‘Martin Luther King Talking To Jay-Z?’ Kenan Thompson Had To Write His Own SNL Sketches At The Beginning (And It Did Not Go Well)

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It’s become clear in recent years that while getting a job on Saturday Night Live can significantly boost a comedian’s career, working on the show itself can be incredibly stressful. Despite a difficult audition, Kenan Thompson managed to overcome any negativity and has become the longest-serving cast member in the show’s history, with over 20 years of experience.

I was really surprised to hear that he had to write his own material when he was starting out. He actually said it didn’t often turn out very well, which is so relatable! It’s good to know even successful people struggle with that.

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Why Did Kenan Thompson Have Trouble Writing His Own SNL Sketches At The Beginning?

It’s rare for actors or comedians to find work that lasts over twenty years. And while that might sound great, staying on Saturday Night Live for that long seems incredibly stressful and anxiety-inducing, as some former cast members like Andy Samberg have described.

Despite a somewhat challenging beginning, Kenan Thompson has continued working on the show because he genuinely loves what he considers “the greatest job in the world.” He recently discussed this on the In My Opinion podcast with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, explaining how he managed to establish his comedic voice when he first joined the show, saying:

If you want to get noticed on SNL, it’s best to start by writing your own material. You need to showcase your comedic voice and the kinds of things you like to write, even if it feels risky. It’s the best way to let people see what you’re all about.

It sounds easy, doesn’t it? But it’s actually really hard to be a naturally gifted writer, especially one who can consistently create funny, short sketches for a live comedy show – week after week, for months on end. It turns out the star of Good Burger struggled with that aspect of the job. He explained further:

I often found it easier to focus on the performance aspect of my work rather than writing everything myself, and I enjoyed collaborating with others. However, when I tried to write alone, my thoughts would jump around, and the writing became disjointed. I struggle to maintain a clear, logical flow – I tend to write whatever comes to mind at the moment. Looking back, I realize my writing often lacks coherence; for example, I might have scenes with illogical pairings, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Jay-Z, leaving me wondering where the story was going and what it all meant.

He’s absolutely right. It’s amazing how much work goes into creating even a short scene for television, and I honestly never considered all the details involved with being on a show watched by so many people each week.

The Reba McEntire impersonator pointed out that this performer is naturally funny – he’s so skilled at turning everyday situations into comedy that he shines just by being himself on stage. He doesn’t even need to write his own sketches, which is great for the audience. Given his dedication and love for the job, he clearly has the potential to become a leader here someday.

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2025-11-05 19:42