Kenan Thompson Wanted to Quit Acting as a Teen When Asked to Learn Hockey for “D2: The Mighty Ducks”

Kenan Thompson’s journey through the film and television industry began at the tender age of 15 when he was cast in the popular film, “D2: The Mighty Ducks.” This 1996 sequel to the original “Mighty Ducks,” released in 1992, featured Thompson as Russ Tyler, a young hockey player known for his trademark “knucklepuck.” In a recent episode of “Good Hang,” Thompson recounted his experiences leading up to and during his time on set, highlighting some unexpected challenges along the way.

During his appearance on the podcast hosted by fellow “Saturday Night Live” alumni Amy Poehler, Thompson revealed that he almost considered quitting acting altogether when tasked with learning how to skate. Growing up in Atlanta, he was accustomed to roller skating, but the transition to ice skating proved to be a daunting challenge. Thompson jokingly recounted the difficulties he faced, stating that he was “busting my ass constantly,” and shared that he frequently found himself falling, with both feet flipping into the air.

The initial days at hockey camp were particularly overwhelming for the young actor. He admitted that on his 15th birthday, after just one day of training, he felt overwhelmed and reverted to the thought of quitting acting. It was his mother who encouraged him to persevere. “She was like, ‘No, go back tomorrow,’” he recalled. This encouragement proved pivotal as Thompson continued to attend camp for eight weeks, eventually mastering the skills necessary for his role. He has since passed on the joy of skating by teaching his two daughters the sport.

Thompson’s path into the entertainment industry began at a remarkably young age when he served as an entertainment reporter on CNN’s “Real News for Kids.” This early experience helped set the stage for his future career, bolstering his confidence and steering him toward a successful trajectory in show business. “To have that so young… pointed me confidently in the direction of what I should be doing,” he reflected.

After landing the role in “D2,” Thompson auditioned for various projects, eventually connecting with Nickelodeon producers due to networking links with the film’s director. This connection resulted in his participation in Nickelodeon’s “All That,” a sketch comedy series that allowed him to showcase his comedic talents more fully. In 1996, he and co-star Kel Mitchell received their own spin-off, “Kenan & Kel,” which became a beloved show among young audiences.

Thompson’s foray into the film world continued with the movie “Good Burger,” released in 1997. The film was based on a recurring skit from “All That,” further cementing his status as a rising star in the industry. After years of success and grounding in sketch comedy, Thompson joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 2003. Notably, he was the first cast member born after the show first premiered in 1975, and he has since become SNL’s longest-serving cast member.

Throughout his tenure on “Saturday Night Live,” Thompson has gained recognition for his versatile comedy skills, adapting to various roles and characters over the years. Outside of SNL, Thompson and Mitchell reunited in 2023 for “Good Burger 2,” reigniting the nostalgia of their earlier partnership, and also announced plans for an upcoming film, “Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein.”

Now at 48 years old, Thompson reflects on his remarkable career with a blend of nostalgia and appreciation, grateful for the opportunities that came his way. His story not only illustrates his tenacity and dedication to his craft but also highlights the important role of parental support in guiding young talent through the challenges of the entertainment industry.

As Thompson continues to evolve as an actor and comedian, his journey from a hesitant teenager at hockey camp to a seasoned industry veteran serves as an inspiration to both aspiring entertainers and fans alike. He demonstrates that with perseverance and encouragement, it is possible to overcome initial apprehensions and achieve one’s dreams in the competitive world of entertainment.