Kate McKinnon's SNL Blunder That Changed Her Life

A Journey Through Comedy and Personal Reflections

Kate McKinnon, a 41-year-old comedian, has made a significant mark in the world of comedy, particularly through her 11 seasons on the iconic sketch show. Her time on the show, which spanned from 2012 to 2022, was filled with memorable performances and moments that shaped her career.

During a recent conversation on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, McKinnon shared her main regret from her time on Saturday Night Live. She admitted that reading critics' reviews of her performances had a profound impact on her. “I have made the terrible mistake of reading stuff on the internet, which I truly wish I could go back and have never looked at the internet because that haunts me,” she said.

McKinnon explained that even phrases that were not overly harsh or unfounded had a lasting effect on her. “There are phrases that I have read that were not even that mean, not unfounded, like things with a kernel of truth, thoughtful critiques that I agreed with that have ruined my life.”

Despite leaving the SNL cast in 2022, McKinnon returned one year later as a host. She also starred in the blockbuster film Barbie that same year, showcasing her versatility and continued relevance in the entertainment industry.

Honoring Talent and Confidence

On the same podcast episode, Poehler praised McKinnon's talent on SNL. “There are people on that show that I felt were naturals,” she said. “Now whether or not they felt natural is their own personal story. But you, Maya Rudolph, Dana Carvey, Will Ferrell, people who just kind of came onto the show, fit right in and became like instant captains.”

Poehler highlighted McKinnon’s calm confidence during performances, noting that it was interesting to know that she didn’t always feel that way internally. “And it's interesting to know that inside you were not feeling that way. What did you do when you were not feeling like you did well?” she asked.

McKinnon responded by confessing to enduring "plenty of desperate failures" that still haunt her. “There were plenty of desperate failures that haunt me even now,” she said. “A lot of failures. Sometimes I'll still think of something that didn't work or that I just couldn't get there in time with the writing or the performing and it still stings and I still feel shame.”

Embracing a Unique Condition

McKinnon's candor comes one month after she opened up about her rare condition called geographic tongue. This condition is characterized by smooth, red patches on the tongue that resemble a map. While it's not life-threatening, McKinnon admitted it can be "gross."

“I took a photo of my tongue and sent it to an actor friend of mine,” McKinnon told People. “We both have the same medical condition. It's called geographic tongue,” she continued. “Your tongue sheds in patches and looks like an atlas, hence the name 'geographic tongue.'"

However, McKinnon hasn't let her condition hinder her enjoyment. She and her friend "brag" about their tongue's appearance, showing a positive attitude towards their unique traits.

According to the Mayo Clinic, geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue, which looks like a map—hence its name. The tongue is usually covered with tiny, pinkish-white bumps called papillae, which are actually fine, hair-like structures.

The condition only affects approximately three percent of people worldwide, although The Cleveland Clinic notes the number may be higher in reality, as many people don't seek medical help.

Exploring Other Stories

In addition to McKinnon's experiences, other stories have emerged in the entertainment world. For instance, how does Kate McKinnon transform her rare 'geographic tongue' condition into a quirky bragging right among friends? How did she first discover her 'atlas-like' tongue condition shared with a fellow actor friend?

Other notable stories include how personal tragedy shaped Molly Shannon's iconic Saturday Night Live character, Mary Katherine Gallagher. Additionally, there are questions about how Aimee Lou Wood responded to the viral SNL sketch mocking her teeth and what her unfiltered thoughts on Instagram were. Another question is whether Aimee Lou Wood is breaking down in tears over SNL's 'mean and unfunny' sketch concerning her teeth.