Despite proclamations of its downfall a few years back and attempts by radio shock-jock Howard Stern to dethrone them, Saturday Night Live is still going strong. The late night variety show, which recently celebrated its silver anniversary, may not be pulling ratings like in its heyday - but still has a huge following. The weekly sketch comedy showcase has helped launch the careers of many of the world's top comedians, and one of the best of the current cast is comedienne Molly Shannon.

Hailing from Shakers Heights, Ohio, Molly was born on September 16th, 1964. Gifted with a knack for performance and comedy, Shannon harbored dreams of showbiz stardom from an early age. After high school, Shannon earned a B.F.A. in drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Circle in the Square Studio. Although fond of New York City, Shannon splits her time between the Big Apple and Los Angeles.

With her degree in hand, she began making the audition circuit on both coasts. Molly landed some guest spots on notable sitcoms like Seinfeld, but was having trouble getting her career jump-started. That all changed in 1994, when she was offered a spot on Lorne Michael's Saturday Night Live. Shannon made her debut in the 1995 season and quickly became a fan favorite - one of the best of the new breed. Her characterizations of Monica Lewinsky, Courtney Love and Catholic School Girl Mary Katherine Gallagher were all very popular. Poor, hapless Mary Katherine became one of the show's most successful characters ever.

It was only a matter of time before she would join fellow SNL cast members by bringing her hit character to the big screen. Superstar follows Mary Katherine's life adventures on a much larger scale.

Unlike someone like Mike Myers, who was relatively green when he brought his Wayne Campbell character to the big screen in Way ne's World, Shannon has already logged some film roles to her credit. She seems quite likely to make a smooth transition from television to the movies. Molly was a regular scene- stealer in Drew Barrymore's Nev er Been Kissed, and has also held her own with Billy Crystal and Robert De Niro in Analyze This.

Next up for Molly is a featured role in the much anticipated Jim Carrey vehicle, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Credit: allperson.com