Molly Shannon is a highly acclaimed American actress and comedian, best known for her six-season tenure as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2001. During her time on the show, she became famous for creating and portraying iconic characters such as the eccentric Mary Katherine Gallagher. Following her SNL success, Shannon transitioned into a prolific film and television career, demonstrating her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Her notable film credits include Superstar, Wet Hot American Summer, and Private Life, while her television work features acclaimed performances in shows like Enlightened, Divorce, and The White Lotus. Renowned for her fearless comedic style and emotional depth, Shannon remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her ability to balance absurd humor with poignant, heartfelt storytelling.
17 hours ago : Molly Shannon Discusses SNL and Gilda Radner Inspired Shinola Collection
Molly Shannon and Ashley Padilla team up to discuss their SNL experiences and the new Gilda Radner-inspired watch collection from Shinola, highlighting their connection to comedy legends and contemporary style.
September 16, 1964: Birth of Molly Shannon
On September 16, 1964, Molly Shannon, the future American actress and comedian, was born.
June 1, 1969: Tragic Family Car Accident
On June 1, 1969, Molly Shannon and her older sister survived a fatal car accident after their father fell asleep at the wheel and struck a light pole. The crash resulted in the deaths of Shannon’s mother, younger sister, and cousin.
1987: Graduation from NYU Tisch School of the Arts
In 1987, Molly Shannon completed her formal education by graduating from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she had been studying drama.
1989: Film Debut in The Phantom of the Opera
In 1989, Molly Shannon landed her first significant film role, playing the supporting character Meg in the horror movie remake of The Phantom of the Opera, which starred Robert Englund.
1991: Guest Appearance on Twin Peaks
During 1991, Molly Shannon made a guest appearance on the television show Twin Peaks during its second season, portraying a character known as the happy helping hand lady.
1993: Minor Roles on In Living Color
In 1993, Molly Shannon appeared in three separate episodes of the sketch comedy series In Living Color, taking on roles including a parody of Star Trek, a sketch featuring Jim Carrey, and a fake commercial alongside Shawn Wayans.
February 1995: Joining Saturday Night Live
In February 1995, Molly Shannon achieved a major career breakthrough when she was hired as a featured player on Saturday Night Live. She was brought on mid-season to fill the vacancy left by Janeane Garofalo, and she subsequently became one of the select few performers retained by producer Lorne Michaels for the show's 21st season overhaul.
1995: Joins Saturday Night Live
In 1995, Molly Shannon began her tenure as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live.
1997: Television Appearances and Music Video Feature
In 1997, Molly Shannon appeared in the Seinfeld episode "The Summer of George" as Sam, a co-worker who walked without swinging her arms. Additionally, in 1997, she was featured in the music video for the song "A Change (Will Do You Good)" by Sheryl Crow.
1998: Film Role in A Night at the Roxbury
During 1998, Molly Shannon took on the role of Emily Sanderson in the feature film A Night at the Roxbury, starring alongside fellow Saturday Night Live cast members Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan.
1998: Film Roles in Happiness and A Night at the Roxbury
In 1998, Molly Shannon expanded her filmography with supporting roles in the movies Happiness and A Night at the Roxbury.
1999: Release of Superstar
In 1999, Molly Shannon starred in the feature film Superstar, which was based on her popular Saturday Night Live character, Mary Katherine Gallagher, a character she originally developed while attending NYU.
1999: Starring role in Never Been Kissed
In 1999, while continuing her tenure on Saturday Night Live, Molly Shannon took on a role in the film Never Been Kissed.
2000: Role in How the Grinch Stole Christmas
In 2000, Molly Shannon appeared in the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
2001: Roles in Wet Hot American Summer, Serendipity, and Osmosis Jones
During 2001, Molly Shannon performed in several films including Wet Hot American Summer, Serendipity, and Osmosis Jones.
2001: Conclusion of Saturday Night Live tenure
Molly Shannon concluded her time as a cast member on the show Saturday Night Live in 2001.
2001: Departure from SNL and film releases
The year 2001 marked a significant turning point in Molly Shannon's career as she left Saturday Night Live and starred in the films Osmosis Jones and Serendipity.
2003: Roles in My Boss's Daughter and The Music Man
In 2003, Molly Shannon appeared in the romantic comedy film My Boss's Daughter and participated in the television remake of The Music Man.
2003: Role in My Boss's Daughter
Molly Shannon appeared as a supporting actor in the 2003 film My Boss's Daughter.
May 29, 2004: Marriage to Fritz Chesnut
On May 29, 2004, actress Molly Shannon entered into marriage with artist Fritz Chesnut, a union that eventually led to the couple having two children together.
2004: Career Expansion in Television and Film
In 2004, Molly Shannon participated in several projects, including starring in the Fox series Cracking Up, making a guest appearance on Scrubs, and playing the role of Mrs. Baker in the movie Good Boy!.
2006: Appearance in Marie Antoinette
During 2006, Molly Shannon took on the role of Aunt Victoire in the film Marie Antoinette, which was directed by Sofia Coppola.
2006: Role in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
In 2006, Shannon had a supporting role in the comedy film Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.
May 12, 2007: Molly Shannon Hosts Saturday Night Live
On May 12, 2007, Molly Shannon returned to host Saturday Night Live, becoming the second former female cast member to do so and the first to have served during Lorne Michaels' tenure as producer.
2007: Roles in More of Me and Evan Almighty
Molly Shannon added to her film career in 2007 by appearing in More of Me and Evan Almighty.
2008: Voice Role in Igor
In 2008, Molly Shannon performed in the animated feature film Igor.
2008: Starring role in Kath & Kim
In 2008, Molly Shannon took on the lead role of Kath in the American television adaptation of the popular Australian sitcom, Kath & Kim.
May 8, 2010: Return to Saturday Night Live
On May 8, 2010, Molly Shannon made a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live for a special Mother's Day episode.
October 12, 2010: Joining the cast of Promises, Promises
On October 12, 2010, Molly Shannon took over the role of Marge McDougall in the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises, succeeding actress Katie Finneran.
October 2010: Women of SNL Reunion Special
In October 2010, Molly Shannon participated in the reunion special titled "Women of SNL," which featured notable female cast members from the show's history.
2010: Role in Glee
In early 2010, Molly Shannon joined the cast of the Fox series Glee, playing the recurring character Brenda Castle, an astronomy and badminton instructor who frequently clashes with Sue Sylvester.
January 2, 2011: Closure of Promises, Promises revival
On January 2, 2011, Molly Shannon concluded her run in the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises as the production officially closed its curtains.
September 1, 2011: Release of Tilly the Trickster
On September 1, 2011, Molly Shannon expanded her creative portfolio by releasing her debut children's book titled Tilly the Trickster.
2012: Expedia Spokesperson Role
In the spring of 2012, Molly Shannon took over the role of spokesperson for the travel company Expedia, succeeding Pauley Perrette.
2012: Voice Role in Hotel Transylvania
Molly Shannon contributed her voice to the animated film Hotel Transylvania in 2012.
2013: Television Role in Enlightened
In 2013, Molly Shannon took on a role in the television series Enlightened.
2015: Premiere of Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
In 2015, Molly Shannon starred in the film Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, which had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival under the direction of Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.
2016: Start of Divorce
Beginning in 2016, Molly Shannon joined the cast of the television series Divorce.
2016: Co-starring role in Divorce
In 2016, Molly Shannon began a co-starring role in the HBO comedy television series Divorce, working alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church.
2017: 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards and Sundance Film Festival Success
In 2017, Molly Shannon achieved significant professional recognition by winning the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the drama 'Other People'. Additionally, in 2017, she saw two of her film projects, 'The Little Hours' and 'Fun Mom Dinner', premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
2017: Wins Film Independent Spirit Award
In 2017, Molly Shannon was honored with the Film Independent Spirit Award for her portrayal of Joanne Mulcahey in the film Other People.
2018: Hosting and Acting Projects in 2018
Throughout 2018, Molly Shannon engaged in several high-profile projects, including co-hosting the Rose Parade on Amazon Prime Video and the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on HBO as her character Tish alongside Will Ferrell, as well as starring in the 2018 Netflix film Private Life.
2019: Start of The Other Two
In 2019, Shannon began her role in the television series The Other Two.
2021: Role in The White Lotus
Molly Shannon appeared in the television series The White Lotus in 2021.
2022: Release of Hello, Molly! and debut of I Love That for You
In 2022, Molly Shannon published her memoir titled "Hello, Molly!: A Memoir" and starred in the Showtime comedy series "I Love That for You" alongside Vanessa Bayer.
2022: Role in I Love That for You
Molly Shannon performed in the 2022 television series I Love That for You.
2024: Role in Only Murders in the Building and Award Win
In 2024, Molly Shannon appeared in Only Murders in the Building and won her first Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for the show.
2024: Joining Only Murders in the Building
In 2024, Molly Shannon joined the cast of the Hulu comedy series "Only Murders in the Building" for the show's fourth season.
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