Kenan Thompson: How an Atlanta Kid “Manifested” a Mighty Ducks Role, Starred at Nickelodeon, and Became SNL’s Longest-Running Cast Member (2023)

The Great Creators with Guy Raz

Kenan Thompson (Saturday Night Live, Good Burger, Kenan & Kel, All That) is perhaps the most consistently funny TV performer of his generation. He’s the longest-running SNL cast member, and is beloved for early roles in Good Burger, D2: The Mighty Ducks, and the TV shows All That and Kenan & Kel.

In this conversation from 2023, Kenan joins Guy to talk about his Nickelodeon days, why some of his big breaks have felt like kismet, his awkward SNL audition, impersonating celebrities, and whether – given the chance – he'd consider taking over for SNL creator Lorne Michaels.

Links from the show:

• Kenan & Kel Youtube playlist
• All That Funniest Moments compilation
• Kenan's highlights from D2: The Mighty Ducks
• Good Burger - Ed's Sauce
• What Up with That? - SNL
• Family Feud: Oscar Nominees - SNL
• Kenan's Al Sharpton impression
• Darrell Hammond's Bill Clinton impression
• Photo of Kenan's inspiration: headshots lining the SNL hallway

For more conversations like this – with guests ranging from Tom Hanks to Bjork to Jason Sudeikis – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.

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