Kearney, who gained national notoriety as the first nonbinary cast member of SNL in 2022, honed their stage presence as a University of Dayton theater major, hosting a variety show they said was passed down to them by the seniors, which also shaped their work habits.
“I hosted it every Wednesday until I graduated which meant I was writing new material every week,” they said. “Was it good? Absolutely not, but it kept me in a routine of always write, no matter if it’s good or bad. Every so often a great joke appears.”
Kearney’s senior thesis was a one-person show called “Welcome to the Kearnival,” put on four shows in the school’s black box theater and did voiceover work, sketch comedy and stand-up.
Post graduation included doing stand-up in Chicago and earned a big break appearing on Comedy Central’s “Up Next” before landing in Hollywood, acting in television versions of “A League of Their Own” and “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.”
In the summer of 2022, Kearney got what many comedians and performers would consider a dream shot: SNL, becoming a featured player with fellow newcomers Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker, who formed a brotherhood that continues to this day.
“I loved my experience at SNL, it was a dream of mine since I was a kid to be a cast member,” they said. “A few of my favorite cast members growing up were Mollly Shannon, Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler and Jimmy Fallon.”
They were there for the 48th and 49th seasons. Whereas some performers have found the demanding nature of the show tough, Kearney has positive takeaways.
“It’s a job like no other in the comedy world, essentially comedy boot camp six days a week. It challenges all parts of your life, including when you’ll do your laundry, but it is so rewarding each week. Every new host brings a new dynamic to the week ahead,” Kearney said.
They said meeting hosts and musical guests during one of the most important points of their career was exciting and Kearney felt blessed for the experience and is currently focused on a stand-up career.
Kearney didn’t have to look far for comedy inspiration, just to her large extended family and influenced by a habit the late Joan Rivers, who kept a file of joke cards.
“They’re the funniest people I know and always are inspiring me with new ideas. I just carry around a notebook in my pocket and if a premise or something comes to me, I jot it down,” said Kearney.
Their standup is about what they know and what makes them tick.
“I think a comedian can make a joke about almost anything so long as it is funny and they’re educated on the topic. Writing comedy is all about your own point of view,” Kearney said. “I’m currently working on a few new projects for 2025 that I am very excited about including a summer stand-up tour.”
HOW TO GO
Molly Kearney performs at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in the Kuss Auditorium of the Clark State Performing Arts Center at 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield.
Club Kuss Series shows offer a more intimate entertainment experience with a smaller audience seated closer to the stage and are offered complimentary desserts to add to the experience. Tickets cost $20 each and $10 student tickets are available with a valid student ID at time of purchase. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to pac.clarkstate.edu/shows/2024-2025.
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