Kenan Thompson was born on October 5, 1978, in Atlanta, Georgia. He discovered his passion for acting at a young age and began honing his craft while attending Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia. At the age of 15, he started his acting journey at a visual and performing arts school, setting the stage for his future success in the entertainment industry.
Thompson's breakthrough came when he teamed up with Kel Mitchell in the zany Nickelodeon comedies, including the wildly popular television shows Kenan and Kel and All That. His comedic talent and likable personality quickly endeared him to audiences of all ages. In 2003, he made the transition to late-night television when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live on NBC, solidifying his status as a comedic powerhouse.
In addition to his success on television, Thompson also found success on the big screen. His first film role was in the 1994 movie D2: The Mighty Ducks, where he portrayed the character Russ Tyler, known for his infamous "Knuckle-puck" shot. He continued to showcase his acting chops in films such as Fat Albert, where he co-starred with Omarion in 2004.
In 2011, Thompson tied the knot with Christina Evangeline, and the couple welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Georgia, in June 2014. Their family grew with the arrival of their second child, Gianna, in July 2019. However, in April 2022, Thompson and Evangeline announced their separation, navigating the complexities of balancing a public career with personal matters.
Kenan Thompson's journey from a young aspiring actor to a seasoned television and film star is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and dedication to his craft. Whether making audiences laugh on Nickelodeon or Saturday Night Live, Thompson's charismatic presence continues to captivate viewers around the world.