Molly Shannon: Photos of the ‘SNL’ Alum

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September 16, 2023 9:00AM EDT

Happy birthday Molly Shannon! Molly won over the hearts of millions thanks to your iconic tenure on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ so take a look at this comedy legend throughout the years.

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Molly Shannon

Molly Shannon
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As one of the brightest comedic stars in her generation, Molly Shannon began her career with small parts before she became the superstar we know her today. Eagle-eyed fans will see her in supporting roles like the 1989 remake of ‘The Phantom Of The Opera’ and in episodes of shows like ‘Twin Peaks,’ ‘In Living Color,’ and more. Her big breakout came in 1995, when she landed a featured player role on ‘Saturday Night Live.’ Over the next seven seasons, Molly would showcase her charisma, uniqueness, and talent through a variety of skits, most notably as Mary Katherine Gallagher and Sally O’Malley. Her role as Gallagher would win over fans so much that the character got her own spin-off movie, ‘Superstar,’ in 1999. Molly’s movie career was starting to takeoff, as she had roles in ‘Never Been Kissed,’ ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas,’ ‘Wet Hot American Summer,’ and ‘Talladega Nights.’  Her role in 2016’s ‘Other People’ received critical acclaim, and she continues to make us laugh (and cry) to this very day.

August 23, 2021, 7:49AM
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Molly Shannon And Fritz Chesnut

Molly Shannon And Fritz Chesnut
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Molly Shannon and her husband Fritz Chesnut pose at the ‘Whatever Works’ film premiere at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. She looked great in a lavender dress.

April 5, 2023, 8:22PM
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Molly Shannon In 2020

Molly Shannon In 2020
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Molly Shannon attends the25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards in January 2020. She was nominated for a CCTA in 2013 for her role on ‘Enlightened.’

August 23, 2021, 7:49AM
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Molly Shannon In 2018

Molly Shannon In 2018
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Molly Shannon attends the 2018 film premiere of ‘Private Life’ at the Sundance Film Festival. She co-starred in the critically acclaimed Netflix film. 

August 23, 2021, 7:49AM
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Molly Shannon as Mary Katherine Gallagher

Molly Shannon as Mary Katherine Gallagher
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Molly Shannon performs as Mary Katherine Gallager during Season 21 of Saturday Night Live. The character was one of many that Molly played during seven seasons on the show. 

August 23, 2021, 7:49AM
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Molly Shannon In 2015

Molly Shannon In 2015
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Molly Shannon attends the ‘Me and Earl and the Dying Girl’ film premiere in 2015. Every red carpet should have Molly Shannon on it. 

August 23, 2021, 7:49AM
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Molly Shannon In 2007

Molly Shannon In 2007
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Molly Shannon attends the Fekkai and the Cinema Society’s screening of the film ‘Gray Matters’ in 2007. Molly left SNL in 2001 after seven seasons. 

August 23, 2021, 7:49AM
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Molly Shannon on the red carpet

Molly Shannon on the red carpet
Chris Pizzello/AP/Shutterstock

Molly Shannon of Saturday Night Live clowns around for photographers as she arrives for the Dreamworks post-Oscar party in Beverly Hills, California. She’s ALWAYS a SUPERSTAR!

August 23, 2021, 7:49AM