Kate McKinnon, one of the most beloved comedians from Saturday Night Live, recently shocked fans by revealing that she has been diagnosed with a tongue condition. Known for her sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing, the actress didn’t shy away from being honest about her health struggles. While she has kept the specifics of her condition mostly private, the revelation has sparked an outpouring of concern and support from her fans and peers alike.
McKinnon joined the cast of SNL in 2012 and quickly became a household name, earning multiple Emmy Awards for her performances and sketches. Her characters — from political impersonations to eccentric originals — made her a standout for nearly a decade, until she exited the show in 2022. Despite her fame, Kate has always preferred to keep her private life away from the media glare, including her relationships.
One person who has often been linked to McKinnon is Jackie Abbott. Jackie is an actor, photographer, and artist from Stamford, Connecticut. According to her official website, she studied drama at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and has also trained in clowning and comedic performance. Like McKinnon, Jackie works across various creative fields, including acting and photography. While she does have a public Instagram account, it’s mainly dedicated to her professional work — she rarely shares personal details.
Their shared love for creativity and privacy has only strengthened public speculation about their relationship. The rumors first began in 2017 when the two attended the Emmy Awards together. Fans noticed the duo embracing after McKinnon won her second Emmy, and that moment caught widespread attention when RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage posted a photo of them together, captioning it, “Her girlfriend Jackie was just as lovely as she is!!” Even though Kate never publicly confirmed the relationship, fans took the gesture as a subtle acknowledgment of their bond.
According to reports, Kate and Jackie likely met through mutual creative circles in New York, where both were active in the theater and performance scene. They’re said to share common interests beyond work — particularly their love for comedy, art, and cats. Jackie once spoke about her tuxedo cat in an interview with Cosmopolitan, and Kate has frequently mentioned her own cat, Nino, whom she lovingly calls her “son,” during appearances on The Tonight Show. The adorable coincidence only added fuel to the rumors about their connection.
As for marriage, there has been no confirmation. Rumors have circulated for years that Kate and Jackie secretly tied the knot or even have kids together, but the comedian has never addressed those claims. McKinnon has always been clear about wanting to protect her private life, once telling GQ that she prefers to keep her personal world entirely separate from her public persona.
Despite the secrecy, fans admire how grounded and authentic Kate McKinnon remains — whether she’s sharing a laugh on screen or being candid about her health behind the scenes.
