What Is Mark McKinney’s Net Worth?
Mark McKinney, a multifaceted Canadian talent as a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director, has accumulated a net worth of $5 million. His career spans several decades, marked by significant contributions to comedy and television. McKinney’s financial success is a result of his diverse roles, from being a core member of the iconic comedy troupe “The Kids in the Hall” to his memorable stint on “Saturday Night Live” and his role in the popular sitcom “Superstore.” Let’s delve deeper into the various aspects of his career that have contributed to his current net worth.
Early Career and “The Kids in the Hall”
Mark McKinney’s journey into comedy began in Calgary, where he joined the Loose Moose Theatre Company and met Bruce McCulloch. Together, they formed The Audience, a comedy duo that would eventually evolve into “The Kids in the Hall.” In 1985, the duo, along with Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald, and Scott Thompson, established “The Kids in the Hall.” This proved to be a pivotal moment in Mark McKinney’s career, paving the way for substantial future earnings. The eponymous TV series “The Kids in the Hall” premiered in 1989 on CBC Television and HBO, catapulting McKinney and the troupe to fame. The show aired a total of 101 episodes over five seasons, providing a stable income stream for McKinney through writing, acting, and producing. Lorne Michaels, the creator of “Saturday Night Live,” co-produced the series and eventually recruited McKinney to join the cast of “SNL.” The revival of “The Kids in the Hall” on Amazon Prime Video in 2022, featuring an eight-episode season, further contributed to McKinney’s income, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the comedy group and the potential for ongoing revenue from the franchise.
“Saturday Night Live” and Film Appearances
Joining “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1995 marked a significant step in Mark McKinney’s career, providing him with a national platform and opportunities to expand his comedic repertoire. As a cast member from 1995 to 1997, McKinney showcased his talent for impersonations, portraying figures like Al Gore, Jim Carrey, Paul Shaffer, Steve Forbes, and Tim Robbins. While specific salary details for “SNL” cast members are not publicly disclosed, it is widely known that being part of the show can be highly lucrative. Beyond the immediate financial gains, “SNL” opened doors for McKinney in the film industry. He appeared in “SNL” spin-off movies such as “A Night at the Roxbury” (1998), “Superstar” (1999), and “The Ladies Man” (2000). These roles, while not necessarily leading to massive box office returns, provided additional income and increased his visibility. In the 1990s, McKinney also co-wrote and starred in “Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy” (1996), further cementing his role in the comedy scene. His involvement in films like “Spice World” (1997), “The Last Days of Disco” (1998), “Dog Park” (1998), “The Out-of-Towners” (1999), “New Waterford Girl” (1999), and “Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang” (1999) diversified his income sources during this period.
Television Roles and “Superstore”
In the 2000s and beyond, Mark McKinney continued to secure roles in various television series and films, contributing to his financial stability. He made guest appearances on shows like “Twitch City” (2000), “Strangers with Candy” (2000), “3rd Rock from the Sun” (2001), “Wanda at Large” (2003), “Puppets Who Kill” (2004), and “Robson Arms” (2006). McKinney also portrayed Bob Hope in the TV movie “Heyday!” (2006) and appeared in the miniseries “Dice” (2001). His film credits during this time include “The Saddest Music in the World” (2003), “Falling Angels” (2003), “Unaccompanied Minors” (2006), and “High Life” (2009). A significant role that added to his net worth was his portrayal of Richard Smith-Jones in the Canadian series “Slings & Arrows” (2003–2006), which he also created. “Slings & Arrows” earned McKinney critical acclaim and several awards, further enhancing his reputation and marketability. The CBC Television series “Hatching, Matching and Dispatching,” where he appeared from 2005 to 2006, also contributed to his income, as did his reprisal of the role in the 2017 TV movie “A Christmas Fury.” From 2006 to 2007, he played Andy Mackinaw on NBC’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” and he was a writer and story editor on the series, adding another layer to his earnings.
A notable achievement in McKinney’s television career was his role as Glenn Sturgis on NBC’s “Superstore” (2015–2021). This role provided him with a consistent income stream over six seasons, with 113 episodes aired. While precise salary figures for his role in “Superstore” are not publicly accessible, lead actors in network sitcoms typically earn substantial amounts per episode, significantly boosting their net worth. Additionally, McKinney directed the 2019 episode “Lovebirds,” showcasing his directorial talents and adding to his professional portfolio. “Superstore” won a Gracie Allen Award for Outstanding Ensemble Cast in 2020, recognizing the collective efforts of the cast and further enhancing McKinney’s industry standing. In recent years, Mark has also appeared in the films “Room for Rent” (2017) and “Seven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss” (2018), and he starred on, executive produced, and co-wrote Amazon Prime Video’s 2022 “The Kids in the Hall” revival. All of his roles in television and film have contributed to his $5 million net worth.
Writing, Producing, and Directing
Besides acting, Mark McKinney’s contributions as a writer, producer, and director have played a vital role in his financial success. He created and wrote for “Slings & Arrows,” a critically acclaimed Canadian series that won him multiple awards for writing. Additionally, he wrote for “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and several other shows, including “Sports Night” (1999), “Angela Anaconda” (1999), “Sound & Fury” (2009), and “Less Than Kind” (2008–2012). Writing credits not only provide direct income but also give McKinney more control over the creative content, potentially leading to further opportunities. As a producer, McKinney worked on “The Kids in the Hall” revival, “Less Than Kind,” and the 2011 series “Picnicface.” Producing roles often come with a percentage of the show’s profits, which can significantly increase earnings if the show is successful. McKinney has also directed episodes of “The Kids in the Hall” (the original series), “Less Than Kind,” and “Superstore,” further diversifying his income sources. His directorial work on “Superstore,” particularly the “Lovebirds” episode in 2019, showcases his ability to manage various aspects of television production. Additionally, he wrote and directed the 2006 short film “Not Pretty, Really,” demonstrating his versatility in different formats.
Awards and Nominations
Mark McKinney’s success is not only measured in monetary terms but also in the recognition he has received from the industry. He has earned three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for “The Kids in the Hall,” specifically for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program in 1993 and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Variety or Music Program in 1994 and 1995. These nominations acknowledge his writing prowess and comedy skills, which are crucial for career advancement. McKinney has received 17 Gemini Award nominations, winning Best Writing in a Comedy or Variety Program or Series (1989 and 1990), Best Performance in a Variety or Performing Arts Program or Series (1989), and Best Performance in a Comedy Program or Series (1993) for “The Kids in the Hall.” He also won Best Writing in a Dramatic Series (2006 and 2007) and Best Performance by an Actor in a Continuing Leading Dramatic Role (2006) for “Slings and Arrows,” as well as Best Individual Performance in a Comedy Program or Series (2006) for “Robson Arms.” These awards not only recognize his talent but also enhance his reputation, making him more sought after for future projects. He won a CableACE Award for Actor in a Comedy Series for “The Kids in the Hall” in 1990, and the show earned a nomination for Comedy Series in 1993. McKinney has received six Canadian Comedy Award nominations, taking home the prize for Television – Pretty Funny Writing – Series (2005) and Best Performance by a Male – Television (2006) for “Slings and Arrows.” His other Canadian Comedy Award nominations were for “Dog Park,” “Less Than Kind,” and “Room for Rent.” Mark won Canadian Screen Awards for Best Comedy Program or Series and Best Writing in a Comedy Program or Series for “Less Than Kind” in 2013, and he earned a Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for “Dog Park” in 2000. He has been nominated for eight Writers Guild of Canada Awards, winning Drama Series for “Slings and Arrows” in 2004, 2006, and 2007. In 2004, McKinney received a Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor – Canadian Film for “Falling Angels,” and in 2007, he earned a Writers Guild of America Award nomination for New Series for “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” In 2011, Mark received an ACTRA Award nomination for Outstanding Performance – Male for “Kids in the Hall: Death Comes to Town.” All of these awards and nominations have helped to solidify his career and boost his net worth.