Latest news with #KenanThompson
USA Today
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Kenan Thompson teases 'a lot of change' may be coming to 'SNL'
Kenan Thompson teases 'a lot of change' may be coming to 'SNL' Show Caption Hide Caption SNL turns 50! How Lorne Michaels made comedy cool again. In the decades since its creation, SNL has become a cultural institution for American comedy. Will they stay or will they go? As "Saturday Night Live" fans speculate about which cast members may not return to Studio 8H, Kenan Thompson is teasing change on the horizon. Speaking with Page Six, the "SNL" star, 47, hinted that the show may look different when it resumes in the fall as he reflected that the end of its latest season was "bittersweet." "Especially this year where it feels like there's maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year," he said. "You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer ... it's always like you want your kids to stay young," Thompson added. It has not been announced which "SNL" cast members may leave the show between seasons. The Season 50 finale, which aired May 17, did not appear to give any of its stars an obvious sendoff, though it did poke fun at the speculation about who might be on their way out. In host Scarlett Johansson's opening monologue, the actress sang that "Sarah is leaving," referring to cast member Sarah Sherman, who then pretended to be distraught and confused as if hearing this for the first time. 'SNL' cold open mocks Trump's Middle East trip, Qatar jet 'pre-bribe' The Season 50 finale also joked about rumors that Colin Jost could leave his position as anchor on "Weekend Update," either to get a promotion or to exit the show entirely. During a joke swap segment, where Jost and co-anchor Michael Che made each other read jokes they wrote for one another, Jost was forced to read a message urging "SNL" creator Lorne Michaels to retire and let him run the show. Michael Che apologizes to Scarlett Johansson for crude 'SNL' joke swap Despite speculation that Michaels might retire from "SNL" after the landmark 50th season, the producer told The Hollywood Reporter last year he would stick around as long as he can. "There's no immediate plan," he said of retirement. Some fans also noticed that "SNL" star Bowen Yang appeared emotional during the finale's closing credits, sparking theories that it could have been his last episode. Yang later told Entertainment Weekly he "was just processing that being one of the last 'last nights' that I would have, and that is a huge thing." But when asked directly if he would return for Season 51, Yang would not say.
Perth Now
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Saturday Night Live could see a lot of change, says Kenan Thompson
Kenan Thompson thinks 'Saturday Night Live' could see "a lot of change" in 2026. The 47-year-old actor has starred on the hit comedy show since since 2003, and Kenan has hinted at what the future could hold for the cast, admitting that the end of season 50 felt "bittersweet". Speaking to the New York Post newspaper's Page Six column, Kenan continued: "Especially this year where it feels like there's maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year." Kenan would love to remain on 'Saturday Night Live'. But the situation remains unclear for the time being. The comedy star said: "You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer… it's always like you want your kids to stay young." Kenan is widely seen as a central part of the 'Saturday Night Live' cast - but he previously played down his own importance. He told NPR: "I'm tough with self-praise, I guess, but I am definitely an ensemble-minded individual. And if that echoes across, you know, in a way that people want to consider me as a glue, great, you know? "But I just try to go out there and do my job and, you know, give showcase to these brilliant writers and brilliant minds and all of our departments - makeup and hair and directors and this, that and the other. You know what I mean? "Just ... Trying to be a team player. But those things come along with being consistent, which is definitely, you know, much appreciated." Kenan previously admitted he didn't know how long he'll remain on 'Saturday Night Live'. He explained: "I'm supposed to be there through the 50th, but that's all I know as far as what they want from me kind of thing. And then what I want at this point? "Yeah, I mean, I could see myself, like, hanging it up. It's been a long run. You know what I mean? But at the same time, I could also see myself being the guy that never left kind of thing. I don't really know. It's kind of, like, still a blank canvas."
Business Insider
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
'SNL' star Kenan Thompson hints at 'a lot of change' to the show following 50th season finale
"SNL" has wrapped its milestone 50th season and is set to return to screens in the fall. Kenan Thompson, one of the show's longest-serving cast members, has teased major changes. Several fan favorites have been the subject of departure rumors in recent weeks. " Saturday Night Live" wrapped its milestone 50th season last week, with a scheduled return to screens in the fall. But while audiences may be eager to see their cast favorites once again spoof the latest happenings in Washington, it appears that there could be a bit of a shake-up coming. Kenan Thompson, the longest-tenured cast member in the NBC show's history, has hinted that some big changes could take place between now and next season. Speaking to Page Six on Wednesday, Thompson described the show's recent season finale as "bittersweet." "Especially this year where it feels like there's maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year," he said. Thompson did not expand on what those changes may be, but there has been speculation that several popular cast members may be about to leave the show. "You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer," he added. Colin Jost, whose wife Scarlett Johansson hosted the season 50 finale episode, cracked several jokes about replacing "Saturday Night Live" boss Lorne Michaels during his latest Weekend Update. Jost began his tenure on the show as part of the writing team in 2005 and became co-anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment in 2014. It was speculated that Michaels would be departing in the run-up to the show's 50th anniversary celebrations. The 80-year-old, however, who created the sketch comedy show in 1975 has previously addressed the rumors, telling The Hollywood Reporter in 2024 that he had no "immediate" plans to retire. "I just know that this is kind of what I do and as long as I can keep doing it, I'll keep doing it," he said. Elsewhere in the finale, Sarah Sherman, who joined the cast in 2021, was shown looking confused after other cast members sang a line about her leaving in a song performed during Johansson's monologue. Bowen Yang also has left fans worried he could be saying his farewells following a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly. "I think you get to a point at SNL where you understand that you're on the downswing of things. I think I was just processing that being one of the last 'last nights' that I would have, and that is a huge thing," he said earlier this week. As for Thompson, who joined the cast in 2003, he said he has yet to sign a new contract for the coming season but expressed interest in returning. "You just never know what the future holds," he told Page Six. "I don't want to be in the way of someone else." "I don't want to be the stale old man riding the same old thing. That doesn't really happen that much at 'SNL' but there's no guarantees," he added.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Who is leaving SNL? Veteran SNL cast member Kenan Thompson hints at major shakeup
Veteran SNL cast member Kenan Thompson hinted at some major changes to the sketch comedy show's upcoming season. Thompson, who joined the popular NBC show in 2003, said concluding the 50th season - which wrapped up earlier this month - was 'bittersweet.' 'Especially this year where it feels like there's maybe, possibly, a lot of change next year,' the 47-year-old comedian told Page Six Wednesday while attending the Reel Works 24th Changemakers Gala. Thompson, who sported a vibrant green shirt, black coat, large black sunglasses, white sneakers and gold chains, made it clear that change isn't something everyone is onboard with. 'You want everyone to stay forever, knowing that people may be making decisions this summer…it's always like you want your kids to stay young,' he added. Of all the current cast members, The 'All That' alum has the longest running history with the show with 22 seasons under his belt. Although he's been an iconic part of the show for decades, Thompson told the outlet he has yet to sign his contract for a 23rd season. 'You just never know what the future holds. I don't want to be in the way of someone else or I don't want to be the stale old man riding the same thing,' Thompson explained. 'That doesn't really happen that much at 'SNL' but there's no guarantees, I guess.' Despite not knowing what the future might hold for him or his fellow cast members, Thompson appeared to be eager to return. 'I mean, I love that place. It's one of my favorite places to be,' he said. Although there is no clear release date for the next season, SNL typically premieres in the early fall. Thompson spoke out after the 50th season concluded on May 17 as a few cast members jokingly teased some changes that might come in the future. During the episode, Sarah Sherman, who joined the cast in 2021, appeared surprised when one of her cast mates joked she would be leaving. Meanwhile, Weekend Update host Colin Jost teased he was looking to replace Lorne Michaels - the boss of SNL. Michaels, 80, has been with the hit show since 1975. He briefly left the comedy skit in the early 1980s, missing seasons six through 10. In September, he told The Hollywood Reporter he plans on staying, and also addressed the backlash the show has received for its political commentary. 'It's always going to be described the same way, which is "uneven," and yet people have decided somehow that it's important,' he said. 'And so as long as it's important and I can be useful, I'll stay.' In recent seasons, especially since President Donald Trump returned to office, the sketch comedy has hit on many pressing issues in the US, leaving some disappointed with the show. Well-known cast members portray not just Trump but others in his administration, including Elon Musk, Marco Rubio, Jeanine Pirro and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Just before the 50th season finale aired, fans claimed Jost was gearing up to leave Saturday Night Live. Jost, 42, joined the comedy show in 2005 during season 31 as a writer. Over the years he rose through the ranks, becoming a writing supervisor and then co-head writer alongside Seth Meyers in 2012. Currently, Jost serves as the co-anchor of Weekend Update with Michael Che. However, after two decades many people believed Jost was going to announce his departure on the finale, which was hosted by his wife Scarlett Johansson and musical guest Bad Bunny. 'There's no proof but they've been the longest-running update anchors for a while,' someone chimed in on Reddit. 'There's expected to be a decent turnover after the 50th season of people who stayed to be a part of it. Add in his wife hosting the season finale and I wouldn't be surprised if it is his last episode.' 'I think Colin Jost is leaving SNL and Michael Longfellow is gonna take his spot on weekend update mark my words,' hypothesized another. The comedian himself has not shared anything about his rumored final episode, but in September 2024, he and Che were asked about the topic on The Howard Stern Show. 'I wanna leave because I just feel like I miss stand-up,' Che said. 'I feel like, first of all, you're very good at it and it is rewarding for you, even though you're often like, "I want to do other stuff",' Jost chimed in. 'It's hard to imagine being gone. My brain is on the clock of Saturday Night Live,' Che told his coworker. 'People get burned out in ways you don't see. People get burned out in a different way, when you have that level of heat for a while. It's hard to keep doing it,' Jost replied.
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Kenan Thompson Is Just Getting Started And Speaking Out On GERD
Actor, Comedian, Author Kenan Thompson When you sit down with Kenan Thompson, what strikes you first isn't the fame — it's the familiarity. It's a warm afternoon in New York as we meet for our interview, and before we even formally start, there's laughter about camera angles and seating. "Wherever you feel comfortable," Kenan jokes, adjusting slightly in his chair as we work through the final framing of the shot. There's no pretense, just a natural ease that fills the room — a reminder that beneath the accolades and record-breaking career, Kenan Thompson is, at his core, someone who makes people feel at home. After a few laughs and some last-minute tweaks to the setup — "Focus is all the focus," he says playfully, turning his head so the lens locks in — we dive into a conversation that's as real as it is revealing. Most millennials grew up watching Kenan on All That, Kenan & Kel, and his role in Good Burger remains a pop culture milestone for an entire generation. But what Kenan has built since then is even more extraordinary: a career that spans decades, a body of work that continues to break ground, and a presence that refuses to be anything but authentic. Now in his 22nd season at Saturday Night Live — the longest-running cast member in the show's history — Kenan is still evolving. "It's wild," he says, shaking his head slightly. "If you told my younger self I'd be here today, I wouldn't have believed it. But I also wouldn't have been out here bragging either. You just keep your humble hat on and keep serving." For Kenan, art is service — a way to reflect, heal and uplift society. And sustaining that for over two decades, he tells me, is nothing short of a blessing. But Kenan's impact isn't limited to what happens in front of the camera. Through his company Artists for Artists, which he co-founded with longtime friend Johnny Ryan, Kenan is carving out new paths for creators to own their work and their futures. "We're just two buds with an LLC," he says modestly, before expanding. "But really, we're trying to change how artists navigate the business. They should have ownership over what they help create. They should be building equity for themselves — not just momentary fame." Projects like the upcoming film The Halloween Store — featuring Anthony Michael Hall, Simon Rex, and Natalie Lynn — reflect that ethos. Produced with a family-driven spirit, the project exemplifies the kind of supportive, creator-first environments Artists for Artists aims to champion. "We're like a 360 incubator," Kenan explains. "Whether it's launching a jewelry line, producing content, or helping talent make smart career moves — it's about giving people tools to build something lasting." It's impossible to talk about Kenan without talking about Saturday Night Live — the cultural institution where he's spent 22 seasons redefining what consistency, versatility and brilliance look like on stage. "I still can't believe it sometimes," he says, laughing. "If you had told my younger self that I would be here, doing this, for over two decades, I wouldn't have believed you." Yet behind the glitz of live comedy and the viral skits is a deeper truth. For Kenan, SNL is more than a platform; it's a service to society. "Art is a service," he says, thoughtfully. "It reflects who we are, what we're feeling. The smiles, the laughter, the pats on the back — that's what keeps me going." As the show just celebrated it's 50th anniversary, Kenan reflects on what the journey has taught him: humility, gratitude and a fierce commitment to staying connected to the people who built him — his family, mentors, and the community that shaped his values. "That place is crazy, in the best way," he says with a laugh. "It's a blessing to have a job — any job — but to have this one, for this long, it's humbling." The secret to his longevity? Gratitude and a sense of duty. "I always remember that it's bigger than me," he says. "Comedy is a service. It's about what we can give to society. And every laugh, every smile — that's the real paycheck." Kenan Thompson Midway through our conversation, a more personal layer of Kenan's journey emerges — his experience living with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), a chronic condition affecting more than 65 million Americans. "For a long time, I just brushed it off as heartburn," he says, his tone shifting — still warm, but more reflective. "You grow up thinking, 'That's just life,' you know? Eat bad, feel bad. You pop a tums and keep it moving. I didn't realize how much I was hurting myself by ignoring it." In Kenan's case, the symptoms weren't just uncomfortable — they were beginning to impact the very thing he relies on for his career: his voice. "There were times during SNL when I'd lose my voice by the second sketch," he recalls. "I sing a warm-up song before every show — high-energy, big notes — and I started noticing that some nights, I couldn't even get through it. I'd be hoarse, cracking on certain words, struggling to catch my breath in cold opens. That wasn't just fatigue. That was my body telling me something was wrong." The tipping point came when over-the-counter remedies stopped working altogether. "No amount of lozenges or ginger tea was fixing it," he says. "I needed real help." After finally consulting a doctor, Kenan was diagnosed with GERD and prescribed FREQUENZA, the first FDA-approved treatment of its kind for the condition. The results, he says, were life-changing. "It was like I got a piece of myself back," he shares. "I could sing. I could perform. I could breathe. You don't realize how much chronic discomfort weighs you down until you're on the other side of it." Kenan's experience isn't uncommon — particularly among men and within Black communities, where there's often stigma around seeking medical care until symptoms become unmanageable. "It's the 'tough it out' mentality," he says. "Especially for Black men — we're taught to be strong, not to complain, not to show weakness. But ignoring your health isn't strength. Taking care of yourself, being proactive — that's strength." Determined to break the silence, Kenan partnered with Fathom Pharmaceuticals to launch the "GERD Is No Joke" campaign, a national initiative using humor to drive home a serious message. In the campaign, Kenan plays a lively chef whipping up delicious dishes — but unable to enjoy them because of his condition. It's a creative, relatable way to bring awareness to an issue too many suffer with silently. "I didn't want it to feel preachy," he explains. "I wanted it to feel real. Because it is real." Beyond the campaign, Kenan also developed a downloadable wellness guide filled with practical tips — from recognizing early symptoms to advocating for yourself in the doctor's office. When I ask him what advice he would give to others who might be ignoring warning signs, he doesn't hesitate: "First step: Pick up the phone. Make the appointment," he says. "Don't wait until the problem gets bigger than you. You deserve to feel good. You deserve to live fully." He smiles, thoughtful. "At the end of the day, your health is the foundation for everything else. Your dreams, your purpose, your ability to give back — none of it matters if you're not here to do it." As we wrap, I asked Kenan about something deeper: legacy. How does he hope to be remembered when the cameras finally stop rolling? "I'm a giver," he says without hesitation. "I love my community. I love my culture. I take pride in representing that, every single day." He leans back slightly, reflective. "You can't give without love. Whether it's a laugh, an opportunity, a moment of joy — those are gifts. And I hope when people look back, they see someone who gave more than he ever asked for." In the end, it's not just Kenan Thompson's longevity that cements his place in history — it's his humanity. The way he shows up. The way he uplifts. The way he makes you feel like you belong, even if you just met him five minutes ago. As our interview ends, he smiles warmly: 'Thank you for this. This was special.' From the stages of Nickelodeon to SNL, from launching a creator-first business to advocating for health awareness, Kenan Thompson has proven that staying true to who you are — and finding ways to give back — is the greatest success of all. And somehow, it feels like he's just getting started.
