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Kenan Thompson Aspires to Be SNL's First 'Forever Cast Member'

At 22 seasons, Thompson remains the longest-serving cast member in Saturday Night Live history and plans to stay indefinitely alongside showrunner Lorne Michaels.

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Kenan Thompson on SNL

Overview

  • Kenan Thompson, 46, is in his 22nd season on Saturday Night Live, solidifying his record as the longest-serving cast member since joining in 2003.
  • Thompson has expressed his ambition to remain on the show indefinitely, aiming to become its 'forever cast member' and surpassing even his milestone of 20 seasons achieved in 2022.
  • His partnership with SNL creator Lorne Michaels continues to be a cornerstone of the show's stability, with both planning to stay 'until the wheels fall off.'
  • Despite managing health challenges like GERD, which has impacted his voice, Thompson continues to play a central role in SNL's success, contributing to over 1,500 sketches and earning an Emmy in 2018.
  • Thompson's enduring presence on SNL includes iconic sketches like 'What Up With That?' and celebrity impressions of Steve Harvey and Charles Barkley, underscoring his pivotal role in the show's legacy.