Behind Tiny Hands: Exploring Kristen Wiig’s Iconic SNL Character, Dooneese

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Kristen Wiig debuted on Saturday Night Live on November 12, 2005, shortly into season 31. One of her most memorable characters was Dooneese, whose charming deformities include a huge forehead, tiny baby hands, and an odd canine tooth.

Dooneese is by far the ugliest of four Maharelle sisters, an act from the Finger Lakes. They were first introduced by Lawrence Welk (Fred Armisen) on October 4, 2008, when Anne Hathaway hosted SNL for the first time (Season 34, Episode 4).

Parodying The Lawrence Welk Show

The character is a comedic creation meant to parody the wholesome and sometimes saccharine nature of the original “Lawrence Welk Show,” a musical variety show that aired from 1955 to 1982.

Dooneese and her tiny hands appeared in nine sketches: October 4, 2008, May 16, 2009, December 19, 2009, May 8, 2010, April 2, 2011, October 1, 2011, May 19, 2012, May 11, 2013, and December 7, 2013.

Kristen Wiig's Dooneese character on SNL has tiny hands, a big forehead, and a snaggletoothKristen Wiig’s Dooneese character on SNL has tiny hands, a big forehead, and a snaggletooth

In another memorable sketch, Dooneese joined her sisters and Latin singing sensation Rico Garlanda (James Franco) for a Christmas song on “The Lawrence Welk Show.”

Thanks to her popularity, Kristen Wiig became a full repertory cast member at the beginning of season 32 in 2006. After seven seasons on Saturday Night Live, she left the show on May 19, 2012.

Wiig’s Role in ‘The Spoils of Babylon’

In January 2014, the American comedian attended the screening of “The Spoils of Babylon,” an American comedy miniseries written by Matt Piedmont and Andrew Steele.

She co-stars with numerous celebrities, including Tobey Maguire, Tim Robbins, Jessica Alba, Val Kilmer, Haley Joel Osment, Michael Sheen, and Will Ferrell.

Kristen Wiig attends the screening of IFC's "The Spoils of Babylon"Kristen Wiig attends the screening of IFC’s “The Spoils of Babylon” at DGA Theater in Los Angeles on January 7, 2014 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

Elegance at the Screening: Wiig’s Fashion Choice

For the screening, Kristen donned a long-sleeved sheer tulle dress by Valentino, which featured all-over cotton arabesque embroidery and two slit pockets.

Kristen Wiig wears an embroidered Valentino dress at a screening of "The Spoils of Babylon"Kristen Wiig wears an embroidered Valentino dress at a screening of “The Spoils of Babylon” (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

The then-40-year-old American actress, comedian, and writer styled the dress with Cathy Waterman jewelry and t-strap Casadei “Graphic” t-strap pumps in black leather.

Tim Robbins, Haley Joel Osment, Steve Tom, Tobey Maguire, Kristen Wiig, David Spade, and Will Ferrell all pose for photos at a screening of "The Spoils of Babylon"Tim Robbins, Haley Joel Osment, Steve Tom, Tobey Maguire, Kristen Wiig, David Spade, and Will Ferrell all pose for photos at a screening of “The Spoils of Babylon” (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

Fashion Critics on Wiig’s Ensemble

Fashion critics loved Kristen’s dress but weren’t pleased with her Casadei shoes. Do you think she should have picked a different pair?

Kristen Wiig wears a pair of Casadei heels on her feetKristen Wiig wears a pair of Casadei heels on her feet (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

A Fashion Coincidence with Zooey Deschanel

Coincidentally, Zooey Deschanel wore the same dress on the February cover of “Elle” magazine.

Zooey Deschanel in Elle Magazine, February 2014 IssueZooey Deschanel in Elle Magazine, February 2014 Issue (Credit: ELLE Magazine)

If you do not like Kristen’s Casadei pumps, perhaps you’ll prefer shoes from the Casadei Christmas Collection.