Kenan Thompson, one of the most recognizable faces in American comedy, has amassed an estimated net worth of $9 million as of 2025. At 46 years old, Thompson has built a career that spans more than three decades, evolving from a child actor to the most senior cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Known for his infectious energy, pitch-perfect reactions, and comedic versatility, Thompson is widely regarded as the backbone of modern-day sketch comedy on television.
Early Life and Start in Acting
Kenan Thompson was born on May 10, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised alongside two siblings. His passion for performance emerged early—he started acting at the age of five in local theater productions and church plays. By his teenage years, Thompson had already made a name for himself in front of the camera, becoming a recognizable face for a generation of kids growing up in the ’90s.
Breakthrough with Nickelodeon
Kenan’s career took off with a role on CNN’s “Real News for Kids”, but his breakthrough came when he joined Nickelodeon’s sketch series “All That” in the mid-1990s. His natural comedic timing made him a standout, and his success on All That led to the hit spin-off sitcom “Kenan & Kel”, co-starring Kel Mitchell. Running from 1996 to 2000, the show became a staple of teen programming and set the foundation for Thompson’s long-lasting career in comedy.
During this period, Kenan also appeared in cult classics such as “D2: The Mighty Ducks”, “D3: The Mighty Ducks”, and “Good Burger”, further solidifying his popularity with younger audiences. His consistent work ethic while balancing school and acting helped establish a strong professional reputation early on.
Film and Voice Work
As he matured, Thompson transitioned into more mainstream roles. He starred in movies like “Heavyweights,” “Fat Albert,” “Barbershop 2: Back in Business,” “Love Don’t Cost a Thing,” “Snakes on a Plane,” and “My Boss’s Daughter.” Thompson also became a sought-after voice actor. He portrayed Greedy Smurf in The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2, voiced characters in “Trolls World Tour,” “Playmobil: The Movie,” and even LeBron James in Nike commercials.
Beyond animation, he worked with brands like Fandango and served as a spokesperson for Universal Parks & Resorts, showcasing his appeal across both entertainment and advertising industries.
“Saturday Night Live” Legacy
Kenan joined Saturday Night Live in 2003, making him the longest-tenured cast member in the show’s history—over 20 seasons and counting. Initially rejected for being “too young,” his persistence paid off, and he quickly proved indispensable. In 2005, he was promoted from featured player to repertory status.
Over the years, Thompson has become essential to the show’s success. Critics and colleagues consistently praise his ability to elevate skits through facial expressions, voice inflections, and authentic comedic reactions. Former head writer Brian H. Tucker once joked that writing “Kenan Reacts” into a script is a sure way to get a laugh.
In a pivotal move, Thompson announced in 2013 that he would no longer perform impressions of Black women on the show, urging producers to cast more diverse talent—an action that contributed to greater representation on SNL in the years that followed.
“SNL” Salary and Earnings
While starting cast members earn around $3,000 per episode, veteran cast members like Kenan earn far more. With 21 episodes per season, Kenan’s long-standing role and central importance to SNL likely bring in $2–3 million annually, according to industry estimates. This figure makes him one of the highest earners in the show’s modern history, far surpassing earlier record-holders like Will Ferrell, who made $370,000 per season at his peak.
Recent Work and Projects
Outside of SNL, Kenan continues to expand his resume. From 2021 to 2022, he starred in “The Kenan Show,” a sitcom where he played a widowed father balancing work and parenthood. Though the series was short-lived, it earned Thompson a Primetime Emmy nomination. He also served as a judge on NBC’s “Bring the Funny” in 2019 and appeared as a guest judge on “America’s Got Talent” in 2020.
His recent films include “Hubie Halloween,” “Home Sweet Home Alone,” “Clifford the Big Red Dog,” “Bros,” and the long-awaited “Good Burger 2.” In 2023, he published his first book, “When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown,” blending memoir and humor with reflections on fatherhood and fame.
Personal Life
Kenan married model Christina Evangeline in 2011. The couple had two daughters before filing for divorce in June 2022. Despite their split, they continue to co-parent their children amicably. Known for keeping his personal life relatively private, Thompson has maintained a grounded persona throughout his decades-long career.
Legacy and Influence
Kenan Thompson’s longevity in entertainment is a rarity, especially for a comedian who began as a child actor. His steady presence on SNL, adaptability, and ability to evolve with the industry have made him not just a veteran, but a legend in sketch comedy.
With a net worth of $9 million, a career that stretches from Nickelodeon to late-night TV, and an undeniable impact on pop culture, Kenan Thompson remains a vital force in comedy. Whether it’s his iconic roles on SNL or his memorable performances in family films, Thompson’s legacy continues to grow—with no signs of slowing down.