A Candid Conversation on Saturday Night Live
Kate McKinnon, a 41-year-old comedian known for her work on the iconic sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL), has shared some of her most personal reflections on her time with the program. Over the course of 11 seasons from 2012 to 2022, she became a staple of the show, but not without its challenges.
During an episode of Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, McKinnon opened up about what she considers her biggest regret during her tenure on SNL. She admitted that reading critics’ reviews of her performances had a lasting impact on her mental well-being.
“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. “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 in the same year, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Reflections on Performance and Confidence
Poehler praised McKinnon’s talent on the show, noting that some performers seemed like natural fits from the start. “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.”
McKinnon then confessed to experiencing “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.”
A Rare Condition and a Unique Perspective
McKinnon’s honesty extends beyond her career. Recently, she opened up about her rare condition called geographic tongue, a harmless but visually striking condition characterized by smooth, red patches on the tongue that resemble a map.
While it's not life-threatening, McKinnon described it as “gross” when she first discovered it. “I took a photo of my tongue and sent it to an actor friend of mine,” she told People. “We both have the same medical condition. It's called geographic tongue. Your tongue sheds in patches and looks like an atlas, hence the name 'geographic tongue.'"
However, rather than letting this condition affect her confidence, McKinnon has turned it into a quirky point of pride. She and her friend “brag” about their unique tongue appearances, showing how she has embraced the unusual.
According to the Mayo Clinic, geographic tongue is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue. The Cleveland Clinic notes that while it affects approximately three percent of people worldwide, the actual number may be higher due to many individuals not seeking medical help.
Personal Growth and Resilience
McKinnon’s journey on SNL and beyond highlights her resilience and ability to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth. Her candid discussions about her past mistakes, struggles with self-doubt, and unique health condition reflect a deep understanding of herself and her craft.
Her story serves as a reminder that even the most successful careers come with moments of vulnerability and reflection. Through her openness, McKinnon continues to inspire others to embrace their imperfections and find strength in their experiences.