‘I Think 20’s a good, round, even number’: Kenan Thompson of Saturday Night Live on a milestone he set as a goal for the NBC stalwart … while debuting the new sitcom on NBC
Kenan Thompson says he would like to reach the 20-year milestone in Saturday Night Live.
“I have a certain number that I would like to get to,” the 42-footer (42) told Variety in a profile published Wednesday as the star prepares for the new, self-titled sitcom, Kenan, on NBC to debut.
“I think 20 is a good, round, even number that I’m close to,” Thompson, who made his debut in 2003, told the outlet. ‘I feel it is within reach, but it will also be respected if I do not get there.
The latest: Kenan Thompson (42) says he would like to reach the 20-year milestone in his time on Saturday Night Live
‘Like, 18 is good, 19 is good. It does not really matter. Importantly, will I have time for my family? There are only 24 hours a day. ‘
The Atlanta-born star intends to use the sitcom as a platform to represent black fatherhood, as he “wanted to be in the fight” after watching the demonstrations against racial discrimination and police brutality after the murder of George Floyd last year. .
“I have to fight from a distance because I have to look after my household,” Thompson told the publication. ‘But if I make sure I can use my platform, I’ll do it.
“To try to put out the fires of extreme frustration and anger and channel that energy to where it can actually make immediate change, or just pay attention to Stacey Abrams in general.”
Thompson appeared in an SNL segment with Ego Nwodim and Kyle Mooney on the most recent issue of the show
Progress: Thompson spoke to Variety in a profile published on Wednesday as he prepares to debut the new self-titled sitcom, Kenan, on NBC.
In the show, Thompson plays a widowed father because he says he wants an impact comparable to what The Cosby Show did in the ’80s:’ It was a show that brought everyone together, and it was all positive. ‘
He said of Cosby, who has since been convicted of sexual misconduct, that it is difficult for him to ‘separate the man from the art’, and that his show ‘will not attach drama to it’.
SNL creator Lorne Michaels, 76, who is executive producer of Thompson’s new show, praised the entertainer for his versatility and said he could be a genius.
“There’s nothing he can not do,” Michaels said of Thompson, who received four Emmy nods for his work in 17 seasons in the comedy series. “He’s one of the greatest of all time.”
Spotlight: Thompson is seen in his new show with costar Dannah Lane
Thompson’s SNL co-star Chris Redd, 35, explained to Variety what it looks like to learn from Thompson, whom he calls ‘the wise man’.
“I keep asking how things have been compared to now, and these are always the most interesting stories,” he said. ‘I remember having a conversation with him and Maya Rudolph, and at one point you sit back and hear them tell stories about how things used to be back then.
“I just choose his brain and want to learn. And I want to make sure I do my best to impress this guy. This man made me laugh for years. ‘
Kenan debuted on NBC on February 16th.