“I think 20 is a good number, round and even”: Kenan Thompson, of Saturday Night Live, set the goal for the internship on NBC stalwart … while a new sitcom debuts on NBC
Kenan Thompson says he would like to reach the milestone of 20 years in his Saturday Night Live stage.
“I have a certain number that I would like to reach,” the 42-year-old comedian / actor told Variety in a profile posted Wednesday as the star prepares to debut a new sitcom, Kenan, on NBC.
“I think 20 is a good, round number, I seem close to it,” said Thompson, who debuted in the series in 2003. “I feel this is handy, but it would also be respected if I didn’t get there.
Most Recent: Kenan Thompson, 42, says he would love to reach the 20th anniversary of his Saturday Night Live season
“It’s as if 18 is good, 19 is good. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is, will I have time for my family? There are only 24 hours a day.
The Atlanta-born star aims to use the sitcom as a platform to represent black paternity, as she “wanted to be in the fight” after watching demonstrations against racial discrimination and police brutality following the murder of George Floyd last year.
“I have to fight from a distance because I have to look at my household,” Thompson told. ‘But making sure that I can still use my platform, that I would do that.
“Trying to put out the fires of extreme frustration and anger and channel that energy where it can make direct changes or just pay attention to Stacey Abrams in general.”
Thompson was seen in an SNL segment with Ego Nwodim and Kyle Mooney at the latest show
Next: Thompson spoke to Variety in a profile posted Wednesday as he prepares to debut a new self-titled sitcom, Kenan, on NBC
In the show, Thompson plays the role of a widowed father, as he told the press that he aims to have an impact comparable to what The Cosby Show did in the 1980s: “It was a show that brought everyone together and it was all positive. “
He said of Cosby, who has since been convicted of sexual abuse, that it is difficult for him to “separate the man from the art” and that his show “will not have drama so attached.”
Lorne Michaels, the creator of 76-year-old SNL, who is the executive producer of Thompson’s new show, praised the animator for his versatility and said that “he can be a genius.
“There’s nothing he can do,” Michaels said of Thompson, who received four Emmy nods for his work in 17 seasons on the comedy show. “He’s one of the greatest of all time.”
Spotlight: Thompson is seen in his new show with coastal Dannah Lane
Thompson’s SNL co-star Chris Redd, 35, explained to Variety how he seems to be learning from Thompson, whom he calls “the wise man.”
“I keep asking myself how things were compared to now and they are always the most interesting stories,” he said. “I remember having a conversation with him and Maya Rudolph, and at one point you sat on your back and heard them talking about how things were then and now.
“I just choose his brain and I want to learn. And I want to make sure I bring my best to impress this guy. This guy has been making me laugh for years.
Kenan debuts on NBC on February 16th.