Lifelong comedian Kenan Thompson will soon have his name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Via NY Daily News, Thompson is set to officially receive his star in a live ceremony on Aug. 11, 2022. His star will be placed on Hollywood Boulevard right next to that of Saturday Night Live creator Lorne Michaels, which is fitting as Thompson is the longest-running performer in the sketch comedy show's history.
In a statement, Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said, "Kenan Thompson is the voice of a generation. From Kenan and Kel to Saturday Night Live, Kenan has been making folks laugh for nearly 30 years.” In celebration of his upcoming 20th anniversary on SNL, we thought it would be fitting to place Kenan’s star next to the star of the man who gave him his job, Lorne Michaels.”
It was announced last year that Thompson would be part of the Walk of Fame's Class of 2022. He represents the Television category with other newly-inducted names from the small screen including Byron Allen, Greg Berlanti, Ricky Gervais, Peter Krause, Bob Odenkirk, Holly Robinson-Peete, Norman Reedus, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jean Smart, and Ming-Na Wen. Movie actors and filmmakers that were part of the class to represent the big screen include Francis Ford Coppola, Macaulay Culkin, Willem Dafoe, Salma Hayek, James Hong, Helen Hunt, Michael B. Jordan, Regina King, Ray Liotta, Ewan McGregor, Adam McKay, Jason Momoa, Tessa Thompson, and Carrie Fisher.
Thompson's induction ceremony will be streamed live at the official website for the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce chair Lupita Sanchez Cornejo will emcee the ceremony where Thompson will be joined by former SNL co-stars JB Smoove and Leslie Jones.
Kenan Thompson Is Stoked to Receive His Star
Soon after the news of Kenan Thompson's induction was announced, the Saturday Night Live performer and former child star had taken to Instagram to post about his excitement. In the post, Thompson also gave credit to the fellow members of the class and thanked the fans for supporting him for the past three decades watching him grow up on television.
"Woke up this morning to incredible news!! I'm getting a [star] on The Hollywood Walk of Fame!!!!" Thompson said. "Shout to the entire class of 2022!!!! Congratulations to all of you especially some faves of mine like Holly Robinston Pete, Regina King, Byron Allen, and Michael Strahan!!! I'm completely humbled by this news!!! Thank you so very much to everyone who has enjoyed my work for the last almost 30 yrs!!! My Know it Alls, we did it!!! The Black Scorsese and Mike Piroli, YOU did it!!!"
Thompson can still be seen on Saturday Night Live where he remains a fan favorite performer. The actor had recently starred in his own sitcom, Kenan, which lasted for two seasons. Last year, he was seen in the films Clifford the Big Red Dog and Home Sweet Home Alone, and his other recent TV credits include Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, The Boys Presents: Diabolical, and The Kids in the Hall.