Kenan Thompson has been making audiences laugh for more than three decades, from his early Nickelodeon days to his record-breaking run on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Today, he’s not just one of the most beloved comedians in America — he’s also one of the wealthiest. In this article, we’ll break down Kenan Thompson net worth in 2025, his career milestones, how he earns his money, and what the future looks like for the comedy star.
Quick Bio: Kenan Thompson
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kenan Stacy Thompson |
| Birthdate | May 10, 1978 |
| Birthplace | Columbus, Ohio, USA |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Producer |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $20 million |
| Years Active | 1994 – Present |
| Famous For | Saturday Night Live, Kenan & Kel, Good Burger |
| Education | Tri-Cities High School, Atlanta |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Christina Evangeline, 2022) |
| Children | Two daughters |
| Notable Awards | Primetime Emmy Award (2018), multiple nominations |
| Social Media | Instagram: @kenanthompson |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
How Much is Kenan Thompson Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Kenan Thompson net worth is estimated at $20 million. Most of his wealth comes from his long career in television comedy, particularly from his historic run on Saturday Night Live.
Thompson is the longest-tenured cast member in SNL history, having joined the show in 2003 and still going strong. With an estimated annual salary of around $2–3 million from SNL alone, Kenan has turned sketch comedy into a highly lucrative career.
Early Career: Nickelodeon Roots and Breakthrough
Before becoming an SNL legend, Kenan made his mark on Nickelodeon in the 1990s. Alongside Kel Mitchell, he starred in All That and later in the cult-favorite sitcom Kenan & Kel.
- All That (1994–1999): This sketch comedy show introduced young Kenan to millions of viewers.
- Kenan & Kel (1996–2000): His chemistry with Kel Mitchell became iconic, leading to the hit movie Good Burger (1997).
While Nickelodeon wasn’t known for massive paychecks, these roles put Kenan in the spotlight and opened doors to Hollywood.
SNL: The Cornerstone of His Wealth
Kenan joined Saturday Night Live in 2003, and what was supposed to be a stepping stone turned into a career-defining role.
Salary on SNL
- First Years (2003–2007): Estimated $7,000–$15,000 per episode.
- Established Cast Member (2008–2015): Roughly $100,000–$200,000 per season.
- Veteran Status (2016–Present): Reports suggest Kenan earns around $25,000 per episode, translating to over $500,000 per season, with additional bonuses for writing and producing contributions.
Iconic Characters
Kenan has played countless memorable roles, from What’s Up With That’s Diondre Cole to celebrity impressions of Steve Harvey and Charles Barkley. These characters not only built his reputation but also cemented his staying power.
Other Major Income Sources
Kenan’s fortune isn’t just from SNL. He’s smartly diversified his income streams:
Acting and Film Roles
He has appeared in movies like:
- Fat Albert (2004)
- Snakes on a Plane (2006)
- The Smurfs franchise
- Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021)
These roles added millions to his bank account.
TV Shows Beyond SNL
- Kenan (NBC sitcom, 2021–2022) — where he starred and executive-produced.
- Guest appearances on shows like The Masked Singer and America’s Got Talent.
Voice Acting
Kenan has also done voice work in projects like The Grinch (2018) and Trolls World Tour.
Endorsements & Hosting Gigs
From hosting the People’s Choice Awards to voiceovers in commercials, Kenan’s charismatic personality makes him a top choice for brand partnerships.
Lifestyle and Assets
Despite his wealth, Kenan is known for keeping a relatively low-profile lifestyle.
- Real Estate: He has invested in properties in New York and Los Angeles.
- Cars: Unlike many celebrities, Kenan isn’t flashy with luxury vehicles.
- Family Focused: Much of his wealth supports his two daughters and his private life.
Awards and Achievements
Kenan Thompson has earned recognition not just from fans but also from the industry:
- Primetime Emmy Award (2018): For Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.
- Multiple Emmy Nominations: For his performances on SNL.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2022): Honoring his contributions to comedy.
These accolades have only increased his visibility, translating into higher paychecks.
Comparing Kenan to Other SNL Stars
To put his wealth into perspective:
- Eddie Murphy: Estimated net worth $200 million.
- Will Ferrell: Around $160 million.
- Pete Davidson: Roughly $12 million.
Kenan may not be the richest SNL alum, but his consistency and career longevity make his story unique.
What’s Next for Kenan Thompson?
Looking ahead, Kenan shows no signs of slowing down. With upcoming projects in both film and TV, plus continued appearances on SNL, his net worth could grow significantly in the coming years.
Given his track record, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him transition more into producing, which could further expand his fortune.
Conclusion
Kenan Thompson’s journey from Nickelodeon child star to SNL legend is nothing short of inspiring. With an estimated net worth of $20 million in 2025, he has built a career on laughter, hard work, and versatility.
While he may not be the wealthiest comedian alive, his legacy, consistency, and cultural impact ensure his fortune is about more than just money — it’s about leaving a mark on comedy history.
If you’re looking for inspiration, Kenan Thompson proves that staying true to your craft and embracing longevity can be just as rewarding as chasing quick fame.
FAQs About Kenan Thompson
1. What is Kenan Thompson net worth in 2025?
Kenan Thompson\ net worth is estimated at $20 million.
2. How much does Kenan Thompson make per episode on SNL?
He earns about $25,000 per episode, making him one of the highest-paid cast members.
3. What was Kenan Thompson’s first major role?
His breakthrough came with Nickelodeon’s All That in 1994.
4. Has Kenan Thompson won an Emmy?
Yes, he won the 2018 Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics award, and he has received several nominations.
5. Is Kenan Thompson leaving SNL?
As of 2025, he remains part of the cast, holding the record for longest tenure.
6. Does Kenan Thompson still work with Kel Mitchell?
Yes! They recently reunited for Good Burger 2 (2023), delighting fans of their 90s hit.
Also, Read: Valerie Bertinelli Net Worth.
