When you make a purchase through links in our articles, Future and its distribution partners may earn a commission.
Source: NBC
Kenan Thompson has achieved considerable success throughout his career, starting in the entertainment industry as a child and even starring in his own show. Of course, Thompson is now widely known for his work on the program. Saturday Night Live – a show he joined in 2003 and remains with to this day. Thompson is the longest-serving cast member in the show's history, and some may wonder why he's remained on it for over two decades. The beloved star recently shared some of his thoughts, and it's a little heartbreaking.
Over the years, Thompson has shared many positive thoughts about working in SNL , and, apparently, he mostly enjoys the job. However, there is also an economic factor. Thompson recently appeared on an episode of the program Bullseye with Jesse Thor and discussed his career, including both the highs and lows he's experienced. When asked if he still thinks about the periods when work was scarce, the icon Good Burger shared his frank feelings:
Is that what I'm thinking about now? Yeah, it's just one of those things where you think about—like you're cordoning off a danger zone, you know? You think, "Okay, this is the boundary of a place I'm not going back to anymore." My bank accounts are at a point where the balance is zero or negative. And I try to make it clear that I'm not going there anymore... So yeah, it's a cautionary tale that's always in the back of my mind.
Kenan Thompson debuted as one of the original cast members of the Nickelodeon show «All That» in 1994 and has since become a true young star. He subsequently landed a role on the show «Kenan & Kel» , and also starred in several films and appeared as a guest actor on television shows. However, before landing a role in SNL , Thompson experienced a professional downturn. It was memories of this period in his life that apparently prompted his decision to remain with the popular NBC show.
The traveling life of an actor, like a salesman, is something you have to constantly be mindful of because work is never guaranteed, and actors often have long gaps when they're working and when they're not. It happens... If you've ever wondered why I keep doing SNL, that's one of the factors.
Learn more about Kenan Thompson
Kenan Thompson as Coach on Saturday Night Live.
Why is Kenan Thompson always willing to "pass on any secrets" about SNL to new cast members?
Heartbreaking comments like these really change my perspective on Thompson's long-standing position in the ranks. SNL . While he apparently enjoyed the opportunity to delight viewers with sketches like "Black Danger!" and "What's Wrong With It?", like anyone else, Thompson also craves career stability, which is certainly understandable in an unpredictable business. It's also worth noting that Thompson is the proud father of two daughters, and he has to think about their well-being as well.
Regardless of the financial aspect of Thompson's decision to stay in «Saturday Night Live» , I'm just glad he's still around. In some ways, it's hard to believe he's been on the show for over 20 years, especially considering the writers still manage to create great material for him. The only "milestone" Thompson jokingly mentions as still elusive is becoming the only star to never leave the show. I certainly wouldn't be upset if he wanted to stay longer (and I imagine his financial situation would only benefit).
Check out Kenan Thompson's extensive work in SNL , having watched all seasons of this sketch comedy show on a Peacock subscription. Let's hope nothing changes and Thompson remains a cast member when the show returns for its 52nd season this fall as part of the 2026 television schedule.
Peacock TV: From $7.99/month / $79.99/year. Excellent work by Kenan Thompson in SNL — just one reason why fans should subscribe to Peacock TV. Plans start at $7.99 per month, and customers can also pay extra for Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus to enjoy ad-free viewing and the ability to select movies for offline viewing. View Deal