Kenan Thompson embarked on his remarkable career in entertainment with the beloved All That, a kid-oriented sketch comedy series that introduced many to his unique humor and charisma. Now, after an impressive two decades on SNL, he envisions concluding his journey in comedy in the same manner he began. It’s astonishing to realize that Kenan has been a vital presence on Saturday Night Live for over 20 seasons, having first graced the iconic Studio 8H stage during season 29 back in 2003. As he approaches the milestone of participating in half of the show’s episodes, he reflects on what it would mean to remain a part of this legendary program for the foreseeable future.
In a revealing conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Kenan Thompson expressed his desire to have SNL as his final professional endeavor. He remarked, “It would be cool if I never left the show. That’d be crazy.” Currently, he holds the title of the longest-serving cast member in the history of the show, outlasting the previous record held by Darrell Hammond, who was with SNL for 14 seasons. While Hammond departed in 2009, he later returned to announce duties, succeeding the late Don Pardo in 2014. Kenan mused, “I guess the only other milestone would be just to be the forever cast member. Just never leave the show. I don’t really know. Thirty is like, okay, that’s just another number kind of thing. Twenty was just such a thing that nobody had ever done. People had gotten into their teens before, but nobody had gotten all the way up to 20. And then I was close to doing it. Once I started getting into 17, I was like, well, if I can, I would love to stick around till 20. And now here we are at 22, so I don’t know.”
Speculation surrounds the future of SNL, particularly regarding the departure of Lorne Michaels, who many believe may step down after the show’s 50th season, although this remains unverified. If Kenan Thompson were to make a prediction, he would likely assert that both he and Michaels will exit the show only when they can no longer execute their roles effectively.
Kenan Thompson is indeed a unique figure among SNL cast members, having already established a notable career prior to his casting in 2003, especially for those who grew up watching All That and Kenan & Kel. His transition to Saturday Night Live was marked by an immediate impact, as he brought to life memorable characters and sketches including Jean K. Jean, Scared Straight, Black Jeopardy, and the legendary What’s Up With That?. Each of these sketches not only showcased his comedic talent but also contributed to the rich tapestry of SNL’s legacy over the years.
As Kenan Thompson continues his journey on SNL, fans and critics alike are left to ponder his lasting legacy within the show. Will he eventually retire, or will he choose to ride out his tenure until the very end? The debate continues, highlighting the profound impact he has had on the landscape of sketch comedy and his undeniable connection to SNL.
