Kenan Thompson Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Kenan Thompson’s Net Worth and Salary?

With a net worth of $13 million, Kenan Thompson, an American actor, voice actor, and comedian, is widely recognized for his contribution to the sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live.” He holds the record as the longest-serving cast member of this legendary show, having participated for over 20 seasons. Kenan’s rise to fame began in the early ’90s with his role in the sketch comedy series “All That.”

Subsequently, he co-starred in a sitcom with Kel Mitchell before his debut on “SNL.” In addition to his television successes, Thompson is notable for his performances in films including “The Mighty Ducks,” “Good Burger,” and “Fat Albert.” His work on “SNL” earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. In 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. His early performances included roles in church theater productions and various local plays.

Early Career

Thompson embarked on his professional acting journey quite early in life. He landed one of his first significant roles in CNN’s “Real News for Kids.” This was followed by a starring role in “All That,” prior to the start of “Kenan & Kel.” While still in high school, he made his film debut in “D2: The Mighty Ducks.” In the late ’90s, Kenan appeared in shows like “Sister, Sister,” “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” and “The Amanda Show.”

As his career advanced, he secured roles in movies such as “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.” Thompson has also made his mark as a voice actor, notably in a recurring role on the Fox series “Sit Down, Shut Up,” and voiced Greedy Smurf in two of “The Smurfs” films. Additionally, he held voice roles in 2019’s “Playmobil: The Movie” and 2020’s “Trolls World Tour.”

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

Beyond “Saturday Night Live,” Thompson has made guest appearances on a variety of television programs, including “Psych,” “iCarly,” and “Victorious.” In 2019, he took on the role of judge in the comedy competition series “Bring the Funny.” He starred in “The Kenan Show” from 2021 to 2022, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for his role. In 2020, Kenan was a guest judge on “America’s Got Talent” and hosted the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022.

Additionally, Thompson has starred in films like “Hubie Halloween,” “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Home Sweet Home Alone,” “Bros,” and “Good Burger 2.”

“Saturday Night Live”

Kenan, who became part of the “Saturday Night Live” cast in 2003, found a role that would ultimately shape his career. Despite sending numerous audition tapes to “SNL,” he faced rejection each time, with producers citing his young age as the reason. Initially, Thompson was a featured player during the first two years. In 2004, he released a comedy album titled “Good Times.”

By 2005, he had been promoted to repertory player and has since been a vital part of the series for over 20 seasons, now holding the title of the most senior cast member. Renowned for his portrayals of various celebrities and his impressive skills in impressions, he made headlines in 2013 by refusing to continue doing impressions of black women, emphasizing the need for “SNL” to hire more women of color.

Thompson’s significance in the “SNL” cast has been noted by many critics and observers, particularly for his comedic reactions to different scenarios. Head writer Brian H. Tucker mentioned that writing “Kenan Reacts” in a skit is all that’s needed to ensure its humor. Several critics remarked that he is the cast member that everyone else relies on for successful comedic moments. One media outlet described Kenan as the “glue” that unifies the “SNL” cast.

“Saturday Night Live” Salary

A typical season of “SNL” consists of 21 episodes. New cast members in their first year earn $7,000 per episode, totaling around $147,000 for the season. During their second year, earnings rise to $8,000 per episode, which amounts to approximately $168,000 per season. By the time a cast member reaches their fifth season, their salary increases to $15,000 per episode, leading to an approximate total of $315,000 per season.

Veteran cast members who have been on “SNL” for three years longer earn the highest pays, recognized for their crucial role in the show’s success. These experienced comedians receive $25,000 per episode, equating to $525,000 annually. With Kenan being part of the show since 2003, he has achieved a longer tenure than any other actor in history. Consequently, it’s likely that his salary surpasses the usual figures listed. Estimates suggest Thompson’s earnings from “SNL” are between $2-3 million yearly. For context, Will Ferrell set a record by earning $370,000 during his peak on “SNL” in 2001.

Relationships

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