Kate McKinnon, best known for her role in the Barbie film and as a former Saturday Night Live cast member, has revealed she has been diagnosed with geographic tongue. The 41-year-old actress shared the news with PEOPLE, explaining that she discovered the condition after sending a photo of her tongue to an actor friend who has the same medical issue. Calling the condition "gross," McKinnon joked that she and her friend "brag about how geographic we are on any given day."
Geographic tongue is an inflammatory process that leaves parts of the tongue looking smooth and red due to missing papillae, the tiny projections that normally cover the surface. Dr. Lauren Becker, a dentist, told HELLO! that while the condition may look alarming, it is entirely benign and poses no health risks. There is no cure, and it does not require treatment.
The condition is relatively rare, affecting approximately 3% of the world's population, which equates to around 240 million people. Diagnosis is typically made visually by a dentist, primary care provider, dermatologist, or ENT specialist. McKinnon described the appearance as the tongue shedding in patches, resembling an atlas, which gives the condition its name.
McKinnon is not alone among celebrities living with geographic tongue. Duck Dynasty's Sadie Robertson confirmed her own diagnosis on Instagram, noting that it explained why her tongue looks "weird." Singer Maura Nava also commented on Robertson's post, saying she has the condition, and Try Guys member Keith Habersberger has spoken publicly about having both geographic and fissured tongue.
Beyond her health disclosure, McKinnon has several projects on the horizon. Her second children's book, Secrets of the Purple Pearl, is due for release on September 30, 2025, following her debut The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science. She also stars in the dark comedy The Roses alongside Allison Janney, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Olivia Colman, which explores the hidden resentments in a seemingly perfect couple's marriage.
