Mark McKinney Net Worth

Mark McKinney’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Career and Finances of the Comedy Legend

Mark McKinney is a celebrated Canadian comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director, best known for his work with the influential sketch comedy group The Kids in the Hall and his tenure on Saturday Night Live. This article delves into McKinney’s impressive career, explores his financial success, and provides a comprehensive overview of his life and accomplishments.

Early Life

Mark Douglas Brown McKinney was born on June 26, 1959, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His upbringing was marked by international travel due to his father, Russell McKinney, a diplomat, and his mother Chloe McKinney, an architectural writer. The family lived in various locations, including Paris, Trinidad, Mexico, and Washington, D.C., exposing McKinney to diverse cultures and experiences early in life. He attended Trinity College School, a boarding school in Ontario, and briefly studied political science at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

The Kids in the Hall and Early Career

McKinney’s comedic journey began in Calgary, where he performed with the Loose Moose Theatre Company. He met Bruce McCulloch there, and together they formed the comedy duo The Audience. In 1985, McKinney, McCulloch, Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald, and Scott Thompson joined forces to create The Kids in the Hall. The group quickly gained popularity for their unique brand of sketch comedy. Their self-titled TV series premiered on CBC Television and HBO in 1989, running for five seasons and 101 episodes. The show was co-produced by Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, who would later bring McKinney to the iconic sketch show.

SNL and the 90s Film Projects

From 1995 to 1997, McKinney was a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he became known for his celebrity impressions. He notably impersonated figures such as Al Gore, Jim Carrey, Paul Shaffer, Steve Forbes, and Tim Robbins. During the 1990s, McKinney also made a mark in film, co-writing and starring in the 1996 film “Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy.” He appeared in several other films, including “Spice World” (1997), “A Night at the Roxbury” (1998), “The Out-of-Towners” (1999), and “Superstar” (1999).

Television Success and Superstore

McKinney’s career extended beyond sketch comedy and film, with significant roles in television. He created and wrote for the Canadian series “Slings & Arrows” (2003–2006), where he also starred as Richard Smith-Jones. He also appeared in “Robson Arms” (2005), “Hatching, Matching and Dispatching” (2005–2006), “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (2006–2007), and “Man Seeking Woman” (2015–2017). From 2015 to 2021, McKinney played Glenn Sturgis on NBC’s “Superstore,” showcasing his comedic versatility over six seasons of the popular sitcom. He also directed an episode of the show.

Personal Life

Mark McKinney married Marina Gharabegian in September 1995. They have two children: Christopher, born in March 1996, and Emma, born in July 2001. McKinney and Gharabegian divorced in 2017 after over two decades of marriage.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, McKinney has received numerous accolades for his work in comedy and television. He earned three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his writing on “The Kids in the Hall.” He also received 17 Gemini Award nominations, winning multiple times for his writing and performances on the show and “Slings & Arrows.” He has also won a CableACE Award and several Canadian Comedy Awards, including Best Writing and Best Performance.

Mark McKinney’s Net Worth

Mark McKinney’s estimated net worth is $5 million, reflecting his successful career across multiple facets of the entertainment industry. His earnings stem from his work as an actor, writer, producer, and director in television and film. The continued success of “The Kids in the Hall,” including the 2022 Amazon Prime Video revival, has further solidified his legacy and financial standing.

McKinney’s career continues to evolve, with ongoing projects and contributions to comedy and television. His net worth reflects his enduring talent and contributions to the world of entertainment.

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