Kenan Thompson Shares Health Update in New Interview

Kenan Thompson shared new information about his health in an interview with People on April 4, after suffering in silence for years.

Ego Nwodim and Kenan Thompson watching that Morgan Wallen walkoff at the end of the show. #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/M6W0DrCV7h

— Karen DaltonBeninato (@kbeninato) March 30, 2025

The Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) longest-reigning cast member revealed that over two years ago, he began suffering from acid reflux. The issue became so detrimental that it started affecting his work before he finally went to get help. 

“I noticed that I would get hoarse a lot easier when I’m doing the show,” the 46-year-old stated. “Losing my voice quicker, but also uncomfortable sleepless nights because I’m burping up acid, just kind of hiccupping all night.” 

The discomfort added more stress to the already anxious environment that comes with working on the beloved series. “So, all of those factors, I was like, ‘Whatever, I’ll get over it.’ But it just started to pile up,” he added. 

Even before being diagnosed with gastroenterological reflux disease (GERD), Thompson had been trying to manage the pain on his own. “I was able to take something and patch it up for the moment, but I got to a point where that didn’t work anymore,” he continued. “That’s when it got serious. It was a suffering in-silence situation.” 

The Good Burger actor admitted, “I don’t know if I was necessarily embarrassed to talk to a doctor [or if] I just didn’t know if I needed to.” Once he finally sought help for his medical problems, the comedian learned “there was a real medical term for it” and began making lifestyle changes and taking medication to fight his GERD. 

“I felt relief immediately,” Thompson explained.  “God bless, I feel great. I’m in a much healthier space with my daily lifestyle, mental decision-making, and all of that good stuff.” 

Jason Sudeikis & a young Taylor & Kenan Thompson in SNL skit called Scared Straight. Tay is Skeet Devlin, an intimidating max security prisoner. Enjoy pic.twitter.com/syJoRdiSno

— kcginger (@kcginger13) March 14, 2025

He recently appeared on the April 5 episode of SNL alongside host Jack Black and musical guests Elton John and Brandi Carlile. The next episode is slated for April 12 with host Jon Hamm and musical guest Lizzo.

Visit Peacock to watch Thompson in the hit comedy sketch series’ new episode.