Kenan Thompson Says He Was ‘Always’ Auditioning Against Anthony Anderson in the ‘90s

Kenan Thompson and Anthony Anderson Auditioned for Similar Roles in the ’90s

Kenan Thompson, the beloved Saturday Night Live star, recently reminisced about his early days in the entertainment industry where he frequently found himself up for the same roles as fellow comedian Anthony Anderson during the 1990s. Despite the fierce competition, both actors went on to achieve remarkable success, becoming household names in Hollywood.

In a candid conversation on the PEOPLE in the ‘90s podcast in 2021, Thompson revealed that Anderson’s name was a constant presence on audition lists. He shared, “I would always see his name on the list. Whether I would see him at the actual audition or not, he was always in the running. We’ve been in the same conversations for characters, probably in a lot of things throughout the ‘90s for sure.”

Although they were vying for similar opportunities back then, Thompson expressed his admiration for Anderson’s career trajectory. The SNL star particularly highlighted Anderson’s breakthrough role in the acclaimed film ‘The Departed’ as a pivotal moment that elevated Anderson’s status in the industry. Thompson noted, “I know what that movie did for his career. Before that, he was the go-to guy for Barbershop and comic relief roles.”

Both Thompson and Anderson rose to prominence in the ’90s and early 2000s with a string of successful projects. Thompson’s early credits include iconic roles in the Mighty Ducks franchise, Nickelodeon’s Kenan & Kel, and the cult classic movie ‘Good Burger’. Transitioning from his Nickelodeon days, Thompson ventured to Los Angeles to pursue further opportunities.

Reflecting on his journey to fame, Thompson recalled the slower pace of recognition during his Nickelodeon stint. Despite early success, the comedian shared that his peers in college were not tuning in to children’s programming, resulting in a more subdued fame trajectory until his breakthrough on SNL in 2003.

Joining the cast of Saturday Night Live marked a turning point for Thompson, propelling him into a new realm of celebrity status. Embracing his role as the longest-tenured cast member on the show, Thompson reflected on the significant impact the platform had on his career, catapulting him to widespread recognition and acclaim.

During a recent interview at Nintendo New York, Thompson fondly revisited some of his most memorable roles, shedding light on the sentimental items he kept from various sets. From cherished original T-shirts to Good Burger hats, Thompson’s collection serves as a nostalgic reminder of his diverse and celebrated acting career.

As Thompson continues to captivate audiences with his comedic genius and versatility, his journey from Nickelodeon star to SNL stalwart stands as a testament to his enduring talent and unwavering passion for his craft. The enduring camaraderie between Thompson and Anderson exemplifies the resilience and camaraderie that define the entertainment industry, where shared experiences and mutual respect underpin lasting friendships and professional success.