“Saturday Night Live” veteranKenan Thompson will host the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, airing Monday, Sept. 12 (8 p.m.) on NBC.
The 44-year-old comic has come a long way since playing Junior on “The Steve Harvey Show” before moving over to Nickelodeon, first on “All That” and then co-starring with Kel Mitchell on the long-running sitcom “Kenan & Kel” (1990-96).
Thompson joined “SNL” in 2003 — the show’s first trouper born after its 1975 premiere — and has been a mainstay ever since, creating popular characters including “Black Jeopardy!” host Darnell Hayes, Diondre Cole (“What’s Up with That?”) and celebrity impressions, including Al Sharpton, Bill Cosby and Harvey). A six-time Emmy nominee, Thompson snared a statuette in 2018 (Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics) for “Come Back Barack,” which he sang on “Saturday Night Live” with Chance the Rapper and Chris Redd.
Thompson, 44, took some time out from preparing for his maiden gig as the Emmys host to answer a few questions from The Post.
Kenan Thompson. NBC/Mary Ellen Matthews
Kenan Thompson on “Weekend Update” with Michael Che (left) on “SNL.” NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesDid the offer to host the Emmys surprise you, or was this something that was discussed in the past (but didn’t work out for logistical/scheduling reasons)?
It was a total surprise! A little shocking because it’s a grand-scale call and if you turn it down then you think, “When are they gonna call back” and what does that look like? I didn’t want that, so it was like, “I guess I have to do it!”
How much rehearsal time goes into the hosting gig?
Not enough! Musical numbers and things like that … the rehearsal time is not only for me, it’s for everybody to get a chance to be on point — from the guy cueing the music, to the lighting and so on. It’s a one-of-a-kind night, a lot of roll-ins and clips [and] a lot going on for a live event. We can never have enough rehearsal time, but we’ll take what we can get.
Kenan Thompson in his show, “Kenan.” Jordin Althaus/NBC
Kenan Thompson in his show, “Kenan.” Jordin Althaus/NBC
Kenan Thompson on “Saturday Night Live.” NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesWill you be opening with a monologue? If so, did you write it all or is it a combination of your writing and input from others?
I’m not a standup comic, so I work with writers. I give them all the credit that they deserve. But yes, a monologue is expected from any host I think, especially a comedic one. So there will be an opening of sorts.
What, in your opinion, is the host’s primary responsibility?
Keep it fun and keep it moving. Reset after dull moments, after emotional moments. Keep the vibe going in the same direction if you can.
Kenan Thompson as Kenan and Kimrie Lewis as Mika (left) in “Kenan.” Jordin Althaus/NBC
Kenan Thompson as Charles Barkley on “SNL.” NBCU Photo Bank via Getty ImagesYou’re a veteran of live television; are you approaching this any differently than you would an episode of “SNL”? Is it more pressure?
No. It’s just different. It’s a big deal, so I feel that pressure. It will be a reflection on me, whereas “SNL” involves a lot of people. That’s a different kind of pressure.
