Molly Shannon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Molly Shannon
Shannon in 2023
Born	(1964-09-16) September 16, 1964 (age 60) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Education	New York University (BFA)
Occupation	Actress comedian
Years active	1983–present
Spouse(s)	Fritz Chesnut ​ (m. 2004)​
Children	2

Molly Shannon (born September 16, 1964) is a famous American actress and comedian. Many people know her from the TV show Saturday Night Live, where she was a cast member from 1995 to 2001. She has also appeared in many movies and TV shows, often playing funny and memorable characters. In 2017, she won an award for her role in the movie Other People.

Molly Shannon has been in supporting roles in several films, like Happiness (1998), Never Been Kissed (1999), and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). She also lent her voice to animated movies such as Igor (2008) and Hotel Transylvania (2012). On television, she has appeared in shows like Divorce (2016–2019), The White Lotus (2021), and Only Murders in the Building (2024).

Early Life and Education

Molly Shannon was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 16, 1964. She grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Her mother, Mary Margaret, was a teacher, and her father, James Francis, was a sales manager. Her grandparents on her mother's side were from Ireland.

Molly went to St. Dominic School for elementary school. Later, she attended Hawken School in Gates Mills, Ohio. She then studied drama at New York University. She graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 1987.

Career Highlights

Before joining Saturday Night Live, Molly Shannon worked in restaurants and as a food demonstrator. Her first big movie role was in the 1989 horror film The Phantom of the Opera. She also had small parts in TV shows like Twin Peaks and In Living Color.

Joining Saturday Night Live

Molly Shannon got her big break in February 1995. She was hired as a featured player on Saturday Night Live (SNL). She joined the show mid-season to replace another cast member. Molly was one of the few cast members who stayed when the show's producer, Lorne Michaels, changed the cast and writers for the 1995–96 season.

Popular Roles and Characters

During her time on SNL, Molly created many popular characters. Her most famous character was Mary Katherine Gallagher. This was an awkward Catholic school student who dreamed of becoming a musical superstar. Molly even starred in a movie based on this character, called Superstar, in 1999.

Another well-known character was Sally O'Malley. Sally was a proud 50-year-old dancer who loved to "kick, stretch and kick!" Molly also played Circe Nightshade on "Goth Talk" and Miss Colleen on "Dog Show".

Beyond SNL

After leaving SNL in 2001, Molly Shannon continued to act in many films and TV shows. She appeared in movies like Never Been Kissed (1999), How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), and Serendipity (2001). In 2003, she was in the romantic comedy My Boss's Daughter.

Fritz Chesnut and Shannon in 2009.

In 2006, she appeared in the movie Marie Antoinette. She also guest-starred on TV shows like Pushing Daisies and Enlightened. For her role in Enlightened, she was nominated for an Emmy award.

Molly Shannon hosted Saturday Night Live on May 12, 2007. She was the second former female cast member to host the show. She also returned for special episodes, including a Mother's Day show in 2010.

Shannon at the Orange County, California, Children's Book Festival on October 2, 2011, promoting her first children's book, Tilly the Trickster.

In 2008, Molly starred in the American version of the sitcom Kath & Kim. She also had a recurring role on the TV series Glee as Brenda Castle.

Molly Shannon wrote her first children's book, Tilly the Trickster, which was released in 2011.

More recently, Molly has starred in the HBO comedy Divorce (2016) and won an award for her performance in Other People (2017). She also co-hosted the Rose Parade and the Royal Wedding broadcasts with Will Ferrell, playing funny characters named Tish and Cord. In 2022, she released a memoir called Hello, Molly!, where she shared stories about her life and career.

Personal Life

Molly Shannon is married to artist Fritz Chesnut. They got married on May 29, 2004. They have two children together.

Filmography

Film

Television

Web series

Music videos

Saturday Night Live Characters

• Mary Katherine Gallagher: Molly's most famous character. She was an unusual student at a Catholic school who loved to perform. Molly starred in a movie about her in 1999.
• Sally O'Malley: A proud 50-year-old dancer who wore tight red pants. She would always say how much she loved to "kick, stretch and kick!"
• Circe Nightshade: She co-hosted "Goth Talk" with Chris Kattan.
• Miss Colleen: She co-hosted "Dog Show" with Will Ferrell.
• Helen Madden: A very excited "Joyologist" who appeared on talk shows. Her catchphrase was "I love it, I love it, I love it!"
• Terri Rialto: She co-hosted the NPR radio show "Delicious Dish" with Ana Gasteyer.

Celebrity Impressions

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Molly Shannon para niños