Overview

Kenan Thompson, born on May 10, 1978, is an American actor, voice actor, and comedian widely recognized for his comedic talent and contributions to the entertainment industry. He began his acting career in the early 1990s and rose to prominence as an original cast member on Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy series ‘All That.’ Following his success on ‘All That,’ Thompson co-starred with Kel Mitchell in the sitcom ‘Kenan & Kel,’ further solidifying his status as a comedic force. Thompson joined NBC’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL) in 2003 and has since become the longest-tenured cast member in the show’s history. His memorable characters, impressions, and comedic timing have made him a fan favorite. Beyond his work on SNL, Thompson has appeared in numerous films, including ‘Good Burger,’ ‘Fat Albert,’ and ‘Snakes on a Plane.’ He is also an accomplished voice actor, with credits in ‘The Smurfs’ movies and other animated projects. Kenan won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music & Lyrics for the SNL song “Come Back, Barack.”

Saturday Night Live (SNL)

Cast Member

What Is Kenan Thompson’s Net Worth?

Kenan Thompson, a multifaceted American actor, voice actor, and comedian, has cultivated a substantial net worth of $9 million. His financial success is primarily attributed to his enduring presence on the iconic sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), where he holds the distinction of being the longest-tenured cast member, spanning over 20 seasons. Beyond his contributions to television, Thompson has diversified his income streams through film roles, voice acting engagements, and other ventures.

Kenan Thompson’s Career and Earnings

Thompson’s journey to financial success began in the early 1990s, with early roles paving the way for more prominent opportunities. His breakthrough came with the sketch comedy series “All That,” which catapulted him to fame. Subsequently, he co-starred in his own sitcom, “Kenan & Kel,” solidifying his position as a rising comedic talent. He has been on “Saturday Night Live” since 2003. The following sections describe Thompson’s career earnings:

Early Roles: Before “All That,” Thompson gained early experience in various acting roles, including a stint on CNN’s “Real News for Kids.” These roles, while not yielding substantial income, provided valuable exposure and experience in the entertainment industry.

“All That” and “Kenan & Kel”: His roles in “All That” and “Kenan & Kel” marked a significant turning point in his career. Although specific salary figures for these shows are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that they provided a steady income stream and significantly boosted his net worth during the mid-to-late 1990s.

Film Roles: Throughout his career, Thompson has appeared in a variety of films, including “The Mighty Ducks,” “Good Burger,” “Fat Albert,” and “Snakes on a Plane.” While specific salary details for each film are not publicly disclosed, these roles would have contributed to his overall income.

Voice Acting: Thompson has also established himself as a successful voice actor, with recurring roles in series such as “Sit Down, Shut Up” and films such as “The Smurfs” movies. Voice acting roles typically pay per episode or film, depending on the actor’s experience and prominence.

“Saturday Night Live” Salary: Thompson’s primary source of income is his work on “Saturday Night Live.” The salary structure for “SNL” cast members varies based on their tenure on the show. First-year cast members earn approximately $3,000 per episode, totaling $63,000 for a 21-episode season. The salary increases with each subsequent season, reaching $4,000 per episode ($84,000 per season) for second-year cast members and $7,000 per episode ($147,000 per season) for fourth-year cast members. Cast members in their fifth season and beyond earn $15,000 per episode, amounting to $315,000 per season. The highest salary tier is reserved for veteran cast members or those who are integral to the show, with earnings reaching $25,000 per episode or $525,000 per year.

Given that Thompson has been on “SNL” since 2003, he is likely earning well above the standard rates. While the exact figures are not publicly known, it is estimated that his annual “SNL” salary ranges from $2 million to $3 million.

Other Television Appearances: Outside of “SNL,” Thompson has guest-starred on various television shows, including “Psych,” “iCarly,” and “Victorious.” He also served as a judge on “Bring the Funny” and starred in “The Kenan Show,” earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for his role. He acted as a guest judge on “America’s Got Talent” and hosted the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2022. These appearances would have generated additional income through per-episode fees or contract agreements.

Commercials and Endorsements: Thompson has also appeared in commercials for companies such as Nike and Fandango. He has also served as a spokesman for Universal Parks & Resorts. These endorsements contribute to his income through fees and royalties.

Author: In 2023, Thompson became an author when he published the book “When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown.” While specific royalty earnings are not available, this project would have likely provided an additional stream of income.

“Good Burger 2:” Kenan reprised his role in “Good Burger 2”. Although exact salary figures for the movie are not publicly disclosed, it is reasonable to believe that he was compensated well for this movie.

Kenan Thompson’s Net Worth and Personal Life

Kenan Thompson’s career achievements have translated into a comfortable lifestyle and a net worth that reflects his talent and hard work. A few details about Thompson’s personal life are as follows:

Relationships: In 2011, Kenan Thompson married model Christina Evangeline. They welcomed two children together before filing for divorce in June 2022. Details of any divorce settlements are not publicly available.

Real Estate: Specific details regarding Kenan Thompson’s real estate holdings are not publicly known. It is likely that he owns property in the Los Angeles area, where “Saturday Night Live” is filmed, and possibly in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. However, specific addresses or property values have not been disclosed.

Vehicles: Information about Kenan Thompson’s specific car collection is not publicly available. Celebrities in his income bracket typically own a variety of luxury vehicles, but details about his specific car purchases have not been released.

Investments: Details of Kenan Thompson’s personal investment portfolio are not publicly accessible. It is reasonable to assume that he has a diversified portfolio that could include stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. However, the specific composition of his portfolio is not known.

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