Longtime ‘SNL’ Star Has No Plans to Retire From Show
Longtime Saturday Night Live comedian Kenan Thompson has no plans to exit the late night sketch comedy program, despite his 20+ year tenure.
In an interview with Us Weekly published on April 1, Thompson said that when it's his time to leave, it will be a mutual decision.
"When my badge stops working, you know what I mean? [When] I don’t have access anymore, that’ll tell you," the 46-year-old said.
"It’s their environment to employ me at. You know what I mean?” Thompson, who first joined the show in 2003, continued. “So [if] they keep asking then and I’m more than happy to oblige, and as long as the audience continues to laugh when we do something new."
Thompson marked his 20th season on Saturday Night Live in October 2023. While he's taken on other roles, he has truly enjoyed his time on SNL. In an interview with People magazine at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards red carpet, he explained that the newness of each show is what keeps him hooked.
"It's exciting like that. It's really exciting to find new, funny things, especially when you're further down your tenure," he said at the time.
Saturday Night Live's most recent episode on March 30 was easily one of the most talked about episodes in recent years. The reason? Musical guest Morgan Wallen abruptly walked off stage at the end of the show.
Thompson spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the viral moment.
"I don't know what goes through people's minds when they decide to do stuff like that. I don't know if he understood the assignment or not, or if he was really feeling a certain kind of way," he said.
"You see somebody before you get a chance to say hi or say good job or anything like that, they just dipping. I thought maybe he had to go to the potty or something," he added.
According to Variety, there was no ill intent behind Wallen's walk-off.
Related: ‘SNL’ Writer Reacts to Morgan Wallen’s Walk Off With 1 Telling Photo