Career Timeline of Kenan Thompson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Kenan Thompson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kenan Thompson is a celebrated American actor and comedian, most notably recognized for his longstanding tenure on NBC's Saturday Night Live (SNL). Joining in 2003, he holds the record as the show's longest-tenured cast member and was the first cast member born after its debut. Beyond SNL, Thompson showcased his acting abilities in the NBC sitcom 'Kenan' (2021-2022), further cementing his presence in television comedy.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 2018: Competed on Double Dare

In November 2018, Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell competed against one another in an episode of the revived Nickelodeon game show Double Dare.

2018: Nomination and Win for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics

In 2018, Kenan Thompson was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on SNL. He also won the award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for co-writing "Come Back Barack" with Chris Redd and Will Stephen.

May 2019: Executive producer and judge on different shows

In May 2019, Kenan Thompson became an executive producer with Kel Mitchell for Nickelodeon's All That revival. He also served as a judge for NBC's comedy competition series Bring the Funny, and NBC announced they had picked up Thompson's single-camera comedy The Kenan Show to series.

2019: SNL is his "forever plan"

By 2019, Kenan Thompson noted that Saturday Night Live was his "forever plan".

2019: Lorne Michaels praises Thompson

In a 2019 article, Lorne Michaels referred to Kenan Thompson as "the person I most rely on in the cast".

2020: Spokesman for Universal Destinations

In 2020, Kenan Thompson became the spokesman for Universal Destinations & Experiences' "Let Yourself Woah" campaign. He was also set to host the 2020 White House Correspondents' Dinner before it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

In 2020, Kenan Thompson was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on SNL.

December 2021: Co-founded Artists for Artists (AFA)

In December 2021, Kenan Thompson co-founded the production company and talent incubator Artists for Artists (AFA). Their first announced project, Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth Part 2 is in collaboration with Mike Tyson and wife Lakiha "Kiki" Spicer and a sequel to the boxer's 2013 HBO special.

2021: Hosted Awards Shows

In 2021, Kenan Thompson was named host of that year's Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and People's Choice Awards. He also hosted The Jonas Brothers Family Roast on Netflix.

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2021: Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

In 2021, Kenan Thompson was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his work on SNL.

2021: Kenan Series Premieres and Emmy Nomination

In 2021, Kenan Thompson's series Kenan premiered on NBC. He was also nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series after its first season.

March 5, 2022: Performed in over 1,500 sketches

During the March 5, 2022, episode hosted by Oscar Isaac, Kenan Thompson reached over 1,500 sketches on Saturday Night Live.

March 2022: AFA funded launch of Twenty Two Entertainment

In March 2022, Artists for Artists (AFA) fully funded the launch of Twenty Two Entertainment, led by actors Michael Rainey Jr. and Gianni Paolo, best known from the Starz series Power Book II: Ghost.

May 2022: Kenan Series Canceled

In May 2022, Kenan Thompson's series Kenan was canceled after its second season.

June 2022: Hosted NHL Awards

In June 2022, Kenan Thompson hosted the NHL Awards.

August 11, 2022: Received Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

In commemoration of his 20th anniversary on Saturday Night Live, Kenan Thompson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 11, 2022. It was placed next to Lorne Michaels's star.

September 12, 2022: Hosted 74th Primetime Emmy Awards

On September 12, 2022, Kenan Thompson hosted the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards.

December 2023: Release of Memoir

In December 2023, Kenan Thompson released his memoir titled When I Was Your Age.

August 21, 2024: Appeared at Democratic National Convention

On August 21, 2024, Kenan Thompson appeared at the Democratic National Convention tying Project 2025 to the presidential candidacy of Donald Trump, claiming "You vote for him. You vote for all of this."