From 'Weird Barbie' To Woodworking: 5 Surprising Things Kate McKinnon Has Done Since Leaving SNL

The question of "what happened to Kate McKinnon" has captivated fans since her emotional departure from *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) in 2022, marking the end of a decade-long run as one of the show's most beloved and versatile cast members. As of December 2025, the answer is a surprising blend of Hollywood blockbusters and a quiet, domestic life far from the spotlight. She has traded in the intense, weekly pressure of live sketch comedy for a life that involves growing tomatoes, carpentry, writing a children's book, and starring in some of the most talked-about films of the decade. The comedian's professional journey since leaving the iconic NBC show reveals a deliberate shift toward projects that allow for both creative depth and personal tranquility. While she made a massive cultural impact as "Weird Barbie" and hosted a major literary event, she has also embraced a new identity as a "farmer and carpenter," a revelation that has delighted fans curious about her life outside of her famous impressions.

Kate McKinnon: A Biographical Profile and Career Overview

Kathryn McKinnon Berthold, known professionally as Kate McKinnon, has established herself as one of the most brilliant comedic minds of her generation. Her career is defined by a mastery of character work, celebrity impressions, and a unique, often surreal, performance style.

• Full Name: Kathryn McKinnon Berthold
• Date of Birth: January 6, 1984
• Place of Birth: Sea Cliff, New York, U.S.
• Education: Columbia University (Theater Major)
• Career Start: McKinnon was a main cast member on the Logo sketch comedy series *The Big Gay Sketch Show* (2007–2010).
• Saturday Night Live (SNL): She joined the cast in 2012 and remained a pillar of the show until her departure in 2022. She is known for iconic characters like Colleen Rafferty, Olya Povlatsky, and impressions of figures like Hillary Clinton, Kellyanne Conway, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
• Major Awards: She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2016, 2017) for her work on SNL.
• Key Film Roles: *Ghostbusters* (2016), *Rough Night* (2017), *Yesterday* (2019), and *Barbie* (2023).

The Unexpected Post-SNL Life: Farmer, Carpenter, and Geese Enthusiast

When Kate McKinnon tearfully waved goodbye on the SNL season 47 finale in May 2022, the entertainment world braced for her next big move. What they got was a move to the woods and a surprising new career path.

In a 2023 interview with Drew Barrymore, McKinnon revealed the profound shift in her life, stating that the intense, high-pressure environment of live television had been replaced with a focus on domesticity and self-sufficiency.

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She described her new life as being a "farmer and carpenter," a major pivot that involved learning new, practical skills. "I grew a tomato," she famously told Barrymore, emphasizing the simple, grounding pleasures she missed during her grueling decade at SNL.

This period of quiet reflection was a conscious effort to reconnect with herself after the exhausting demands of the show. She also mentioned spending time with her geese, a detail that perfectly encapsulates her eccentric and endearing public persona.

From Sketch Comedy to Blockbuster Cinema: The 'Weird Barbie' Effect

While McKinnon was enjoying her time as a low-key carpenter and farmer, she was simultaneously starring in one of the biggest global cinematic events of the decade. Her role as "Weird Barbie" in Greta Gerwig's 2023 film *Barbie* was a masterclass in character acting and proved her star power extended far beyond the SNL stage.

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The character of Weird Barbie—the doll that has been played with "too roughly," with chopped hair, marker on her face, and the ability to do the splits—became an instant cultural phenomenon and a highlight of the film.

The role allowed McKinnon to showcase her unique brand of physical comedy and surreal humor, providing the emotional and narrative anchor for the film's existential themes. Her performance earned critical acclaim and introduced her to a new generation of fans.

Beyond *Barbie*, McKinnon also voiced the villainous guinea pig Lulu in the animated superhero comedy *DC League of Super-Pets* in 2022, right after her SNL exit, demonstrating her continued versatility in voice acting.

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Kate McKinnon's New Chapter: Author and Literary Host (2024–2025)

Kate McKinnon’s creative output in 2024 and 2025 has been focused on the world of literature, solidifying her status as a multi-hyphenate artist and confirming her fresh career direction.

The Middle-Grade Mystery Debut

In a surprising and delightful twist, McKinnon released her debut middle-grade novel in October 2024. The book, titled The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science, is a madcap adventure about three young sisters who attend a peculiar school for budding mad scientists.

The novel is a passion project for McKinnon, who has described it as a story for "fellow misfits." Its release has been a significant event, showcasing her ability to craft imaginative, long-form narratives that echo the quirky, character-driven humor she perfected on television.

Hosting the National Book Awards

Further cementing her new role in the literary world, Kate McKinnon was announced as the host of the 75th annual National Book Awards on November 20, 2024.

This hosting gig was a major cultural moment, placing the beloved comedian at the center of one of the most prestigious events in the American literary calendar. It was a clear signal that McKinnon is actively seeking out roles that challenge her and allow her to explore different facets of the arts, moving beyond the constraints of sketch comedy.

What’s Next for Kate McKinnon? Upcoming Projects in 2025 and Beyond

Kate McKinnon’s schedule for 2025 and beyond indicates a continued balance between high-profile film work and her voice acting commitments, proving that her departure from SNL was a career reset, not a retirement.

• The Roses (2025): She is slated to star in the upcoming film *The Roses*, a project that suggests she is continuing to choose roles in major studio productions.
• A Minecraft Movie (2025): McKinnon has been cast in the live-action adaptation of the popular video game, *A Minecraft Movie*, which is scheduled for release in 2025. This role will keep her connected to family-friendly entertainment.
• Nature Cat (Through 2025): She continues to voice the lead role in the popular PBS Kids animated series, *Nature Cat*, a commitment that extends through 2025.

In short, Kate McKinnon is thriving. She has successfully navigated the transition from a decade of intense, weekly television to a diverse career that includes being a blockbuster movie star, a published author, a literary host, and, perhaps most importantly, a happy "farmer and carpenter." Her life post-SNL is a testament to prioritizing personal well-being while still engaging in creatively fulfilling and high-impact work.