In addition to being the longest-tenured cast member on the landmark sketch series, Kenan Thompson hit another milestone his past weekend: Performing in his 1,500th Saturday Night Live sketch.
This Saturday marked his 1,500th performance in an SNL sketch. And the sketch that helped him reach the landmark, that finds him hosting a show for guys who try to fix things around the house and have it go badly, is a great reminder of what makes Thompson such a valuable player to begin with.
Thompson first joined the cast in 2003. And before that, he got his start in sketch comedy on Nickelodeon back in 1994. Meaning he has nearly 30 years of sketch comedy under his belt! I guess when you’re really good at something, you’ve got to stick with it. And Thompson is one of the masters!
After walking offstage, Thompson was met with congratulatory applause from a gang of well wishers. In the video SNL posted to their Instagram, you can see Thompson visibly moved by it, saying “You’re gonna make me cry.”
Thompson began his acting career in the early 1990s, and was an original cast member of Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy series All That, where he often collaborated with co-star Kel Mitchell. In 1996, they began starring in their own sitcom Kenan & Kel (1996–2000). Thompson also had roles in The Mighty Ducks franchise, Good Burger, and as the title character in the 2004 film Fat Albert.
He is ranked at No. 88 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Teen Stars.
