While many Saturday Night Live alums find their footing in quick-hit comedies, Maya Rudolph has spent her post-show years building a career that spans animation, prestige television, and late-night guest appearances.
As we forge into 2026, Rudolph is riding high on the continued success of her Apple TV+ hit Loot, a show that has transitioned from a simple “fish-out-of-water” comedy into a poignant exploration of wealth and purpose.
In Loot, Rudolph stars as Molly Novak, a billionaire divorcée who discovers she has a massive charitable foundation and decides to actually run it. The series, which recently launched its third season in late 2025, is a critical darling.
Of course we love Rudolph, who ranks at No. 10 in our all-time SNL cast member rankings. She elevates everything she appears in, whether it a low-brow Adam Sandler movie, or the underrated sitcom Forever.
2026 Award Season Buzz
Heading into the early months of 2026, Rudolph has already secured several major nominations. Most notably, she has been nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series at the 57th Annual NAACP Image Awards, which are set to be handed out on February 28, 2026. This nomination places her alongside powerhouses like Ayo Edebiri and Quinta Brunson, cementing her status as one of the most consistent comedic leads in the business.+1
Additionally, Loot has picked up nominations for its sharp writing and directing, specifically for the episode “Father Facts, Figures, and Failures.” The industry continues to recognize Rudolph not just for her acting, but for her role as an executive producer who has crafted a workplace comedy with a surprisingly large heart.
The Ensemble: Rudolph’s Loot Co-Stars
A large part of the show’s charm lies in the chemistry between Rudolph and her eclectic cast of coworkers:
- Michaela Jaé Rodriguez: As Sofia Salinas, the no-nonsense executive director of the foundation, Rodriguez provides the perfect grounded foil to Molly’s often chaotic optimism.
- Joel Kim Booster: Playing Nicholas, Molly’s loyal and perpetually unimpressed assistant, Booster has become a breakout star of the series.
- Ron Funches: As Molly’s optimistic, pop-culture-obsessed cousin Howard, Funches brings a warmth that balances the show’s more cynical edges.
- Nat Faxon: Playing the mild-mannered accountant Arthur, Faxon shares a sweet, slow-burn romantic tension with Rudolph that anchors the show’s more human moments.
Life After Studio 8H: A Legacy of Success
Since leaving Saturday Night Live in 2007, Rudolph has arguably become one of the show’s most successful and versatile graduates. She didn’t just move into movies like Bridesmaids (2011); she redefined what it means to be a “utility player.”
Her success in voice acting is impressive, particularly her multiple Emmy-winning turns as Connie the Hormone Monstress in Netflix’s Big Mouth. She also earned acclaim for her guest appearances back at SNL, specifically for her legendary portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris, a role that earned her multiple Emmys and kept her at the center of the cultural zeitgeist for a while.
Rudolph has moved beyond being a sketch performer. She is a producer, a lead actress, and a talent who can pivot from a simple joke to a heartbreaking monologue without missing a beat. Whether she’s hosting SNL or accepting an NAACP Image Award for Loot, Rudolph is establishing herself as a gold standard for post-SNL longevity.
