Kenan Thompson Details “Bittersweet” Experience Of Working At ‘SNL’ So Long

deadline.com:

After more than 20 years, Kenan Thompson has seen a lot during his time at Studio 8H. The Emmy winner recently explained there are “a lot of bittersweet” emotions that come with his tenure as the longest-running Saturday Night Live cast member after joining the cast of the NBC sketch comedy show in 2003. “Being there a long time, you watch people come and go,” he explained on co-star Ego Nwodim’s Thanks Dad podcast. “So you have to deal with the parting of friendships, that kind of thing.

The mourning of the loss of certain people’s presence and all that. So there’s a lot of bittersweet to it.” Thompson noted the emotional farewells extend beyond co-stars leaving the show. “We’ve had crew members die.

All kinds of s—. So, like, it’s a heavier thing than just like ‘s— is sweet for me cause I’ve been there a long time’ kind of thing,” he added.

During his 22-season run on SNL, Thompson has become known for such recurring characters as ‘Black Jeopardy!’ host Darnell Hayes, ‘What Up with That?’ host Diondre Cole and French comedian Jean K.