10 Key Facts About Emily Lynne Berthold: Career, Creative Projects, and Life

Emily Lynne Berthold is an American comedian, actress, writer, and voice-over artist who has carved out a unique space in the entertainment industry. While she is widely recognized as the younger sister of comedian Kate McKinnon, she has earned respect for her independent body of work. From co-creating hit audio series to voicing animated characters, emily lynne berthold continues to express her creative talents across multiple mediums. Understanding her background, artistic collaborations, and personal journey reveals a dedicated performer whose sharp comedic instincts and storytelling abilities make her a standout talent.
Early Life and Family Background in Long Island
Growing up in Sea Cliff, Long Island, New York, she developed a deep passion for comedy, performance, and storytelling from an early age. Raised by her mother, Laura Campbell, and her father, Michael Thomas Berthold, she enjoyed a supportive upbringing alongside her older sister. Loss hit the family early when her father passed away during her youth, bringing the sisters even closer together. Early childhood experiences laid a strong foundation for emily lynne berthold, fueling a lifelong passion for humor and creative expression that eventually guided her professional career path.
Academic Foundations in Film and Storytelling

Pursuing higher education with a clear artistic focus, she attended the State University of New York at Purchase to study film. Studying film production and screenwriting equipped her with a solid technical understanding of visual narrative structures and comedic timing. Her time at SUNY Purchase allowed emily lynne berthold to hone her creative skills while exploring different aspects of production. This rigorous academic background provided essential tools for her future work as a comedic writer, voice actress, and digital content creator within competitive entertainment markets.
Developing a Unique Voice in Stand-Up Comedy
Before expanding into major writing and voice-over projects, she performed stand-up comedy at various venues across New York City. On stage, her sharp observational humor and natural stage presence quickly won over local audiences and fellow comedians. She continued performing stand-up until deciding to step back from live performance to focus on written and digital projects. Moving away from traditional stand-up allowed emily lynne berthold to focus on character development and creative storytelling formats better suited to her evolving artistic goals.
Co-Creating and Writing Notary Publix

Demonstrating her talents as a writer and producer, she co-created the popular web series Notary Publix alongside her sister. The satirical series parodied the mundane world of notary publics, showcasing sharp writing and absurdist comedic performances. Her role behind the scenes helped establish emily lynne berthold as a multi-talented creator capable of generating original concepts. The successful web project highlighted her ability to craft engaging, character-driven comedy that resonated strongly with online comedy fans and industry observers.
Voice-Over Achievements in Animated Television
Her versatile vocal range enabled her to build an impressive résumé as a professional voice actress for television. She famously provided voices for prominent political figures, including Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump, on Showtime’s Our Cartoon President. Her knack for vocal impression and satirical delivery earned praise across the industry. Working on high-profile animated projects allowed emily lynne berthold to demonstrate her voice-acting flexibility, expanding her professional reputation beyond traditional live-action acting and live comedy performances.
Creative Collaboration on Audible’s Heads Will Roll

Extending her creative partnership with her sister, she co-created and starred in the Audible Original audio comedy series Heads Will Roll. Playing JoJo, the ditsy raven minion to an evil queen, her performance anchored the show’s comedic energy. The audio project highlighted how emily lynne berthold uses vocal nuance and physical comedy choices to bring audio characters to life. The series proved to be a critical success, further establishing her reputation as a innovative comedy writer and performer.
Appearances on Television and Sketch Shows
In addition to voice work, she has appeared on television in various live-action sketch programs and comedy series. Notable screen credits include roles in The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show on Netflix and guest spots on Friends from College. Her appearances in ensemble sketch formats highlight how emily lynne berthold adapts effortlessly to different comedic styles. Her ability to step into diverse character roles demonstrates a strong commitment to performance quality and comedic versatility across various production formats.
The Close Creative Sister Bond
Throughout her career, her relationship with her older sister, Kate McKinnon, has been both a personal anchor and a fruitful professional partnership. Growing up creating home videos together laid the foundation for decades of professional collaboration. The two sisters frequently highlight their deep friendship in interviews and public appearances. While maintaining distinct artistic identities, emily lynne berthold and her sister share a unique comedic shorthand that shines through in every collaborative project they undertake.
Personal Life, Marriage, and Interests
Outside of her professional entertainment endeavors, she maintains a fulfilling personal life centered on family, pets, and personal passions. In September 2025, she married artist and designer Matt Leary in a ceremony officiated by her sister. An avid horror movie fan and animal lover, emily lynne berthold frequently shares lighthearted moments featuring her pets on social media. Maintaining a balanced personal life helps her stay grounded, creative, and inspired while navigating the fast-paced entertainment industry.
Digital Content Creation and Independent Media
Adapting to changing media landscapes, she continues to create independent comedic content directly for digital platforms. Through short-form sketches, video updates, and creative writing shared online, she connects directly with a growing fan base. Embracing digital media allows emily lynne berthold total creative freedom over her comedic output. Her ability to produce engaging online content demonstrates her modern approach to comedy and independent storytelling in today’s digital landscape.
Voice Work in Video Games and Narratives
Expanding her vocal career, she has lent her talent to major video game titles and audiobooks. Notably, she provided voice work for the critically acclaimed game Red Dead Redemption II. Additionally, she worked alongside her sister on audiobook recordings, further diversifying her performance portfolio. Participating in interactive gaming projects allows emily lynne berthold to showcase her dramatic and vocal range, proving her capabilities extend across traditional television, digital media, and interactive voice acting.
Navigating Industry Pressures with Independence
Building a career in comedy alongside a famous sibling presents unique industry dynamics and constant public comparisons. She has navigated these expectations with grace, focusing on developing her own distinct writing style and performance strengths. By prioritizing projects that reflect her personal creative vision, emily lynne berthold has earned respect as an independent creator. Her professional independence serves as an inspiring example for artists carving out personal paths within competitive industries.
Advocacy for Animal Welfare and Pet Care
In her personal life, supporting animal adoption and pet welfare remains a cause close to her heart. She routinely uses her personal platforms to highlight pet care, animal rescue stories, and adoption awareness. Sharing updates about her own rescue pets, emily lynne berthold encourages followers to support local animal shelters and welfare organizations. Her genuine compassion for animals reflects a grounded personal philosophy centered on kindness, community care, and social responsibility.
Passion for the Horror Genre and Pop Culture
Beyond her professional work in comedy, she is a passionate enthusiast of horror cinema and classic pop culture. She frequently discusses her favorite horror films, tropes, and directors on social media platforms. This deep appreciation for film history directly influences the creative work of emily lynne berthold, informing her understanding of genre storytelling, pacing, and comedic satire. Her pop culture enthusiasm keeps her creative perspective fresh and engaging across diverse artistic mediums.
Writing Contributions to Publishing Projects
In addition to writing for screen and audio, she has contributed to literary and publishing projects alongside her sister. Collaborating on children’s books and comedic audio productions allowed her to explore long-form storytelling. Developing written narratives demonstrates how emily lynne berthold transitions smoothly between audio, visual, and print formats. Her literary contributions reflect a broad artistic curiosity and a dedication to expanding her creative footprint.
Ongoing Work in Audio Entertainment
Audio entertainment continues to serve as a major creative outlet for her evolving performance and writing career. Building on the success of earlier audio plays, she continues to develop original concepts tailored specifically for podcasting and streaming platforms. Working in audio allows emily lynne berthold to experiment with sound design, voice performance, and narrative timing. Her ongoing commitment to audio entertainment keeps her at the forefront of modern voice performance.
Supportive Role in Family Milestones
Throughout major family events, professional awards, and career milestones, she has consistently served as a supportive presence. Attending high-profile red carpet events alongside her sister, she handles public attention with warmth and humor. The strong family support network surrounding emily lynne berthold remains a central source of personal strength and stability. Her dedicated presence underscores a deep commitment to family integrity and shared success.
Evolving Artistic Identity in Modern Media
As digital media platforms continue to evolve, her approach to performance and content creation adapts alongside them. Moving away from traditional stand-up stages toward digital sketches and audio plays reflects a clear understanding of modern media trends. By embracing changing formats, emily lynne berthold keeps her artistic output relevant and accessible. Her flexible approach to entertainment ensures her work continues to reach diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
Summary of Professional Accomplishments
Reflecting on her career highlights an impressive array of achievements across acting, voice-over work, writing, and digital media. From co-creating hit Audible series to voicing characters on national television, she has built a rich creative legacy. The ongoing creative efforts of emily lynne berthold demonstrate a passionate commitment to her craft, storytelling, and comedy. Her versatile accomplishments establish her as a respected and dynamic talent in modern American entertainment.
Conclusion: A Creative Legacy in Comedy
Concluding her professional overview reveals an artist whose dedication, comedic skill, and creative versatility define her career. Whether writing scripts, voicing animated figures, or collaborating on innovative audio projects, she continues to make audiences laugh. The story of emily lynne berthold remains an inspiring example of independent artistic growth, strong family bonds, and a passionate dedication to the craft of comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Who is Emily Lynne Berthold and what is her primary profession?
- A: She is an American actress, comedian, writer, and voice-over artist.
- Q: How is Emily Lynne Berthold related to Kate McKinnon?
- A: She is the younger sister of comedian and actress Kate McKinnon.
- Q: What major voice-over roles has Emily Lynne Berthold performed?
- A: She voiced characters on Showtime’s Our Cartoon President and JoJo in Audible’s Heads Will Roll.
- Q: Is Emily Lynne Berthold married?
- A: Yes, she married artist and designer Matt Leary in September 2025.
- Q: Where did Emily Lynne Berthold pursue her higher education?
- A: She studied film at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase.



