Kenan Thompson Reflects on Longevity at ‘SNL’
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Renowned comedian Kenan Thompson, best known for his roles on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL), shows no signs of bidding farewell to the iconic sketch comedy show any time soon. With an impressive 22 seasons under his belt, Thompson shared his aspirations of achieving more milestones before considering an exit from Studio 8H.
Thompson expressed his desire to continue his stint on SNL in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Having joined the show in 2003, he emphasised his interest in potentially becoming a permanent fixture on the show. Thompson’s dedication to SNL has not gone unnoticed, having earned five Emmy nominations for his contributions, including a win in 2018 for co-writing the sketch “Come Back, Barack.”
While previously aiming to hit the 20-season mark on SNL, Thompson now sets his sights on surpassing this milestone. Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned, “I guess the only other milestone would be just to be the forever cast member. Just never leave the show.” Thompson highlighted the significance of reaching the 20-season mark, considering it a unique feat that had not been achieved before his tenure.
When questioned about the potential departure of either himself or SNL creator Lorne Michaels, Thompson remained optimistic about their shared commitment to the show. He remarked, “That’s a great question. I have no idea. I feel like we’ll both just ride until the wheels fall off.” Thompson’s dedication to SNL stems from his belief that it offers unparalleled opportunities in television, dubbing it as “the best job in the world” due to the collaborative and supportive environment.
The comedian’s sentiments towards SNL align with his sentiments from earlier this year, where he expressed gratitude for the continuous employment provided by the show. Thompson conveyed his deep appreciation for the cast and crew of SNL, emphasising the love and passion that drive his decision to remain on the programme.
As Thompson shows no signs of slowing down, fans can anticipate his ongoing presence on SNL, where he continues to entertain audiences with his comedic prowess. With each passing season, Thompson’s legacy on the show only grows stronger, solidifying his status as a key figure in the rich history of Saturday Night Live.
For fans of SNL and followers of Thompson’s career, his unwavering commitment to the show serves as a testament to his dedication and love for the craft of comedy. As the iconic series continues to evolve, Thompson remains a cornerstone, providing laughter and entertainment for viewers worldwide.