Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell Share One Habit They Avoid as Celebrities: ‘It’ll Mess with Your Head’ (Exclusive)

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, the famed duo from Nickelodeon, have reunited to celebrate the launch of their inaugural mobile game, OrangePop! This milestone comes after nearly three decades of collaboration, as the pair first connected in 1994 while appearing together on the iconic sketch show All That.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Thompson, aged 48, and Mitchell, 47, discussed their enduring friendship and their experiences with fame. Throughout their careers, they have maintained a close bond, which continued to flourish during projects like Good Burger and their beloved sitcom Kenan & Kel. As they reflect on their journey, they reveal how they navigate the challenges of celebrity status.

When asked if they ever search for themselves online, the responses were revealing. Thompson mentioned that he does so “very randomly,” while Mitchell confessed that he used to engage in such practices but has since chosen to refrain. “You don’t love to see that much influx of people’s opinions on you,” he elaborated. “There are all kinds of craziness. It’ll mess with you.”

Mitchell’s decision to stop googling himself stems from a desire to maintain mental well-being. He explained, “I had to stop doing that. You’ve got to,” emphasising the negative impact that unchecked opinions can have on one’s psyche. This sentiment was echoed by Thompson, who articulated a similar concern: “It’ll mess with your head, what you hear.”

Despite the challenges associated with fame, both comedians express gratitude for their experiences. They are frequently approached by fans who fondly remember their favourite characters and moments from past projects. Mitchell noted that while being recognised can sometimes happen at inconvenient times, he makes an effort to respond positively. “You never know what they might be going through,” he said. “I try to say, ‘What up,’ because it could make a significant difference.”

Thompson also reflected on the nature of fame and his journey as a performer. He explained his belief in the importance of acknowledging the connection between celebrities and their fans, stating that a moment of rudeness could tarnish that cherished memory for both parties. He stated, “If you were rude in that moment and it just stuck? It would’ve killed me.”

The pair shared their thoughts on the notion of fame, admitting it wasn’t a primary motivation for their initial foray into show business. Thompson recalled how excited he was simply to perform, with financial gain and enjoyment being the primary drivers. However, he noted that additional knowledge about the realities of fame would have been beneficial in navigating their early days in the industry. “A little knowledge would’ve been helpful,” he remarked, yearning for insights that could have made their journey smoother.

Thompson openly acknowledged the frustrations that can accompany fame, wishing at times for anonymity. “I wish I could just go outside and not be bothered,” he confessed. Nevertheless, he also recognised that the attention he receives is rooted in affection from fans, expressing appreciation for the love and energy they present. “It’s never that,” he concluded, contrasting the support he receives with the potential for indifference.

In addition to discussing their experiences in the limelight, the interview also highlighted the duo’s excitement surrounding the release of their mobile game, OrangePop! The game, which draws inspiration from their comedic chemistry, is now available for download on both the App Store and Google Play. As they embark on this new venture, fans can look forward to another opportunity to engage with the beloved duo.

In summary, Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell’s journey from child stars to beloved comedic icons has been marked by laughter, friendship, and an evolving understanding of fame. With the launch of OrangePop!, they continue to build their legacy, reminding audiences of the joy they have brought to generations of fans. As they look to the future, their passion for performance and connection with their audience remains as strong as ever.