing it a long time.
Justin Bieber: A Pop Star Parody
Justin Bieber, the “Baby” singer, has a somewhat complex history with “saturday Night live.” He has been a musical guest multiple times and even hosted the show in 2013.While other hosts like Miley Cyrus and Jimmy Fallon have impersonated him, it was Kate McKinnon who took on the role multiple times. With a short wig, temporary arm tattoos, and a leather vest over a hoodie, McKinnon created a convincing replica of the pop star.
While McKinnon has received positive feedback from many of the celebrities she’s impersonated, Bieber’s reaction was mixed.In the book “Live From New York: An uncensored History Of Saturday night live,” mckinnon revealed, Bieber wasn’t too upset by my impression of him, but he wasn’t pleased.
The sentiment seemed mutual, as cast member Bill Hader confessed in the same book that bieber was his least favorite host. I really didn’t enjoy having justin Bieber around,
Hader said. He’s the only one who lived up to the reputation. I think that’s the only time I felt that way in eight years.
Though, things improved when McKinnon reprised her Bieber impression in sketches parodying his calvin Klein ads.Bieber responded on X, tweeting, well played.Lol.
Theresa Caputo: The Long Island Medium, Amplified
A strong costume can considerably enhance a “Saturday Night Live” impression. This was certainly the case when Kate McKinnon played Theresa Caputo, known as “The Long Island Medium.” McKinnon donned Caputo’s signature giant, poofy hair, long nails, and plunging necklines in a sketch that spoofed her television show. One of the problems with being a medium on Long Island is that a lot of peopel have shared experiences with their loved ones,
she joked in character.Okay, who had the grandfather who choked on a meatball parm? Everybody? Okay.
mckinnon discussed the impersonation on “Live! with Kelly and Michael”, where Kelly Ripa also attempted the impression. Caputo herself surprised McKinnon by appearing on stage during the interview, offering her critique. All I’m gonna say is Kate, you didn’t get the hair high enough, and Kelly, your nails weren’t long enough,
Caputo joked. That’s all I’m gonna say! Everything else was perfect.
In all seriousness, caputo praised McKinnon, especially thanking her for having Daniel Craig play her husband in the sketch. we loved it,
Caputo said. It was very cute.
Original Characters: A Touch of the absurd
Olya Povlatsky: A Russian Perspective
Not all of Kate McKinnon’s memorable “Saturday Night Live” transformations involved portraying real-life celebrities. She also created original characters. In 2013, following a meteor explosion over Russia, McKinnon debuted Olya Povlatsky on “Weekend update.” Olya, a Russian woman described as the “hottest in her village,” would begin by describing mundane situations before revealing the frequently enough-horrific realities of life in Russia.
the look was relatively simple: a brown cable-knit sweater and a red headscarf. McKinnon relied on her facial expressions to convey the image of a Russian woman, playing on exaggerated stereotypes of Russian peasant life.Initially a one-off character, Olya became a recurring presence as Russia became increasingly prominent in American news, notably following the election of Donald Trump and allegations of collusion.
Kate McKinnon’s SNL Legacy: A Masterclass in Character Transformations
Kate McKinnon’s versatility and comedic genius shone brightly during her tenure on Saturday Night Live. From political figures to original creations, McKinnon consistently delivered memorable and hilarious performances.Her ability to embody diverse characters, coupled with her impeccable comedic timing, made her a standout cast member. This article explores some of her most iconic roles and the impact they had on the show and its viewers, showcasing her talent for capturing the essence of each character she portrayed.
Debette Goldry: A Hilarious Look at Old Hollywood
Kate McKinnon’s knack for playing older characters shone brightly in her portrayal of Debette Goldry, an aging character actor. This recurring segment,set as an awards season roundtable,featured Goldry alongside younger,up-and-coming stars. McKinnon, adorned with a curly wig and oversized glasses, delivered anecdotes from a bygone era of Hollywood, frequently with a comedic twist.
Anna Drezen, an “SNL” writer, collaborated with mckinnon and Sudi green to create Debette Goldry. Drezen told Vulture that the character first appeared before the #MeToo movement but evolved to comment on hollywood’s reckoning. Drezen joked,
“The subtle shift that we made, that we didn’t call out in the sketch, was making the game not ‘You think you have it bad; I have it worse,’ but ‘Yes, I agree. Things are terrible. They need to stop marrying us off to chimps.'”
Anna Drezen, “SNL” Writer
Drezen added,
“And the modern actresses say, ‘That does not happen.’ Debette is trying to be woke, and be a part of the movement, but all of her experiences are not relatable.”
Anna Drezen, “SNL” Writer
Dr. Wayne Wenowdis: When mckinnon couldn’t Keep a Straight Face
In 2020, Kate McKinnon introduced Dr. Wayne Wenowdis on “Weekend Update,” a character that even she couldn’t help but laugh at. Dressed in a lab coat, stethoscope, and frizzy wig, mckinnon’s wenowdis resembled Ludwig von Drake, the Disney duck. The character emerged following Donald Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis,serving as a commentary on the confusing health updates at the time.
McKinnon, as Dr. Wenowdis, humorously broke down the concept of disease transmission, stating in a silly accent,
A room have air, right? We know dis. And everybody have a nose, we know dis. Everybody’s face, it have a hole.Everybody get the virus, we certainly know dis.
However, McKinnon’s own laughter interrupted the performance. When she attempted to take Colin Jost’s blood pressure while giggling, Jost asked,
Kate … Kate, are you okay?
McKinnon responded,
I’m obviously not.
Ellen DeGeneres: A Studied Impression
As one of the few openly lesbian cast members on “Saturday Night Live,” Kate McKinnon was a natural choice to impersonate Ellen DeGeneres. With a short blonde wig,a sweater over a collared shirt,and a willingness to dance,McKinnon captured DeGeneres’ essence.
DeGeneres herself was a fan of McKinnon’s impression. McKinnon revealed that she studied degeneres’ stand-up special,
I’ve since memorized it. So I went back and I watched it,and I made notes on the way that you say all the different letters. And it’s the way that you say ‘R’ that really sunk in.
McKinnon also developed a catchphrase,
I’m Ellen!
to encapsulate the talk show host’s persona. DeGeneres gushed,
It’s really, really funny.
McKinnon even reprised the impression on “The ellen Show,” culminating in a dance-off between the two.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Defining an Icon on SNL
Kate McKinnon’s portrayal of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg helped solidify the justice’s pop culture status as the “Notorious R.B.G.” McKinnon,wearing glasses,earrings,and a wig,depicted Ginsburg as a witty and spirited figure,equally likely to dance and discuss equal rights.
After Ginsburg’s death in 2020, McKinnon paid tribute, stating,
For so many of us, Justice Ginsburg was a real-life superhero: a beacon of hope, a warrior for justice, a robed crusader who saved the day time and again.
McKinnon added,
Playing her on ‘SNL’ was a profound joy because I could always feel the overwhelming love and gratitude that the audience had for her.
Lindsey graham: A Controversial Portrayal
Kate McKinnon’s recurring portrayal of Senator Lindsey Graham on “Saturday Night Live” often sparked humorous, albeit controversial, reactions. Donning prosthetic jowls to resemble the Southern politician, McKinnon played on rumors surrounding Graham’s sexuality, juxtaposing his conservative stance with her own identity as an out lesbian.
During Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation, McKinnon’s Graham defended Kavanaugh against sexual impropriety allegations, listing his own stats as if on a dating app. In another cold open about Donald trump’s second impeachment trial, McKinnon portrayed Graham as overjoyed by Trump’s acquittal, exclaiming,
Tonight, we party!
complete with finger-snapping and hip-swishing. One fan on X commented,
How does Kate McKinnon always get Lindsey Graham’s self-loathing despair down cold?
Dr. Anthony Fauci: Approved by the Doctor Himself
Toward the end of her “Saturday Night Live” tenure, Kate McKinnon frequently played political figures, including Dr. Anthony Fauci. With a neatly-combed gray wig and wire-frame glasses, McKinnon bore a striking resemblance to the director of the National institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
McKinnon parodied press conferences and holiday messages from Fauci, frequently enough alongside aidy Bryant’s portrayal of senator ted Cruz. Unlike some political figures,Fauci enjoyed McKinnon’s impersonation.He joked on “Late night With Seth Meyers” in 2021,
When I’m on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ it’s not good news for the health of the country!
He added,
[pitt] did a really good job,but McKinnon was also notable. I mean, she’s really amazing.
conclusion
Kate McKinnon’s versatility and comedic genius made her a standout performer on “Saturday Night Live.” her ability to transform into a wide range of characters, from political figures to original creations, left a lasting impact on the show and its audience. Whether she was embodying Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s wit or struggling to maintain composure as Dr. Wayne Wenowdis, McKinnon consistently delivered memorable and hilarious performances.
Kate mckinnon’s SNL Legacy: A Masterclass in Character Comedy and Conversion
Did you know that Kate McKinnon’s uncanny ability to inhabit diverse characters on Saturday Night live wasn’t just about mimicry, but a deep understanding of comedic timing and character construction? It’s a skill that transcends mere impersonation and elevates her work to a true art form.
Interview with Dr. eleanor Vance, Professor of Comedy and Performance Studies at the University of California, berkeley
World-Today-News.com: Professor Vance, Kate McKinnon’s impact on Saturday Night Live is undeniable. Can you discuss her unique approach to character work, especially in comparison to other comedic performers?
Dr. vance: Kate McKinnon’s success stems from a multifaceted approach to character creation that distinguishes her from manny other comedic performers. while some rely heavily on physical mimicry or vocal imitation, McKinnon’s strength lies in her ability to fully embody a character’s essence. She doesn’t just copy mannerisms; she inhabits the character’s psychology, motivations, and worldview. This allows her to create memorable characters, whether they’re based on real people or entirely fictional. She expertly uses a combination of physical comedy, vocal inflection, and subtle facial expressions to deeply connect with her audience.As an example,her portrayal of Jeff Sessions wasn’t just about his Southern drawl,it was about capturing his hesitant and almost childlike demeanor,frequently enough punctuated by moments of unexpected severity. That depth of characterization is key.
World-Today-news.com: Many of her most memorable impressions involved prominent political figures. How did her approach differ when tackling these real-life personalities versus creating entirely original characters?
Dr. Vance: McKinnon’s approach to political impressions is fascinating. Unlike some impersonators who focus primarily on superficial resemblance, she expertly uses satire and exaggeration to highlight the absurdity or hypocrisy of the individuals she portrays while simultaneously respecting the fundamental human nature of her subject.She never resorts to simple put-downs or cheap jokes. however, there’s an equal power behind her original characters. These showcase her impressive range and comedic inventiveness. Olya Povlatsky, such as, used Russian stereotypes as jumping-off points but ultimately created a fully realized, unique character, demonstrating McKinnon’s range from impressions to fully original character work. This is where her comedic genius truly shines. Impressions often hinge on familiarity with the subject. Her original creations give her the freedom to explore comedic terrains almost limitless.
World-Today-News.com: Let’s delve into some specifics. What made her portrayal of jeff Sessions so effective? And how did that compare to her take on Rudy Giuliani?
Dr. Vance: McKinnon’s Jeff Sessions, with its distinctive drawl and awkward physicality, was a masterclass in subtle yet hilarious observation. She identified and amplified the peculiar aspects of his public persona—the uncertain gait, the almost childlike vulnerability—to create a caricature that was both funny and deeply insightful. Her Giuliani, conversely, showcased a different strategy – embracing the manic energy and unsettling unpredictability that defined the later stages of his career. She brilliantly captured the sense of escalating panic and indignant defensiveness inherent in his political persona through her facial expressions and physical mannerisms that were remarkably effective. This demonstrates that Kate’s mastery of character extends beyond simply mimicking vocalizations and mannerisms: it is indeed about completely embodying and understanding character psychology and using physical comedy cleverly.
World-Today-News.com: McKinnon also created memorable characters that went beyond political satire. Coudl you discuss the impact and meaning of these original characters, such as Debette Goldry, as a notable example?
Dr. Vance: Debette Goldry, the aging Hollywood character actor, is a perfect example of McKinnon’s ability to create fully realized comedic characters from scratch. She cleverly uses the platform of the awards season roundtable sketches to comment on the evolution of Hollywood and address the #MeToo Movement in a subtle but effective way. This demonstrates the depth and reach of McKinnon’s creativity.The originality of the character is as significant as the impressions, if not moreso notably considering the lasting audience engagement with Debette years after the initial character’s debut.
World-Today-News.com: What elements of McKinnon’s style and comedic approach could aspiring comedians and performers learn from?
Dr. Vance: There’s a valuable lesson to be learned from kate McKinnon for aspiring comedians:
Focus on character essence, not just mimicry: Understanding the core personality traits and motivations of a character is crucial.
Master the art of physical comedy: McKinnon proves that physicality is an invaluable tool for enhancing comedic impact.
Embrace versatility: Her ability to confidently move between wildly different characters showcases the importance of range and adaptability.
Develop original concepts: Even though mimicking individuals can definitely help hone your skills, original characters demonstrate genuine creativity and vision.
World-Today-News.com: Professor vance, thank you for these insightful observations. It’s clear that kate McKinnon’s legacy on Saturday Night Live extends far beyond her individual performances, contributing a significant influence to the art of character comedy itself.
Dr. Vance: My pleasure. Kate McKinnon’s work truly represents a high point in character comedy and offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in the art of comedic performance. We should all take the time to appreciate and study her exceptional talent and skill.
What are your thoughts on Kate McKinnon’s comedic genius? Share your favorite characters and moments in the comments below!