Kristen Wiig

Kristen Wiig is an American actress, comedian, writer, and producer who is widely regarded as one of the most talented comedic performers of her generation. Born on August 22, 1973, in Canandaigua, New York, Wiig grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Rochester, New York, before attending the University of Arizona. She studied art before pivoting to comedy, joining the improvisational comedy troupe The Groundlings in Los Angeles, where she honed the character work and comedic timing that would become her hallmark.

Wiig joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 2005 and quickly became one of the show’s most beloved and versatile performers. Her memorable characters, including Penelope, Target Lady, and Gilly, along with her spot-on celebrity impressions, made her an audience favorite during her seven seasons on the show. She received Emmy nominations for her work on SNL and became a cultural fixture in American comedy. Her departure from the show in 2012 was one of the most emotional farewells in SNL history.

Wiig’s film career reached a major milestone with the 2011 comedy “Bridesmaids,” which she co-wrote and starred in. The film was a massive box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide, and earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Original Screenplay. She has since appeared in a wide range of films, from comedies like “Ghostbusters” (2016) to dramatic roles in “The Skeleton Twins” (2014) and “Downsizing” (2017). She also voiced characters in the hugely successful “Despicable Me” and “How to Train Your Dragon” animated franchises and played the villain Cheetah in “Wonder Woman 1984” (2020).

As of 2026, Kristen Wiig’s net worth is estimated at $25 million. Her earnings come from a diverse portfolio of acting roles in both live-action and animated films, writing and producing credits, residuals from her extensive SNL career, and voice acting work. She continues to be one of Hollywood’s most in-demand comedic talents while also demonstrating impressive dramatic range.