Molly Shannon is celebrating a special family milestone as her daughter, Stella Chesnut, turns 23. The Saturday Night Live alum marked the occasion with a sweet Instagram tribute featuring both a recent photo and a childhood throwback of Stella.
According to Parade, the Molly Shannon daughter post highlighted just how much Stella has grown while also showing the striking red curls she has had since childhood. Shannon’s birthday message came as Stella begins building an acting career of her own, following a path that looks increasingly familiar to longtime fans of her famous mother.
Molly Shannon’s Daughter Stella Is Following Her Into Acting
Shannon recently revealed that Stella graduated from NYU’s drama school with a BFA in acting and has already started working professionally. Stella also appeared in an episode of Goosebumps: The Vanishing, giving audiences an early look at the next generation of the family in front of the camera.
View this post on Instagram
The birthday post made that connection feel especially fitting. One image showed Stella smiling for the camera as an adult, while another looked back at her as a little girl. For Shannon, the moment was both a celebration of her daughter’s birthday and a reminder of how quickly the years have passed.
Shannon’s Own Comedy Career Spans Decades
Shannon, 62, first became a household name through Saturday Night Live, where her memorable characters helped launch a successful film and television career. She later appeared in projects such as A Night at the Roxbury and Superstar, where she brought her famous Mary Katherine Gallagher character to the big screen. In more recent years, Shannon has continued adding high-profile roles to her résumé, including an appearance on HBO’s The White Lotus. She also currently stars with Will Ferrell in Netflix’s The Hawk, showing that her comedy career remains active decades after her breakout.
Stella joined her father, Fritz Chesnut, in celebrating Shannon’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star earlier this year. While Shannon’s son prefers surfing, Stella is pursuing entertainment with formal training and early acting credits. The latest Molly Shannon daughter tribute captures a full-circle moment as Stella begins following her mother into Hollywood.