Kenan Thompson has now been on NBC's flagship sketch show Saturday Night Live for 15 years. Many incredibly talented performers and comedians depart the show after a single season, others last a few and those that make a special home for themselves on the program will sometimes stay for as many as 7 or 8.
Only Thompson —thanks to his versatility, charisma and endless sense of joy— has managed to stay on the show so long. Now the Emmys have finally seen fit to honor his talents with a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Thompson responded to the news on Twitter with a heartfelt message.
In full, it reads:
Words cannot express how elated and humbled I am by these announcements today!!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart @TelevisionAcad !!
To my insanely talented sisters @Lesdoggg, Kate Mckinnon, and Aidy Bryant, So very very proud of you!!! Also, super honored to be in it again with my bro @chancetherapper!
Shouts out to @Reddsaidit, @will_stephen and @elijahjams!!! Great work writing that one boys!!! You crushed it!!!!
Congrats to everyone on these lists today or not!! We're all blessed to be able to do what we love!!!
Congrats to the SNL writers too!! You crushed it!
My mistake Kate Mckinnon. I am envious that she doesn't do social media!!
Thompson's fans were overjoyed for him.
It seemed like the perfect time to break out some GIFs.
In many people's opinions, the nomination was LONG overdue.
Thompson was nominated in 2017 as a writer on the sketch "Last Christmas," with Chance the Rapper, Will Stephen and Eli Brueggemann.
But now he's getting some attention for his acting.
Everyone who's worked with Thompson agrees; his impact on the show deserves recognition.
Congratulations, Kenan! Best of luck this Emmy season!