Kristin Gore built her own successful career in Hollywood long before most people knew Al Gore’s daughter was a writer. She’s penned scripts for Saturday Night Live, created political satire novels, and co-directed a major Apple TV+ film.
Today, at 47, Gore balances writing, directing, and raising twin children with her husband, OK Go frontman Damian Kulash.
Her path from Harvard graduate to Emmy-nominated writer shows that talent runs in the Gore family. But Kristin carved out her own space in entertainment, separate from her father’s political fame. Her mother, Tipper Gore, was a strong influence during her upbringing in Washington, D.C., providing support as Kristin developed her creative talents.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 5, 1977, in Carthage, Tennessee, Kristin Carlson Gore was the second of four children. Her parents, Al and Tipper Gore, raised her in Washington, D.C., where politics shaped daily life. She attended National Cathedral School and graduated in 1995.
The values instilled during challenging times, particularly when her family came together during herbrother’s recovery in 1989, shaped her approach to storytelling. She focuses on resilience, humanity, and finding humor even in difficult situations.
Kristin attended Harvard University and graduated in 1999. At Harvard, she wrote for The Harvard Lampoon, the university’s famous humor publication founded in 1876.
She served as the only woman on the Lampoon’s literary board until her senior year. This experience launched her comedy writing career and connected her with future collaborators in television.
Television Writing Career
Gore started her professional writing career at Saturday Night Live in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She wrote sketches for the iconic NBC sketch comedy show during multiple seasons.
Her work earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series and a Writers Guild of America Award.
When her father appeared on SNL during his vice presidency, Gore wrote one of the sketches. “I think they thought, you know, I know my dad better than they do, and I’m in comedy writing, so why not join the team?” she told NPR’s Fresh Air in 2004.
After SNL, Gore served as a staff writer and story editor for Futurama rom 2000 to 2003. She was the only female writer on the animated series created by Matt Groening.
Gore received writing credits on 28 episodes and authored the teleplay for “Leela’s Homeworld,” which explored the character’s orphan origins.
Published Novels
Gore published three satirical novels that blend humor with political insight:
Sammy’s Hill (2004) follows Samantha Joyce, a young health care analyst working for a U.S. senator. The novel draws from Gore’s extensive experience with political life. Publishers Weekly praised the book for its funny, insider view of how legislation gets done.
Critics called it “an absurd and convincing rendering of everyday life in the political jungle.” Columbia Pictures optioned the book for a film adaptation.
Sammy’s House (2007) continues Sammy’s story. Now she works at the White House as an assistant to the Vice President. The Los Angeles Times called it “an amusing insider’s turn on a place that takes itself way too seriously.” Entertainment Weekly termed it a “lighthearted, fun read.”
Sweet Jiminy (2011) marked Gore’s third novel. While less political than her first two books, it maintained her signature humor and character-driven storytelling.
Gore’s novels celebrate people in politics who have “this incredibly pure impulse to change the world and devoted their lives to it,” as she told Newsweek. She wanted to make political life accessible and show the real people behind the policy work.
Film Career and The Beanie Bubble
Gore expanded into screenwriting and film production. She co-wrote the screenplay for the 2015 film Accidental Love and produced the 2014 drama Foxcatcher, which earned critical acclaim.
Her biggest film project came in 2023 when she co-directed The Beanie Bubble with her husband Damian Kulash.
The Apple TV+ film stars Zach Galifianakis as Beanie Babies creator Ty Warner, with Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Snook, and Geraldine Viswanathan playing three women who played pivotal roles in the Beanie Babies phenomenon.
Gore and Kulash received the book “The Great Beanie Baby Bubble” from Gore’s agent at CAA. The story about capitalism, overlooked women, and 1990s consumer culture resonated with both of them. They developed the screenplay together and made their directorial debuts with the film.
“Working with your spouse, especially when you’re in the process of raising twins who are toddlers, is insane,” Kulash told Rolling Stone. But their different working styles complemented each other.
Gore focuses on character development and narrative drive, while Kulash works backward from the desired impact.
She also wrote the narration for the 2007 environmental documentary Arctic Tale.
Marriage and Family Life
Gore first married Paul Cusack in April 2005. The couple divorced in 2009.
In 2016, she married Damian Kulash, lead singer and guitarist of the rock band OK Go. The two actually attended high school together in Washington, D.C. Kulash graduated from St. Albans School in 1994, while Gore attended nearby National Cathedral School.
They reconnected as adults and married in 2016. A couple of years later, they welcomed twin children. The family lives in Los Angeles, where Gore continues to write and develop new projects.
OK Go became famous for their innovative music videos, particularly 2006’s “Here It Goes Again” with its viral treadmill choreography. The band’s creative approach to music videos influenced their collaborative work on The Beanie Bubble.
The Gore Family Today
Kristin’s career shows how the Gore children each found their own paths. While her father focused on climate activism and sustainable investing after leaving politics, Kristin built a career telling stories through comedy and drama.
Growing up in a political family gave Gore unique insights that inform her writing. She understands Capitol Hill from the inside but approaches it with humor and humanity. Her novels don’t mock political workers; they celebrate the people trying to make a difference.
Her father, Al Gore, continues his climate work through multiple organizations, while her mother, Tipper, moved on after their separation. Kristin maintains relationships with both parents and her three siblings: Karenna, Sarah, and Albert III.
Current Projects and Future Work
Gore continues to write and develop new film projects. Her experience spans television comedy, political satire novels, documentary narration, and feature film directing. This versatility makes her one of the more interesting writers working in Hollywood today.
She received Emmy nominations and industry recognition for her television work. Her novels became bestsellers. Her directorial debut showed she can handle large-scale film production alongside her husband.
At 47, Gore has decades of creative work ahead. She balances her career with raising twins and supporting her husband’s music career. The family splits time between Los Angeles and travels for various projects.
Conclusion
Kristin Gore’s career proves she’s more than just a former Vice President’s daughter. She built her reputation through Emmy-nominated television writing, bestselling novels, and successful film work. From Saturday Night Live sketches to The BeanieBabye, Gore created her own path in entertainment.
Her writing blends political insight with humor and heart. She brings Washington insiders to life as real people with flaws and dreams. Whether writing for Futurama, crafting political satire, or directing feature films, Gore shows consistent talent and creativity.
What’s your favorite Kristin Gore project? Have you read her novels or seen The Beanie Bubble? Share your thoughts in the comments.
