Behind many iconic comedy routines sits a quiet, foundational collaboration. Emily Lynne Berthold, widely known professionally as Emily Lynne, shares an inseparable personal and professional bond with her older sister, former Saturday Night Live star Kate McKinnon. While Kate claimed the spotlight on late-night television, Emily built a diverse career as a writer, actress, voiceover artist, and digital creator. Their journey from a creative childhood in New York to joint ventures like the Audible comedy Heads Will Roll illustrates how sibling synergy shapes modern comedy.
Understanding this creative partnership requires looking past simple family ties. Emily and Kate built a shared comedic language through years of writing, performing, and supporting each other's artistic pivots. This partnership highlights how independent artists carve out their spaces while maintaining close familial roots.
Growing Up Creative on Long Island
Emily Lynne and Kate grew up in Sea Cliff, a suburban village on the North Shore of Long Island, New York. Raised by their mother, Laura Campbell, and late father, Michael Thomas Berthold, the sisters spent their formative years cultivating a distinct sense of humor. Their childhood environment prized imagination over conventional paths.
Long before national television audiences came to know Kate's character work on Saturday Night Live, the siblings performed improvised sketches at home. This early collaboration established a foundation of trust. When Emily pursued higher education, she enrolled at SUNY Purchase College, focusing on film. That academic training sharpened her technical understanding of narrative structure, framing, and visual storytelling, aligning cleanly with her love for comedy production.
Careers in Comedy and Voicework
Emily carved out a multifaceted path across the entertainment landscape. Rather than sticking to a single medium, she expanded across stand-up comedy, television writing, digital sketches, and voice acting.
Her voiceover work brought her distinctive comedic timing to various animated and satirical projects. For instance, she lent her voice talents to satirical political programming like Our Cartoon President, handling high-profile impressions such as Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump. Additionally, her television credits include appearances in Netflix's The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show, where she played characters like Scuzz and Rachel, showcasing her physical comedy skills and sharp character work.
On social media, Emily shifted away from traditional live stand-up formats to focus on standalone character sketches and short-form video content. This digital pivot allowed her creative control over her output, treating fans to idiosyncratic humor that mirrors the absurdism both sisters champion.
Collaborative Projects: From Audio to Print
The professional intersection of Emily Lynne and Kate McKinnon remains a cornerstone of their respective careers. They don't just share a family tree; they share a creative wavelength that translates directly into audio and scripted entertainment.
One of their most notable collaborations was the Audible Original audio comedy series Heads Will Roll. Kate starred as the self-centered, villainous Queen Mortuana, while Emily played JoJo, the queen's ditsy raven minion. The podcast relied heavily on sharp vocal delivery, rapid-fire banter, and absurd fantasy tropes, giving both sisters a chance to lean into their shared comedic sensibilities.
Beyond audio dramas, the siblings have frequently supported each other's written and performance endeavors. Emily helped record audiobooks and contributed creative insight to various multi-media concepts. Their close relationship was further underscored when Kate publicly referred to Emily as her best friend and her everything during media appearances.
Personal Milestones and Life Off-Screen
Away from the recording booth and sketch sets, Emily maintains a vibrant personal life. She tied the knot with Matt Leary, an artist, freelance designer, and co-owner of Jampson Films based in Brooklyn. Their wedding in September 2025 marked a major life milestone, surrounded by family, including Kate.
Emily frequently shares glimpses of her life in Brooklyn, featuring her pets—including her cat Ruth and her puppy—alongside retro gaming hobbies and art projects shared with her husband. Balancing a busy creative career with a grounded personal life allows Emily to navigate the entertainment industry on her own terms.
Common Misconceptions About the Sisters
Audiences often confuse sibling dynamics in Hollywood, leading to several persistent myths about Emily Lynne and Kate McKinnon.
- Myth: Emily is a newcomer to the industry. Fact: Emily has worked behind the scenes and in front of the camera for over a decade, contributing to writing, film production, and voice acting long before gaining broader public recognition.
- Myth: They only work together. Fact: While they frequently collaborate on high-profile passion projects like Heads Will Roll, both maintain entirely independent professional portfolios, writing credits, and digital brands.
- Myth: Emily's career is managed by Kate. Fact: Emily operates as an autonomous creative, driving her own sketch comedy projects, voice work, and visual arts independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects have Emily Lynne and Kate McKinnon worked on together?
Their most prominent joint venture is the Audible comedy series Heads Will Roll, where Kate played Queen Mortuana and Emily played her minion JoJo. They have also collaborated on various digital sketches, audio projects, and creative writing pieces over the years.
What did Emily Lynne study in college?
Emily studied film at SUNY Purchase College in New York, which provided her with a formal background in visual storytelling, production, and narrative pacing.
Is Emily Lynne married?
Yes, Emily married artist and designer Matt Leary in September 2025 in a ceremony attended by family and close friends, including her sister Kate.
Where does Emily Lynne post her comedy sketches now?
Emily primarily shares her original character work, digital sketches, and comedic clips through her personal social media channels, including Instagram, following a shift away from traditional live stand-up comedy venues.
