Actor Kate McKinnon discloses her diagnosis with 'geographic tongue' condition

American comedian and actress Kate McKinnon, known for her long-running stint on Saturday Night Live, has shared her unique health condition with the world – geographic tongue. This harmless but intriguing condition gives her tongue a map-like appearance, resembling an atlas.

McKinnon, who was a star on Saturday Night Live from 2012-2022, left the show when she felt her body was tired and it was time for a change. However, in a 2022 interview, she expressed that all she ever wanted to do was be on Saturday Night Live.

Geographic tongue, as McKinnon jokingly referred to herself and another actor as being "geographic", is an inflammatory but harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue. It causes patches to lose papillae and appear smooth and red.

In 2020, McKinnon shared an Instagram photo of her tongue, explaining that it looked "weird" due to geographic tongue. She has not shied away from discussing her condition, even joking about it in interviews. In fact, she and her actor friend, who also has geographic tongue, brag about their shared condition in a humorous manner.

McKinnon described geographic tongue as "gross" but did not show any embarrassment about its appearance. However, in a magazine interview, she expressed some reservations about discussing her geographic tongue. Yet, she sent a photo of her tongue to her actor friend, revealing her condition.

Geographic tongue gives the tongue a map-like appearance due to shifting patches. It is a common condition, affecting many people, and is generally harmless. Despite its name, it is not contagious and does not indicate any underlying health issues.

Kate McKinnon, one of the longest-running female cast members in Saturday Night Live's history, continues to captivate audiences with her wit and humour, even off-screen. Her candid approach to discussing her geographic tongue adds another layer to her unique persona.