Kenan Thompson Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Kenan Thompson’s Net Worth and Salary?

An American actor, voice actor, and comedian, Kenan Thompson boasts a net worth of $13 million. He is primarily recognized for his role in the sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live,” where he has been a part of the cast for over 20 seasons, making him the longest-serving member in the show’s history. Kenan initially made a name for himself in the early ’90s with his performance in “All That.”

Following this, he starred in a sitcom with Kel Mitchell prior to making his debut on “SNL.” Beyond television, Thompson has appeared in films such as “The Mighty Ducks,” “Good Burger,” and “Fat Albert.” His work on “SNL” earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. In the year 2023, he released a book titled “When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown.”

Early Life

Born on May 10, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia, Kenan Thompson grew up with two siblings and began his acting journey at the young age of five. He performed in church theater productions and numerous local plays during his childhood.

Early Career

Kenan embarked on his professional acting career early in his life. One of his first significant roles was in CNN’s “Real News for Kids.” He subsequently landed a starring role in “All That,” which led to the creation of “Kenan & Kel.” While still in high school, he made his film debut in “D2: The Mighty Ducks.” In the late ’90s, he was also featured in shows like “Sister, Sister,” “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” and “The Amanda Show.”

As his career flourished, Thompson took on roles in films including “Good Burger,” “Fat Albert,” “Heavyweights,” “D3: The Mighty Ducks,” “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business,” “My Boss’s Daughter,” and “Snakes on a Plane.” Additionally, he has made a name for himself as a voice actor, landing a recurring role in the Fox series “Sit Down, Shut Up” and voicing Greedy Smurf in two “The Smurfs” films. Other notable voice roles include appearances in “Playmobil: The Movie” (2019) and “Trolls World Tour” (2020).

In 2009, he voiced LeBron James in a series of commercials for Nike, and he starred in several commercials for Fandango. Furthermore, he has represented Universal Parks & Resorts as a spokesperson.

Apart from “Saturday Night Live,” Thompson has made guest appearances in a variety of television shows, such as “Psych,” “iCarly,” and “Victorious.” In 2019, he judged the comedy competition series “Bring the Funny.” He also starred in “The Kenan Show” from 2021 to 2022, receiving a Primetime Emmy nomination for his performance. Additionally, Kenan was a guest judge on “America’s Got Talent” in 2020 and hosted the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022.

Thompson’s film credits include “Hubie Halloween,” “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Home Sweet Home Alone,” “Bros,” and “Good Burger 2.”

“Saturday Night Live”

Kenan joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 2003, a role that would ultimately shape his career. He had attempted to land a spot on “SNL” multiple times before, but the producers consistently turned him down, citing his youth as a reason. During his initial two years, Thompson was categorized as a featured player. In 2004, he released a comedy album titled “Good Times.”

By 2005, he had been upgraded to repertory player. For over 20 seasons now, he has been an integral part of the show, currently holding the title of the longest-serving cast member. Known for his talent in impersonating various celebrities, Thompson famously decided to stop performing impressions of black women in 2013, pointing out the need for “SNL” to recruit more women of color.

Thompson’s influence within the “SNL” cast has been highlighted by many analysts and critics. He has received particular acclaim for his comedic ability to respond to different situations. Head writer Brian H. Tucker mentioned that simply adding “Kenan Reacts” in a sketch is enough to ensure its humor. Numerous reviewers have claimed that Thompson is someone the rest of the cast relies on to deliver laughs, with one media outlet even calling Kenan the “glue” that binds the “SNL” ensemble.

“Saturday Night Live” Salary

A season consists of 21 episodes. First-year cast members earn $7,000 per episode, totaling around $147,000 for the season. Those in their second year make $8,000 per episode, culminating in approximately $168,000 for the season. Cast members reaching their fifth season earn $15,000 per episode, or $315,000 per season.

Highest salaries are reserved for individuals who have been with “SNL” for three or more years, as they are deemed vital to the show’s success. Veteran comedians make $25,000 per episode, translating to about $525,000 annually. Since Kenan has been part of the show since 2003, he surpasses any other actor’s tenure, making it likely that his earnings exceed the previously mentioned figures. Estimates suggest that Thompson’s “SNL” salary may range from $2-3 million per year. For context, Will Ferrell set a record with $370,000 at “SNL” during his peak in 2001.

Relationships

In 2011, Kenan Thompson tied the knot with model Christina Evangeline, and the couple welcomed two children before they filed for divorce in June 2022.