2025 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Kenan Thompson Characters We’ll Never Forget
Kenan Thompson has been making us laugh for decades, cementing himself as one of the greatest sketch comedians ever.
From his childhood days on “All That” to his legendary run on “Saturday Night Live, “his ability to transform into any character—no matter how ridiculous—is unmatched.
In honor of his NAACP Image Awards 2025 nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, let’s look at some of his funniest and most unforgettable characters.
Pierre Escargot
Before Kenan was a late-night comedy staple, he was a Nickelodeon legend.
One of his most memorable characters from “All That” was Pierre Escargot, the hilarious, beret-wearing Frenchman who sat in a bathtub spouting absurd phrases in “French” (which were usually just gibberish). His exaggerated accent and goofy delivery made this sketch a fan favorite.
Superdude
Kenan’s take on a teenage superhero was comedy gold. Superdude had all the makings of a powerful hero—except for one thing: he was completely lactose intolerant. His dramatic reactions to dairy products and his encounters with the evil Milkman kept audiences cracking up.
Diondre Cole / What Up With That?
When Kenan joined “SNL” in 2003, he quickly established himself as one of the show’s funniest cast members.
One of his most beloved characters is Diondre Cole, the overenthusiastic host of the fictional “What Up With That?” a talk show that always gets derailed by his spontaneous singing and dancing.
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Steer Harvey
Kenan’s spot-on "SNL" impression of Steve Harvey—complete with oversized mustache and wildly entertaining reactions—became a recurring hit. Whether hosting "Family Feud" or offering questionable wisdom, Kenan’s Harvey is always guaranteed to bring the laughs.
Kenan Thompson
Of course, we can’t forget “Kenan & Kel!” Playing himself, Kenan was the mastermind behind the duo’s crazy schemes, always getting them into trouble while Kel (played by Kel Mitchell) tagged along. Their dynamic remains one of the best in TV comedy history.
In 2022, the duo reunited for a remake on "SNL" featuring a guest appearance by Keke Palmer.
