40 Facts About Molly Kearney

Early Life and Background

Molly Kearney, known for their unique comedic style, has an interesting backstory that shaped their career.

1. Molly Kearney was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up in a close-knit family, they were the youngest of three siblings.
2. Their stage name "Meatbrick" came from a prank by their two older brothers, who created a fake birth certificate with that name. The nickname stuck and became part of their comedic identity.
3. Kearney earned a bachelor's degree in theatre from the University of Dayton (UD). Their time at UD was marked by active participation in campus theatre activities.
4. During their time at UD, Kearney was known for making everyone feel special, a trait that would later influence their comedy.

Comedy Career Beginnings

Kearney's journey into comedy started in small venues but quickly gained momentum.

5. Molly Kearney began their comedy career in stand-up, initially performing on Put-in-Bay island in Lake Erie. This small-town start laid the foundation for their future success.
6. In 2019, Kearney participated in Comedy Central’s "Up Next" showcase, delivering a memorable 7-minute set that explained the origins of their nickname "Meatbrick."
7. Kearney has built their career in Chicago and Los Angeles, two cities known for their vibrant comedy scenes. These cities provided diverse audiences and numerous opportunities to hone their craft.
8. They are a founding member of ComedyManor, a live stand-up comedy venue in Los Angeles, where they host and perform regularly.
9. Molly is also a founding member of Skin Tag Open Mic, a free space for stand-up comics to perform, highlighting their commitment to fostering a supportive comedy community.

Television Appearances

Kearney's talent has led to roles in several notable TV series.

10. Kearney appeared in Amazon Prime’s queer reimagining of "A League of Their Own," further solidifying their presence in mainstream media.
11. They also contributed to the Disney+ series "The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers," showcasing their versatility as a performer.

Historic Role on Saturday Night Live (SNL)

Molly Kearney made history with their role on SNL, breaking new ground for representation.

12. In 2022, Kearney became the first non-binary cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL), marking a significant step towards greater representation in mainstream comedy.
13. They joined SNL during its 48th season, which was marked by a depleted lineup following the departures of several long-time cast members.
14. Despite a challenging casting process due to the absence of Senior Producer Lindsay Shookus, Kearney's unique talent made them a standout candidate.
15. Their inclusion on SNL is part of a broader trend of increasing LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media.
16. Kearney’s role in SNL is also part of a growing queer comedy scene, challenging traditional norms and creating a more inclusive environment.

Challenges and Triumphs

Kearney faced both support and backlash in their groundbreaking role.

17. Despite their historic achievement, Kearney faced significant transphobic backlash online after their announcement.
18. They received overwhelming support from the queer community, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity.
19. Kearney celebrated their historic milestone on Instagram by reposting SNL’s announcement with a red heart emoji.
20. In their final appearance on SNL, Kearney reflected on their two seasons with the show, expressing gratitude for the experience.

Impact and Legacy

Kearney's influence extends beyond their time on SNL, inspiring many.

21. Kearney gave special shoutouts to their day-one castmates Marcello Hernández, Devon Walker, and Michael Longfellow.
22. They acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the SNL crew, who made the magic happen every week.
23. Kearney’s final appearance on SNL featured images with cast members, crew, and guests like Ayo Edebiri.
24. Their unique and hilarious social media presence has made them a beloved figure within the LGBTQ+ community.
25. Kearney’s presence on SNL has contributed to an uptick in queer-centered comedy, creating a more inclusive and diverse viewing experience.

Future Plans

Kearney continues to pursue their passion for comedy beyond SNL.

26. After leaving SNL, Kearney plans to continue their comedy career on the road, performing in various cities.
27. They have an upcoming performance in Springfield, Ohio, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center on January 9, 2025.
28. Kearney was remembered fondly by UD Theatre alum and current faculty member Jenna de Gruy for their accessibility and ability to make everyone feel special.
29. During their time at UD, Kearney was a big part of many campus activities, bringing laughter and light to the student theatre organization.

Comedy Venues and Performances

Kearney's performances have spanned various notable venues.

30. Kearney has performed at various comedy venues, including Clusterfest in San Francisco, helping them gain recognition and build a loyal fan base.
31. They were a past cast member of The Lincoln Lodge, the nation’s longest-running independent stand-up showcase in Chicago.
32. Molly Kearney is active on social media platforms, frequently sharing updates about their performances and personal life.

Broader Impact on Comedy

Kearney's role in comedy has had a significant impact on representation.

33. Kearney’s addition to SNL is part of a broader movement towards greater queer representation in comedy.
34. Becoming the first non-binary cast member on SNL is a historic milestone for Kearney, paving the way for future generations of queer comedians.
35. SNL has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with regards to LGBTQ+ representation.
36. Bowen Yang, who became the first out gay Asian on-air cast member in 2019, paved the way for Kearney and other queer comedians.
37. Punkie Johnson, another LGBTQ+ cast member, announced her departure from SNL in August 2024, highlighting the changing dynamics within the show’s cast.

Continuing Influence

Kearney's influence continues to shape the comedy landscape.

38. SNL is gearing up for its 50th season, which premieres on September 28, 2024, promising to continue pushing boundaries.
39. Despite the rise of TikTok and Twitter comedians, SNL remains an American institution, with Kearney’s inclusion further solidifying its hold on mainstream pop culture.
40. Kearney has received immense support from queer comedy fans, celebrating their representation on a national stage, inspiring many young queer individuals.

Molly Kearney's Impact on Comedy

Molly Kearney has made waves in the comedy world. From their early days in Cleveland to becoming the first non-binary cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Kearney's journey is inspiring. Their unique style and commitment to queer representation have left a lasting mark on the industry. Whether performing stand-up, acting in shows like Amazon Prime’s A League of Their Own, or contributing to Disney+’s The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, Kearney consistently pushes boundaries. Their work with ComedyManor and Skin Tag Open Mic shows dedication to fostering a supportive comedy community. Despite facing transphobic backlash, Kearney's resilience and talent have earned them a loyal fan base. As they continue their career on the road, their legacy will inspire future generations of comedians. Molly Kearney's story is a testament to the power of representation and inclusivity in entertainment.