Kenan Thompson is a staple of American comedy, with a career spanning from All That on Nickelodeon to Saturday Night Live (SNL). With his sharp comedic timing and a knack for bring humor to a situation, Thompson has amassed a net worth of around $13 million. His journey demonstrates hard work, adaptability, and a sincere desire to make people laugh.
Early Career and Nickelodeon Fame
Born on May 10, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia, Kenan Thompson started performing at a young age. His breakout role came in the mid-1990s on All That, Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy special. Thompson quickly became one of the standout stars because of his memorable characters and gift for entertaining young audiences. After All That, he starred in the spinoff series Kenan & Kel alongside Kel Mitchell. The show was hugely successful and made Thompson a fan favorite.
Joining Saturday Night Live and Achieving Longevity
In 2003, Thompson joined SNL, one of the most iconic platforms for comedians. He became an integral part of the show, bringing his knack for impressions and wide range of characters. Known for memorable roles like Diondre Cole in the What Up With That? sketch, and a hilarious portrayal of Steve Harvey, Thompson contributed in helping SNL remain relevant and humorous for a modern audience.
He has had a historic run on SNL, as he became the show’s longest-running cast member in 2018. His longevity on SNL has also created a reliable income stream. He reportedly makes around $25,000 per episode, which translates to a huge annual income, adding to his net worth.
Beyond SNL: Acting, Voice Work, and Production
Thompson has appeared in films and television shows outside of SNL. Some of the popular movies he’s appeared in include Good Burger (1997), Fat Albert (2004), and Snakes on a Plane (2006). His versatility in transitioning between television and film roles shows his versatility and relevance to all ages.
Kenan has also lent his voice to animated films and series. Voicing characters in movies like the Smurfs, The Grinch and the Wonder Park adds another income stream to his career. In 2021, Thompson starred in and executive produced the NBC sitcom Kenan, where he played a widowed father struggling with life’s challenges. Though the show lasted just two seasons, he got to try his hand at production, which may open doors to other behind-the-scenes roles in the future.
Business Ventures and Personal Investments
While Kenan Thompson isn’t as visibly entrepreneurial as some other entertainers, he’s made sound financial decisions that contribute to his net worth. Not one to flash his personal investments, Thompson has been conservative with his wealth, investing it in real estate and other investments.
