Kenan Thompson | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hello everyone. Welcome to another. episode of Good Hang. I talked to the. amazing, kind, hilarious Kenan Thompson. today and we talk about some really fun. stuff. We talk about Eddie Murphy and. how important he was to both of us. We. talk about learning how to ice skate and. how it is hard and Kenan is good at it. We talk about how we partied really hard. and how uh we suffered uh because of it. And um and we talk about um can I wear.

sunglasses on the red carpet? Am I. allowed? Is that cool? And the answer is. no. So we're going to talk to Kenan. today. Cannot wait. And before we do, we. always check in with somebody who knows. our guest, who wants to speak well. behind their back, who wants to give me. a question to ask them. And that person. is world superstar Maya Rudolph. Maya. Rudolph joining me today from Zoom. Um, you know, just I don't know, comedy. legend, whatever. No big deal. Friend of.

the pod. Let's see what Maya's up to and. check in on that cutie pie. Maya, woohoo. >> You know those tiny back to school. emergencies that somehow become your. problem? That's where Uber Eats comes. in. You can order school supplies, snacks, and lunchbox essentials for $5. or less. So, when your kid casually. drops, "I don't like peanut butter. anymore," or, "I need five green. highlighters for a project due. tomorrow," Uber Eats has you covered. Get everything you need for back to.

school today from your favorite brands. like Aldi and Staples on Uber Eats. Order now, end September 7th, $5 or less. before taxes and fees. Select items. only. Availability varies. See app for. details. [music]. All I ever wanted. [music]. >> Oh, you look much nicer than I do. >> I'm trying to dress a little bit like. Kenan. >> A. >> Oh, what mug are you drinking out of?

>> It's um late night with correction. jackles from [laughter]. from Late Night with Seth. >> Is your house just filled with mugs that. you've gotten from various talk shows? Mine Mine kind of is. >> I wonder if like Johnny Carson. and like MV Griffin and Dinosaur if they. ever had mugs. >> Do you know what I would give for one of. those mugs, >> right? >> Do you know what we were looking This is. going to this is really ADHD and this is.

going to take us on a completely. different tangent. It doesn't matter. >> You know, you know what we were just. looking up this morning? Bicesentennial. 31 flavors/baskinrobins. bsentennial ice cream flavors. and do you know what some of them were? >> Wait, so just set this is this is 1976. flavors. >> 1976 for the bsentennial. 31 flavors aka now known as. BaskinRobins. Or is it the other way.

around? It's Baskin Robins. >> I think it's the other way around now. It's. >> they don't they have more than 31 now, >> right? Yeah. Um, one of them was called Valley Fudge. [laughter]. >> instead of Valley Forge. Valley F. [laughter]. >> Mhm. >> What was another one? May uh. >> Oh god, now I got to look it up again. [laughter] Well, one pie was one was. apple pie alam mode. >> Yeah, [clears throat] sure. >> That's cute. >> Cute. >> But like give me value. Give me a word.

>> Oh, thank you. Minute Amendment. So stupid. >> You know, Gen X. has lived, we live, we were alive. I was. >> alive during the bsentennial and here we. are celebrating 250 years. And boy, has. America never been better. >> That's exactly how I feel. >> Yeah, it's true. >> I mean, when you think about how far. we've come. >> Well, how far we've come and how much we.

fixed. That should be the the the the. slogan. We've fixed a lot. We're talking. to Keenan Thompson today and I'm so. psyched that I'm talking to you because. you and Keenan are linked in a lot of. ways for me. Like I think some of my. most fun and most tender and funniest. moments. are. watching the two of you perform. Like. you guys really have a connection. How.

would you explain it? >> You know, when you meet your people and. you can't really you can't really find. words for it. So, you just feel like. you've known the person your whole life. I always feel that when I see Kenan, I. feel like he's always been there and we. don't have to say anything. Mhm. >> It's And it's there's a there's a. relaxation that comes. >> Mhm. >> over me when I when I see him, when I.

watch him. >> Yes. >> It's like watching an incredible. musician. you know that you're in good. hands and you can't wait to see what. they're going to bring you because you. know it's going to be masterful and. amazing, but it's also going to fill you. with like a with a joy like it's. relaxing. I used to feel that way about. watching Prince on stage. I'd get. relaxed cuz I was like he can do. anything. He can do anything. Kenan,

I'm instantly. instantly. like warmed and already giggling a. little bit. There's a twinkle in his eye. that says it all. >> Yes, Maya. It's so true. There's a. twinkle. I have such strong memories of. him, you know, inviting him into our. dirty dirty office, [laughter] sit, you. know, sit on the floor on his knees or. something like I mean, we we lived like.

disgusting college students, Amy. >> Yeah. >> And you too, that was your perch. >> That was a bad perch. >> Bringing bringing friends into that and. giggling till 4 in the morning. I. remember so clearly. um writing stuff with him. If I bring it. up now, I'll probably get cancelled what. we were writing. But [laughter]. but it was so fun and all we did was. laugh. All we did was laugh. Like. listening to songs and finding the.

little tiny minute things and then and. then going in and laughing. Um, >> I mean, a great example of that is one. of my favorite characters and sketches. in at SNL ever, which is Titi and Mario. >> TT and Mario. >> So, for people that didn't ever watch TT. and Mario, how would you explain who. Titi and Mario were? >> It's a great Thank you for asking me. KT. and Mario is is a duo from your. childhood past that is so they sing the. most beautiful love songs [snorts] that.

are so runchy and disgusting. They think. they're very loving. >> Yes, they're romantic. >> Married couple with children. [laughter]. They're they've been together for a very. long time. >> And sometimes one might say that. sometimes they need the music to to make. things fun again. And what I love about. them is they always start so beautiful. and so romantic and then maybe 10 or 15. seconds in they start talking about each. other's booty and how tight it is. >> Yeah. There's a lot of booty play.

involved and Titi and Mario serenated. you in the hospital. >> That's right. When when Archie was born. >> That's right. I want to talk to Kenan. about it because it was so it was like. if I could have picked two I couldn't. have picked two better people when I was. in a postpartum haze to be singing at me. from my TV. >> than you guys. It's funny I'm I'm. excited to interview Keen because. there's a lot I actually don't know. about him. He's he he's he's more of a.

>> coyote. >> more of a coyote. more of a he's more of. a of an observer. >> and a mirror than he is sometimes a. sharer. Do you have any questions for me. today that you would like to hear Kiki. talk about? >> I I mean we're different ages in terms. of like our influences, but he was so. like. wellformed when we met him like I want. to know what he was doing. I know he was.

performing as a young person, but like. how did that how did that get in there. as like, oh, I know when I'm when I'm big, I'm. going to be this. Like, how did those. influences create the Kenan that we. know? Because I feel like he came out. like this. I I can't imagine him any. other way. I also just want to know like. like I know you're going to ask him. about like how how do you keep it fresh, Kanan? [laughter]. >> Totally. I mean, I'm so curious about.

like what do you not go to or do. anymore? I mean, after 22 years at the. show, >> Oh my god. Like, >> you know, >> how have you how have you like bypassed. >> Yeah. How does the system work for you? >> Yeah. I'm curious. >> I feel like he might he might actually. be experiencing like the like the dream. of SNL because if you've been there long. enough to be like, "Hey guys, I'm going. to have to go this way.". >> Yeah. It's probably the dream. >> I know. It's probably Why would you ever.

leave? It's so fun. >> Did you ever like He he figured it out. >> Yeah, that's He cracked the code and I. want to know what he cracked. >> I think there's there's gold behind. those doors. [laughter]. >> But like little Kenan is always what I. think about and I'm also and I didn't. know Little Keenan and I'm curious like. I guess I equate it to when we were. little like we would do plays in our. living room and things like that. Like. was he just the guy who made his friends. laugh? Was he the guy who.

>> was like cuz he's always been so steady. and so funny. >> Yeah. >> And it feels like. >> like where does that charm come from? >> Okay. So, I'm going to ask Kenan about. little Kiki, which we all know little. Keenan is probably the cutest kid we've. ever seen. >> on earth. Like like hands down. And. because I like knowing if that if that. person knew that that person was going. to be the the person we know today. And. I feel like it's a yes. I feel like that.

guy always knew. >> I feel that way about you too, Maya. Like I feel like seeing little Maya on a. home movie like singing into a. microphone. >> You You knew that, too. >> That's all I wanted. I just wanted a. microphone and to laugh with my friends. >> Yeah. And look at you guys singing together. about putting whipped cream on each. other's business. >> That's all I want for America [laughter]. is for them to put whipped cream on each. other's business. >> All we want is for Valley Fudge to make.

a comeback. [laughter]. >> Honestly. Yeah. Don't you love this. angle? I mean, I picked a great angle. My neck looks like. >> You actually look great. What does it. say in your shirt? >> Oh, Rory's Place. [laughter]. It's my favorite restaurant in Ohio. Maya just dropped the the phone down her. shirt by accident. >> Oopsie. >> Yeah. >> Oh no, it fell down my pants. >> Do you kids want to see what happens. when my phone falls? [laughter].

I feel like relaxed and smiley cuz we're. talking about Kenan. You know what I. mean? >> Totally. >> I love you. >> Love you. Bye, mama. Thanks. >> Bye. >> This episode is brought to you by. Subaru. There's something about being on. the road that has a way of leading to. those unexpectedly memorable little. moments. And in the allne 2026 Subaru. Hybrid, it's like the destination isn't. even important. It's the drive, baby. And let me tell you, I'm in that car and. I feel like a million bucks. Quiet ride,

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tough debate that we're bringing to you. straight from the campfire. Are s'mores. better when the marshmallow is gooey or. toasty? Got a strong feeling about it? Of course you do. When you're putting it. to the test, just remember that nothing. makes a s'more like Hershey's chocolate. Join the heated debate at Hershey's on. social media and let us know if you're. Camp Gooey or Camp Toasty. >> Listeners, Kenan brought me some fish. >> Of course. >> Wow. Um, this is becoming a thing now. where I'm getting fake food.

>> It's real. How are you doing? >> Are you going to wear your sunglasses. the whole time? >> I'm not. I knew that would be a thing. >> Well, no, because I was going to say. I'll put some on, too, if it would make. you like it. >> I don't have any, but I could wear some. I would like them off cuz I want to see. your beauties. >> Of course. It's good [laughter] to see. you, too. >> I just feel cool when I wear them. >> I do, too. >> I feel cool. Okay. What do. [clears throat] you mean? >> Look at this. [laughter]. >> Wait, come on. >> Okay, let me explain this. Kenan, >> that is for you. Okay.

>> Kina brought me a pizza a a slice of. cheese pizza. >> I think it's an artistic expression of. the pizza rat. >> Oh, it's pizza rat. There's a rat riding. a slice of pizza. This is the first time. I've had a fake food that moves like in. any way. This is great. >> And it almost reflects us cuz I feel. like we're such fun kind of like life. lovers of like a good time kind of. thing. It just reminds me of like us as. characters. So.

>> Kenan, wait. And then you have to kind. of You got to get it going. Here we go. Ready? >> Pull it back for those listening. We're. pulling it back. >> and then it goes. We'll pull it back a. little strong. Go. [laughter] Come on. [crying]. >> And you can't break it. So long story. short, I went shopping and I thought of. you. [laughter] I saw it and I thought. of you and I've been holding on to it. before I even know I was booked on here. >> No way, Ken. Just fingers crossed hoping. that [laughter]. one day I would get to come sit in the. throne room. >> Okay. Well, I'm going to put it.

>> Oh my god. You know, we got to add Thank. you, Jenna. Um I'm going to put this on. my wall. >> Oh, look at the placement. >> Front and center placement. That is. That's Super Bowl placement. >> That's Super Bowl. That is. >> You got to pay a lot of money for that. >> Byron Allen placement. [laughter]. >> Oh, man. The best. >> Ken Thompson is here. >> Hi. Hi. How are you doing? >> I'm great. You're doing this on both. coasts? >> Yeah, we get to do it in LA and New. York, which is the best. You just get to. do it wherever you are. >> Yeah. And convenient for like guesting.

people, I'm guessing. >> Yeah. Really convenient. >> Yeah. [snorts]. >> Congrats on the golden. Who gets a gold. for a podcast? Who gets No one does. Exactly. That's why you're such a guest. Exactly. >> That's amazing. Congrats to everyone, you guys. That's really cool. >> Congrats to podcasting. >> Yeah. Way to go. Podcast. [laughter]. >> You have a podcast, right? I did a. podcast for a long time with a buddy of. mine. Yeah. >> Yeah. What was it? What was it about? >> It was just two black guys existing in. America, [laughter] you know what I. mean? With a love of like, you know,

Hollywood and stuff like that. So, you. know, director. Yeah. I listen to. podcasts. I listen to yours. >> I just caught up with the Lonely Island. cuz. >> so funny. >> I did a guest appearance because of the. REA episode and then I was like, wait a. minute. Let me look at how long they've. been doing this. And I went back to the. beginning. >> and it is a long ride. And God bless. those guys for just showing up. And. they're so. >> showing up. Barely showing up. >> Barely showing up. >> It's hard to get all four of them on the. line. >> Oh, it rarely happens. And [laughter]. it's such a treat. >> Totally.

>> But they're combing through like such. good memories, you know. >> I know. I know. I felt the same way. It. was like really good to go back in time. And we have so much to talk about, Ken, because we were on the show together for. >> a while. Like six years. six years which. now. >> was the big it was like the first. >> six miles of your marathon basically. >> When did you depart? >> I left in 2008. >> Yeah, that was like a five year cuz I. started in 03. So. >> Well, I'm I I mean getting to work with.

you is some of my most favorite times. and I want to talk to you about it today. because you're so attached to so many. important moments in my life. We thank. you. And likewise, like I talk about my. sisters all the time. Like I consider. y'all like, >> you know, such the like get out of my. room kind of like but also like. [laughter] straighten up and don't come. like playing games. That's why I was. like I was ready to take my sunglasses. off. So this is not. >> like take I'm like your bossy older.

sister. >> Let me just analyze. Are you going to. keep those on the whole time? >> Are are you going to wear your. sunglasses to mom's birthday? >> Yeah. Yeah. You're so right. It we do. have a very there is a very sisterly. quality with you and a lot of the women. that you performed with during my time. And then you've like you've gone your. family dynamic at SNL has changed from. like younger brother. >> to like elder statesman. >> I'm like grandpa at this point. Yeah. Yeah. I'm Gramsy. Hey Graham Grams. [laughter].

>> Good morning. >> Everyone's like sh grandpa's feet is. sleeping. >> Grandpa's feet [laughter] grandpa's feet. hurt. >> Don't tell him. Let's just do less for. grandpa. Yeah. >> Um, okay. I'm going to take you back in. a little time machine to little Keenan. >> because the teeny tiniest little version. of Kenan knew pretty early that he. wanted to be a performer. You're one of. three kids. You're the middle. >> Yeah, but my sister's my halfsister.

>> Okay. >> Just for technicality sake 14 years. apart. >> Okay. So were you then were you were you. the baby then? >> I was the baby. >> Okay, that makes more sense. That makes. more sense. >> Just reckless and fearless, you know, and just a strange like, you know, kind. of ignorant confidence, if you will, you. know? >> Do you remember the very beginning? I. feel like a lot of performers have this. feeling like they remembered that. sparkle that they got when they got like. attention or looked at. Do you remember. that like early time?

>> I mean, I talk about it all the time. It. was the gingerbread man, you know, like. in kindergarten. I'm like in the. graduating play, but like I was a. gingerbread man, you know what I mean? Like I wasn't the stove. >> Yeah. >> So, it wasn't awakening because in. rehearsal it was just like learn these. lines and like this got to do this thing. or whatever. But once I saw people there. and then I recognized my mom and my mom. was smiling and you know she was so. happy and like excited and it just made. me like. >> perform more and then like. >> you know the audio of hearing laughter.

like after something I said I'm like oh. wow what is this? And. >> totally, I can remember that feeling, too. Like the feeling of just like. getting a feeling a little bit taller. when you were when people were looking. at you. >> I mean, look at us now. We're still just. fishing for laughs constantly. It feels. so good. >> So embarrassing. I know. God bless. >> It's so true because and I read that you. were you were Toto and um. >> that's what I'm saying. I got really. hooked on trying to do something that. that gains laughter. I just wanted to. put those away because sunglasses,

>> they were OCDing me a little bit. >> First of all, these glasses are. gorgeous. Who makes them? >> Thank you. Those are Gucci glasses. >> Of course they are. >> And I get it now. I get it what you mean. about being able to talk behind the. sunglasses. >> Yeah. >> Do you think I could pull off And we'll. get to your life, >> but do you think I could pull off Eye. contact is intense. >> and you can pull off anything. No, but. you can pull off sunglasses on the red. carpet, right? That's cool as. >> I have made it a thing to where like I'm.

just fine with if they're mad about it. or not because I feel like Jack was the. coolest and he never took his sunglasses. off. And I'm like, that means you don't. have to. >> But wouldn't it look like I just. recently had eye surgery if I [laughter]. >> only in the beginning? >> Right. Then you once it's a thing, it's. just like, oh, that's her artistic. expression or whatever kind of like. excuse you can get away with.

>> You're so right. Okay. Wizard. I just. want to get back to Toto. >> for a second. You played Toto. >> I played Toto because all the parts were. taken and I was like, well, nobody's. going to be the dog and this is a church. play on the south side of Atlanta there. I'm sure we didn't have many like. terriers to to choose from. So, I was. like, I'll do I'll do the dog. Like, why. not? I just wanted to be down. >> There's a lot of people I've talked to. that have been in the W W W W W W W W W. W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W. W W W W W W W W W W W Wizard of Oz in. different ways. What did you bring to. the role? >> Well, this was the Whiz, so it was.

fantastic. >> Even more fun. >> Yes. The music and everything and. >> I brought tenderness to the role when. Dorothy needed it. I remember like. cuddling up to her and like the whole. church being in it, you know, just a. small like maybe like hundred people. maybe something like that. And to feel. all of them acknowledge my performance. in that way was like, >> yeah, it's addicting, you know? And then. like there's a moment where everybody. like runs to the back of the church when. the scene is over to set for the next. scene and like I've been crawling around.

on all fours. So they left me and I was. just like, "Oh snap." Like they're all. gone and I can't go. So I stood up as a. dog and ran and that got a laugh. >> I was just like swinging on that. one. [laughter]. I don't want I don't mean to be like. jumping like comparing your story to. mine, but I had a similar experience. >> I was Dorothy. >> We had a real dog. >> Yeah. >> And there's a moment in this scene where. Dorothy is supposed to have a tornado. Like the tornado is supposed to come and. she's supposed to go to Toto to where.

are you? But I was holding the dog. [laughter]. >> I was like, this is we didn't go over. this part. So I put the dog down, >> walked a few feet away and I said, Toto, to where are you? Big laugh. a huge. laugh because [laughter] everybody. watched you process that and you stuck. with it and committed to like continuing. to work. Man, improv is the greatest. coolest thing. I wish I would have gone. to one of the schools for. >> I know you you have you you you feel. like a like from that era from that like.

style and family. >> And did you know any actors growing up? >> No, not at all. It was such a distant. dream. the best I would have thought. would be like a commercial, like a. national, like a public, you know, when. I was starting to book those in the. beginning, >> you know, Sonic, like whatever kind of. like I thought that was kind of the, you. know, the mountain I would be on kind. of. >> And was it your mom that was taking you. those mostly? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And she was just like, >> my mom's so dedicated. She got a job at. the Alliance Theater School so I could. take classes. She got like a side gig.

there like as a like. >> answering the phone or like some kind of. like office assistant, you know what I. mean? so I could take classes at a. discount or whatever it was. Like the. acting thing, I just I just loved it. >> You loved it. I mean, the theme I feel. like of today's talk and you Kenan is. like. >> you feel like everywhere you arrive like. is the like timing is so important in. your life career and in the way you. perform. I think you have the best. timing of anyone I've ever worked with.

>> Your timing is incredible. the way you. know how to play moments and the know. the way you know how to play life. because life is its own game. You're you. have to figure out how to play. >> and I'm just in awe of your timing. >> Oh man. >> And so. >> I guess I'm the second one to start. crying. [laughter]. >> Shout out to Seth. >> Cry cry. Oh my god, Seth. So easy to get. that cry. The best. >> But it's so like but [snorts] but it but. because of that I look at your life and. your career which is still we're in the.

middle of it. or not, but like and and. the way in which wherever you are was. where you were supposed to be at the. time. >> And weirdly enough, it's always felt. that way. You know what I mean? Like. I've never been like overly pressed. Like the SNL audition was extreme, but. like. >> on the way to that, for some reason, everything felt done already. Like I. already have this job. like I already. have made my friends, you know, before I. even like met the all that cast. I was. just like. >> I feel like this is mine to do kind of.

thing, you know? >> Yes. Yes. It was like that's exactly. right, Kenan. It's like it feels like. every opportunity for you felt like you. were meeting the opportunity when it was. meeting you. >> And when when you were. >> I mean you were you were on TV when you. were what 11 12 doing like movie. reviews. >> That was like a real job. Yeah. >> Like when I first like was dipping my. toe in the water, we would like. >> kids going along with the news anchor to. this new like exhibit at the zoo. Like.

it was like about dinosaurs and they did. like a little mini special about that. Like that was like the beginning. So I. was like this is just playtime. We get. to be in the zoo after hours kind of. like that's cool, >> right? >> But like real news for kids, I was like. oh snap. I have like an ID badge. [laughter] like I get to like tap it. briefcase. >> to have that so young. >> It just pointed me confidently in in the. direction of like this is kind of what I. feel like I should be doing. And then. all kind of kids stuff started. happening. Like my first review was the. first Mighty Ducks movie.

>> No, no way. >> Like almost a year to the day I got to. audition for the second one and ended up. like making it in. And then the director. knew the producers from the Nickelodeon. shows and they like connected me to. that. So that audition I was real cocky, you know. >> They were like, "Hey guys. Hey, hey, old. friends. >> What do you need? You You need a. Jamaican. I got you." [laughter]. >> It's interesting cuz you look young. You. still look young. >> Thank you. >> Um isn't it nice to now is what we're.

supposed to be saying. >> Well, I don't know about that. Maybe. with the sunglasses on. >> Yeah. Put the glasses on. >> Put the glasses. [laughter]. It would would it be weird if I wore. those glasses, a cane, and like a and a. boot and went to. >> That's when people are starting to. worry. >> Yeah. And like a wrist like one of. those. Um. >> like what did she fall down on the. beach? >> And half my face is sunburned. Um but you but you had a you have and. had a baby face, but you definitely had. a poise of someone much older than you.

Like I'm curious if you've always felt. your age. I mean, a lot of kids who are. acting at a young age, especially like. making money for their family. >> and being around adults most of the. time, but you had the kind of pleasure. and privilege of working on a show with. a bunch of other kids. >> Yes. >> So, you were with people your own age. pretty much? >> Yes. >> Did you do you feel older or younger. than your age? Like, what is your story? >> I've always felt like an old man. Like I.

feel like I came. >> right from something that happened in. the 70s and I stayed kind of like. connected to the 70s and I don't want to. like it's my favorite era. >> and like yeah I feel like Taurus energy. just you know capitalizes on that and. I'm very relaxed and just chill and like. >> don't want to be that not too loud. please everybody just everybody. [laughter] settle down. >> please like I can't handle it like when. people like loud talk me in restaurants. and it's just love But they when they. shot my name, I'm like, "Please.".

>> Yeah. You don't like that. I I know that. about you. And your influences were like. that, too. Like Richard For Prior, Eddie. Murphy. >> Just the the the black zag zeitgeist. basically of that era and then onward. and then of course as I got older. looking backwards and learning your. history kind of stuff. But. >> I I love like. >> you know the black exploitation era and. like diving back into those sounds and.

those words and like having fun with it. basically cuz it's like you know playing. in your dad's clothes basically. >> Yes. Did you guys watch as a family like. stuff together? Were you a laughing. family? Like were you a comedy family? >> My dad is the joker for sure. Like he's. the joke teller and he does really well. He's like a room pleaser when he does. that. Like I remember like at my. grandmother's house, he would have my. grandma like almost like peeing her. pants like literally. And this is my. mom's mom, you know what I mean? So he. really doing a dance kind of thing. [laughter].

>> Is he a frustrated performer? >> I don't He's a He's a Gemini, so I think. he does a lot of things. Well, so you. know, he was like he drove like. >> NASCAR kind of cars. He was in the. military. mechanic, you know, like, >> you know, amazing like real estate. person like. >> made history in Atlanta for kind of. desegregating uh like listings and stuff. like that. >> Really? >> Yeah. So, like he's a very cool dude. And on top of that, Yeah. loves to tell.

a joke. And then my mom has this like. secretive kind of sense of humor, like a. little prissy, cuz she's like the older, >> she's the oldest of seven, you know, and. they come from kind of it's actually. called forest Virginia, so you can. imagine there's lots of trees there and. not a whole lot of buildings. >> So, she comes from literally the forest. and like kind of had to be a little more. like suited and booted. But yeah, she. has this like sneaky little laugh where. it's just like, "Oh, you like to laugh.

at the naughty. >> Look at you being naughty." kind of. thing. [laughter]. >> So for me, I have a little bit of both, but I'm I'm not really like a room. gatherer unless it's like a fixed. performance. >> No, you're not like you're not looking. to win the room. >> Yeah. No, >> no. I mean, I I would say that my. experience with you is that you are a. little bit more of a three-point. shooter. Like you wait for your time and. you like to observe. You like to see how. people are playing. >> Yeah. I like to to Steph Curry it a. little bit and like when it's time to. turn it on just like take over the game. >> and you shoot it and you shoot you do. like a no look on your way out.

>> Oh yeah. Like I know that's going in. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> It's definitely your style and and it's. rare to have a like a career before you. reach SNL. >> Yes. >> Like and and not always helpful. >> No. It hadn't gone well I don't think. for anyone at that point. I was like. >> I just want to do whatever because this. writing thing freaks me out. So you guys. tell me what you want. And it took 5. years before I wrote something that was. like my idea. >> on the show. >> Mhm. Scared Straight was like the first.

thing that actually made it on the show. if you will. >> Well Well, you know, we talked, we. brought up Eddie Murphy, and I want to. talk about what it was like to do that. sketch at the 50th. But what's your. early memories of Eddie Murphy? Because. for me, I'm older than you, but not by. much, but enough that when I was. watching SNL, >> when I started watching SNL, it was. Eddie's year. He was 18, 19. When do you. remember me? >> That was kind of me watching from down. the hall when I wasn't supposed to still. be awake kind of stuff. You know what I. mean? And like I remember hearing Hot. Tub before I actually was able to watch.

it, >> right? >> You know, just like trying to just be. and I just remember being in PJs, you. know what I mean? And like. >> watching my dad just like laugh. I think. he was still like my mom was asleep. He. was just like the only person up. house. dark and you just see that like blue. flashing, the glow and like. >> Yeah. >> Isn't it funny? You have memories as a. little kid of like when your parents. would laugh really hard at something. It. was like you would look at them like. >> what happened? >> What happened? What's funny? And it just. imprints on your brain immediately then.

forever what you think is funny. >> It was always fun getting to a place. where like we could share laughter. together in the same sort of sense of. humor like with my dad. You know what I. mean? Like once we started like quoting. coming to America to each other and like. >> certain moments it was just such a. dynamically fun time because it was like. our little thing you know like we played. pool [snorts]. >> we quote coming to America you know what. I mean and it's like a dad and two. brothers basically. It's really cool.

It's kind of like you're what you're. when you're saying like that it's. reminding me that like for some families. comedy is sports. >> like that's how you connect. >> is you talk about what you think is. funny and and like and I know that you. loved Eddie. I know you love Richard. Prior and you also love Chris Farley who. you got to work with. Tell us about. that. and Jim Carrey like. >> Oh, and Jim Carrey. >> Super duper fan of Jim Carrey and I. emulate him I think more probably than. anybody as. >> as far as like micro performing goes.

Like I feel like he performs every. possible. >> like syllable kind of thing in his. physical body. It's it's wild to watch. But Farley is just a full buffalo, you. know what I mean? And like he was just. so dynamically funny. not just falling. down funny like he had some quips that. were incredible. >> Yeah. >> And sometimes his performances were just. like. >> he's the only one that can do that kind.

of thing. So he came to all that and did. that like. >> Yeah. >> It was the greatest day I've ever seen. cuz I was like that's a true pro. That's. somebody that doesn't need cuz they. would tell us and rehearse us a lot cuz. we were kids kind of thing. >> He came in and didn't need any. instruction at all. He was playing a. ketchup chef that likes to put ketchup. on everything. And of course, my. character likes to put chocolate on. everything. So, it was a battle. And. they had this eight layer chocolate cake. because we were celebrating something or.

whatever. >> And you know, Nickelodeon likes to make. a mess, but they like to shoot up until. right before the mess and stop and like. do that part a few times to make sure. they got it, if you will. >> Right. And they really politely asked. him like, >> "Please.". >> And you know, take one after we got and. we got to that point destroyed that cake. like it was nothing. Like I think on. purpose because they tried to tell him. to do something. >> Mhm. >> And he like beat the cake up to where. there was like there's no way we're.

doing a second take of this. >> Jumped in the car, jumped in the. limousine and was gone. [laughter]. >> Like they have showers. You like we got. showers for you. I'm fine. towed off a. little bit, still ketchup in his hair, and was out of there. >> And I was like, "Now that's a gangster. That's a That's a professional. gangster." And so damn funny. And so. nice. >> So nice. >> So nice. Never fronted on me for being a. kid or anything. He just came in and. like we was like, "Let's get to it.". kind of thing. >> You know, I think I'm sure every young.

person feels this way. They remember the. people that like treated them like peers. when they were feeling Yeah. when they. were um and they remember the people. that were um dismissive of them when. they were young because we really do act. especially with young people like they. don't know what the they're talking. about or like it we're always doing that. to them. >> and like I have a problem with like. people's boundaries like I learn hard. lessons with that because I'm just very. like outgoing and kind of like we're.

we're fine with this right you're fine. if I just keep tapping you on the. shoulder like you know me kind of thing. and some people put you in your place. and you're like hey man stop tapping me. and I was like oh snap Like I'm sorry I. crossed that line. TC [laughter]. >> like Magnum PIT TC. I was so excited to. be next to him. You know what I mean? Like that's what Nickelodeon did. It put. us, >> you know, in proximity to a lot of very. famous people kind of thing. And I was. just. >> overly excited. I'm like, "Isn't this. great, my man? >> Look at this. This is an awesome thing.". He's like, "Hey, man. Stop tapping me.".

>> And I was like, "Oh, oh my god. I. overtap TC." [laughter]. But you're but you're what you're. talking about is just like straight up. like etiquette on set. >> that a lot of people when they arrive at. SNL not only have not ever been like on. TV but often have never been on any kind. of set and there is an etiquette to to. your point how you approach people how. you how like how to be a professional. >> and like I Kenan you are such a.

professional in the way you approach. your work and the way you deal with. people you're really really smart and. you you have a lot of experience and you. could feel it immediately when you. arrived at SNL. But when you think back. on those early like days of learning. about what it was like to be on a set, what was like the things that you. learned? What were some like takeaways. that you still think about like what you. try to bring to other sets? >> The first Thank you for all of that.

Second, free stuff was the first thing I. noticed. [laughter]. I was like, I'm in the right spot. I I. knew it. I knew it. If the Price is. Right was doing it, I knew everybody was. doing some version of that. Whether it. was snacks or drinks or whatever, whatever I'd like I needed to ask for. If you little Wendy's, little bacon. cheeseburger meal. Can I get that? >> And absolutely get that. Absolutely no. problem. >> That don't even take your wallet out. [laughter]. >> Fantastic. I'll do whatever. We'll be.

here in 19 hours. You know how many of. them are? You want to jump in the lake? Am I supposed to jump in the lake? Whatever. >> Yeah. >> And that was definitely like a check. check that box. >> But also the size of things. Like when I. got on the Mighty Ducks and saw like a. movie set, >> all these trailers and like so many. clothes for everyone. I'm like. [laughter] what what are all these. clothes for? Like all the different. scenes in the movie. They got to wear. different clothes. I'm like different. clothes. That's crazy.

>> Oh, it's a lot of pressure. >> Super pressure. I didn't know how to. skate. >> Okay, let's talk about Mighty Ducks. because you are one of my you you're one. of my friends that skate the best. >> Thank you. >> You you're an incredible ice skater. A. lot of people don't know this. >> Thank you. And I I pride myself with. that because it's not like a big known. thing amongst the black community that. just ice skate like that, you know, like. there's only certain people that do it. There's only certain couple few people. in, you know, in the NHL or whatever. kind of thing. >> You know, New Yorkers or people in cold.

climates kind of do it around Christmas. time kind of thing. just, you know, kind. of like going bowling, if you will. >> I remember I have a very good at it is. wild. >> To get good at it is hard. And I have a. very clear memory. They used to let us. at Christmas shows at SNL. >> It's the best. >> Best. They don't do they do that. anymore. >> They haven't done it in so long. >> You got to do it. They used to let us I. mean, talk about free stuff. Talk about. perks. Is on the Christmas show, we'd be. like, "Good night." And then they'd cut. to like maybe a bumper and we'd all get.

to run downstairs. What would we do? >> We got to get there. There would be like. a golf cart all of a sudden inside the. hallway sometimes like for people to. just like zip down there. Some people. would be down there already. But if. you're in that final thing kind of thing. and then we would wave goods on the ice. >> be in the Rockefell on the on the ice. ring. >> underneath the Christmas tree. >> Yeah. At Rockefeller Center and just us. at one o'clock in the morning. >> Yeah. And I go down there and I see. Kenan and Kenan is you are skating. forward, skating backwards, skating. sideways, doing a thing. What are you.

doing? >> Doing 45 million tricks. >> Thank you. >> And then I was like, >> I was fresh off of learning it. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So, how hard was it to learn for you? >> Very cuz like I remember like I was just. talking about this the other day like. roller skating and going to like roller. skating rinks is what we had in Atlanta. >> Yeah. >> Like I was busting my ass constantly. You know what I mean? As a kid, but you. don't feel anything as a kid. I just. feel the knots later kind of thing. But. I remember like both feet up falling all. the time, >> you know, like all the time. >> Yeah.

>> So sure, I put it on my resume under. special skills that I could roller skate. or something like roller skating, you. know, but like I never in a million. years. >> considered hockey. I wanted to learn, but after that first day of hockey camp, which was on my birthday, >> my 15th birthday, I wanted to quit it. all. >> Oh, I bet. I was like, I don't want to. be an actor. I don't want to if this is. what it's about. Like, and my thank god. my mom didn't let me quit. >> She was like, no, go back tomorrow. >> Kept going back and back in like.

>> 8 weeks on both movies. You learn how to. skate. >> Yeah. Do you skate? Do you find ways to. skate now? Do you look for it? >> That's great. Skating with the family. You know what I mean? Christmas time. >> Both know how to skate. >> Yeah. >> That's awesome. >> Yeah. They both are good little skaters. >> They are. >> Do you watch any ice skating during. Olympics? >> Yeah. I mean, I watched the figure. skating. Yeah, that I watched the the. girl with the. >> three tiered, you know, kind of hairo. >> Yeah. Alyssa Leu. >> Is that Yes. >> I know she's from from Oakland area.

She's from the Bay. >> Was that. >> unbelievable? >> Just because of how casual she is. >> Yes. >> And like she's just chilling, but like. the thing she can do on the ice, >> bro. It's that I give her all the. medals. Like it was wild to watch. >> Well, she. >> that and hockey. I guess I watch. >> she reminds me of when you perform. because she was very relaxed and you get. and like when we're watching her we're. like she's good she's good and the ner. like nerves. >> nerves are like if you can figure out.

how to channel your nerves. [laughter]. >> Oh man. >> So what were your nerves like when you. were auditioning for you're 23 which is. still really I mean in the in the. context of the show I guess it's not so. young but just feels so young. When I. watch your audition. on SNL, there's a small moment that is. Samberg did it too when he auditioned. where you take a moment before you start. and you go, "Oh my god, SNL." You said. it like to yourself.

>> and and I I Samberg had a similar moment. where he was just like you could tell he. was like [laughter] but it's it it's. very it was very inviting. It was not. like this person is like cannot handle. their nerves. It was It felt like what. you do so well, which is you like zapped. yourself to the present moment. You're. like, "Here I am. I'm here.". >> Yeah. And it's like I have to call it. out because if I don't, [laughter]. it'll be like it didn't happen kind of. thing. So, I have to like put it in in. the words that like I recognize that.

this is crazy. >> It feels like also just a way to. secretly kind of quiet your nerves like. just to say it. silently putting that. seat belt on. like in like remember in Fight Club when. he's just like, >> "You know what? I'm just going to get. crazy with this and let this steering. wheel go. >> I'm just going to let it go.". >> And I just like let my mind just start. rambling. It's so my audition is so. rambly. It's crazy. >> Oh, I mean it's not and and I I I think. I've told you the story, but I watched.

your audition from a um we were filming. Mean Girls. >> Did I tell you the story? I've told you. this story. And. >> Lauren had the auditions. He was. watching them on the plane. >> Private. >> Private. Pink Jang. >> PJ. >> We know somebody that got money. [laughter]. Our friend got money. >> And um probably the first time I'd ever. um flown private. I I don't even I. remember. And it was during Me and.

Girls. And we must have been flying back. from the set cuz Tina was there. >> and Lauren was there and Lindsay Lingo. was there. >> Incredible. And we watched your. audition. >> That's crazy. >> And we were all like, "He's incredible.". And Lindsay was like, "I love him.". >> And [laughter]. I remember I know. And I think at the. time you probably already had the job. But it was I the one thing I remember. more than the content, which you realize. very fast, nobody cares about the. content. Like you think the content, the. jokes, everything is so important. You.

could have the best written material in. the world. You can have the best. jokes in the world. If people don't feel. like relaxed, happy to see you, drawn to. you for whatever reason, it just it. doesn't work. It's like it's this crazy. chemistry thing. the craziest part of. casting. Like casting is such a like. >> shout out to, you know, casting people. that like. >> do it well because. >> it takes a whole lot of like. >> well thanks for thanks for coming in but.

you know we'll get back to you and like. being able to they're like nurses, you. know, >> God, you're right. They're like through. the awful news. >> We're going to give you a shot. It's. going to hurt. >> Yeah. or [laughter] like let's try that. again. >> and this and this time. >> do everything different. >> Oh, I mean yeah they're like um maybe. this time try to be like a normal person. in the world. >> like what a normal person would Yeah. Oh, that's a good note. >> And then you do it and you still like. didn't like check those back. >> Did you have fun? >> Yeah.

I want to say something about what. watching you ride the wave that is SNL. because it is a series of waves. What do. you think has been the like the way that. you've surfed the last 23 years? >> I think in the beginning I became. friendly to the process of it. Like I. became a a friendly useful like tool if.

you will. So like all kinds of people. would like write for me because I was. able to deliver. >> Nobody gave us this rule, but and I'm. sure you now tell people this, >> but if I could go back and tell people. one thing, it would be try to do as well. as you can in anything you're given. >> Y. >> that simple thing get gets people to. just cuz everyone's nervous. >> Give me one word. >> Yeah. >> Or half a line. I love it.

>> Yeah. What have you changed about how. you interact with the job that how. you've made the system work for you? >> Yeah. I don't let it just keep me out. anymore. It used to keep us out. >> Well, Keen and I just from being and I. have seen. >> It's one of my favorite stories ever of. us doing that bit. >> Please tell us. Okay, let's tell this. story. I I totally. >> fantastic. I need a drink. Let's take a. drink break. >> Okay, so I'll start it. Kenan and I. Okay, [laughter]. this was a different time before we had. children. >> This was a different time before we had.

children. >> So, we would go out a lot, Kenan and I. and all of us would party a lot. >> Yeah. We would hang out New York very. excited about being in New York. >> And so, we there was a night of many. nights, but there was a particular night. where. >> I was out too late. Yes. Um. >> before I understood the schedule, too. I. was just like hanging out. >> because when I was still. >> still out there. >> and we were at a place called Bungalow. 8. >> Fantastic. >> Shout out to those kind of. >> shout out to Rashidita.

>> Shout out to Rashidita. Look, Rashidita. Rashidita Jones turned always my. beautiful wife turned me on to so many. aspects of life. >> Literally the greatest. >> And she'd be like, "Hey, I'm hosting. this club thing." And I'd be like, "Oh. my god, what time? 1:00 a.m. Sounds. great." I mean, what the. >> We're there. [laughter]. >> And like it doesn't close like the other. places. Like it can kind of just stay. open. >> When you walk in, it's like, oh, you. know, >> we're in an Amazon rainforest [laughter].

and it's time to listen to music and. drinks and like. >> Yeah. And like ti lots of people. Yeah. Lots of people in the building. >> Um so, um we went to Bungalow 8 and I. was there and all of a sudden, guess who. comes in later than me is Kenan. >> Yeah. >> Kenan comes strolling in. strolling. >> and we had. >> we had a 6 a.m. call. I probably had a. 6:00 a.m. You may be a little bit later. cuz ladies have like. >> it was first thing in the morning, but. >> we had to be up maybe 2 or 3 hours later. to play.

>> the black ey peas. [laughter]. >> Fantastic. >> I had to get in full, >> you know, spray tan as a whole lot of. wiggage to be where I am. Heavy ass. dreads. >> Heavy dreads. And it [laughter] was the. host was um John Heer. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Who did not stay out late that night. >> No. >> He was ready. >> Yeah. He didn't have an issue at all. But he's like Mormon, isn't he? >> He's Mormon. So he just chilled. >> Yeah. He chilled. He was a responsible. >> He responsible and he chilled. And he. didn't even have caffeine. That's how.

>> No. And back then those shoots used to. be 10,000 miles away. >> I had not slept. You had not slept. Who. else was [clears throat] in it? Who was. that? >> I want to say Forte. >> Forte. I just remember Forte like laying on a. very hard floor. >> We were so hung over. >> face down. >> and could not move or talk and literally. they stopped traffic in the middle of a. New Jersey highway. >> Yeah. for us to pretend to be the black. eyed pe like and rolling.

>> at like 10 9 a.m. like rush hour and. people were just like what is happen. [laughter]. you had to be. with my heart and we had to dance. and Kenan was doing a bit that I will. never forget which is he was taking. phone calls from his past self. >> pretending to tell him to go home. >> Yes. [laughter] Like you are being. unkind to yourself sir. >> Kenan. This is Kenan. You got to go. home. >> Yeah. What are you doing, man? You know, you know you have to get up early. This.

is not good. Put it down. >> When you started, you you mentioned this. earlier. You were you and Jo were what. what are your memories of being of you. and Jo sharing an office? >> It was the best because we were so. dynamically different in my opinion, you. know, like him coming from like Harvard. and Staten Island and like me coming. from like the south side of Atlanta kind. of thing. And like I didn't finish I. went to Santa Monica City College, you. know, so I didn't even really get too. far down the like college college like. sharpness road, [laughter].

you know? So like I was still like high. school educated in my opinion. I learned. a lot from him. We shared an office for. eight years. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Because other offices would open. up but like we enjoyed that office so. much and like I think being together so. much and then scared straight was born. from that you know kind of stuff and. like. >> talk about full circle Kenan like. You you you see you're a fan of Eddie, you write Scared Straight forget about. it Colin and then you do it with him at. the 50th. What did. >> Shout out to those guys like shout out.

to people that are like that. Colin and. Chay are both like that and I shouted. Chay out so much because a lot of my. favorite stuff that is like very silly. and black and really really smart, you. know, is coming from him sharply like. Black Jeopardy and stuff like that. And. uh what when you and Eddie did it for. the 50th, what what what do you. remember? But what was the little. special twinkly magic moment? And when. you did that, what did it feel like? >> So at the 40th was the night before was.

the first time I met Eddie, you know. what I mean? And he just came to that. like toast to Lauren in the rainbow. room. So everything was like very New. York magical cuz he's like in the sky. and he emerged from a separate elevator. from everybody [laughter] else. And I'm. like, of course, >> he has his, you know, specific way. >> And like I was like, that's really cool. I couldn't contain myself. And he. recognized, >> you know what I mean? He was like, hey. man, like [clears throat]. I was like, oh my god, this is amazing. >> So fast forward to the 50th. Colin.

suggest we do a scared straight and put. him in it. You know, he had hosted which. was the greatest show ever when you. know, he hosted for Christmas time and. then back to Chay put me in that. monologue with him. Chris Rock Tracy and. Dave Chappelle like what an epic. picture. I'll keep it for forever. So at. the 50th they were talking about doing a. scarce. I'm like I wasn't even planning. on I didn't know what to do because. everything was so last minute you know. what I mean? >> So I just heard that they wanted to do. this and I'm like they're down to do.

this. I couldn't believe it. Like Eddie. and the GOAT Will Frell like bro like. Will Frell is the greatest cast member. we've had. >> ever I think in many people's opinion. >> Yeah. So for them to be in my little. baby sketch was unreal. [clears throat]. >> That's so cool. >> Unreal. >> Yeah. >> I felt that. I felt like I felt like you. were a peer and a fan at the same time. with them cuz you are a peer to them. And thank you. >> You realizing that moment was special is. is kind of like what going back to our.

theme which is you were really present. in the moment. And the other thing I'm. just going to say about you, Ken. >> I just eat too much humble pie to to. like not feel like a little kid looking. at his hero kind of thing. >> Well, that's what I mean is, you know, okay, do you ever watch the show Alone? I talk about it all the time here, but. it's a um Okay, Alone is a is a um it's. kind of like an adventure reality show. It's about people who are dropped off in. the wilderness. They have to survive by. themselves and whoever stays the longest. alone and they all have to hunt and fish.

and gather and all this stuff. But what. you realize is the people that last the. longest. are not the ones that celebrate the. hardest and they're not the ones that. take the losses so personally. They stay. somewhat relatively even. >> Yeah. >> You bag a moose week one, >> you're not going to bag it every week, >> right? >> You your shelter falls down, it doesn't. mean because you're a jerk and bad. things happen to you. Like you don't. internalize. And I get that from you. you ride those highs and lows. Do you.

think that that's true about yourself? >> And have you always been that way? >> Yeah. And I think I kind of focus on. that a little bit. You know what I mean? Just to make sure that I don't allow. things to just carry me away. You know. what I mean? Like there's so much to be. emotional about outside of the business. Like the world is in like full chaos and. has been my whole life. I feel like, you. know, there's always been some sort of. representation of a a bad guy, if you. will, or a bad, you know, situation kind.

of stuff. >> And then the more you learn about the. world, it's like, >> how dare I even be bothered or upset. about, you know, such minuscule things. as a miscomplishment in my career kind. of thing, you know? So, >> I've always kind of just been like, cool. Like, if something great happens, great. something bad happens, it's like, "All right, pick up the pieces and like. let's keep it pushing kind of thing. because. >> you can dwell on it if you want and let. it like suck you down the little.

whirlpool and stuff like that." But. >> then where would we be and where would. all the people that depend on me be kind. of thing if I allow the darkness to. creep in, you know? >> But but it's a it's like a it's like a. life lesson of like can you be satisfi. sat like the life lesson of can you be. satisfied? >> Yeah. is really, you know, that. yearning. >> I can easily be sadly. Yeah. >> I I I know the things I like. >> and I'm happy when they're around.

>> When you speak about I like, you know, what you like. I feel like you love. working with Maya. Oh, >> she's the greatest. >> And she loves working with you. >> Maya is just such I I never met such a. dynamic force of nature, you know what I. mean? just in pedigree and talent and. you know the kind of person she is, the. kindness she is like she's very. maternal. You are as well. Like all four. of my like original DR and Tina like my.

four horsemen horse lady sisters. >> are giant forces of nature you know and. it started with Maya and like I'm deeply. indebted to her for kind of pulling me. out of the fog of Tuesday night and. getting something done in my first week. >> and constantly kind of being that source. of just funny combo or wonderful. performer to perform things with. I. mean, you guys are like instant family. Like, you were a family in another life. You immediately met each other and you. were like, "Oh,

>> you play the same way I play.". >> Yeah. And also, just I'm obsessed with. Songbergs, you know what I mean? It's an. amazing talent to sit next to and just. listen to her just take off on some sort. of like musical number or something like. while she's just sitting there. And it's. like, do y'all hear this? Like. >> I mean I always said that she would be. better than most of the professional. singers that came% and you too Kenan I. try but like. >> man what a what a cool thing to kind of. like be in close to kind of thing and.

like I just I love it. So. >> the same with like you know even you. know up to the current cast and like. everyone in between and I just love our. family so much. >> that I like being close to it and like. it's just I'm not afraid of how it will. be when I leave. is just I would much. rather just stay, you know, >> why why not? Who's writing this brew. book? >> Yeah, exactly right. >> Like I'm up to 23 years. >> I know. >> Possibly starting 24 or whatever. >> Possibly,

>> you know, like. >> it's happening. >> I mean, yeah, I know. You're exactly. right. What are what are the rules? And. and so so we do this thing in the in the. show where we talk to somebody, we get a. question. So we talk to Maya. >> Oh my god, how wonderful. What does she. say? >> She loves you so much. God bless her, man. I love her, too. >> And we laugh so hard at how dumb and how. fun the stupid you guys have done. >> It's the best. >> It's the best. And we talked about TT. and Mario, which you know is my. favorite. It was just the couple that is.

>> put your hands in roller skates. >> and. >> flip you upside down and then wheel you. into the kitchen. >> Put whipped cream on your business. [laughter]. >> I want you to know I was singing that on. the way here. Put whipped cream on your. business. What a gorgeous lyric. >> God bless censorship. If it wasn't for. censorship, you're so right. Word play. would be so funny. >> The guardrails make it way funnier. And. you can't say anything dirty, so you. have to say put whipped cream on your. business. [laughter]. >> But Maya was talking like and and also I.

just want to like say thank you again. And I know I've thanked you many times. in my life, but you and Maya did one of. the most tender, wonderful, like funny, and beautiful things for me in my life. that when I rushed from set to have my. kid. >> Yeah. >> and my first son, Archie, and he was in. my arms and I was watching the show that. the day before I was rehearsing, which talk about like feeling like. you're in a crazy alternate reality. You. guys sang to me from Update, you and.

Maya, and with the Titi and Mario flare, but not as filthy cuz there were. children present, >> of course. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I couldn't have chosen two better. people to have that feeling from. And it. was so, >> it was such a wonderful, beautiful. I. really treasure it, Keenan. >> I'm so glad because it felt that way in. the moment. And I was still so young, you know? I was just honored to be asked. to be a part of a like a this is such a.

moment for you. You're like a brand new. mom and we watched you be pregnant the. whole time [laughter]. >> and we thought you were going to troop. out the show. Like it was a super. surprise. >> The plan, >> you know what I mean? >> So it was like showing up on Saturday. and it was like hearing the news like. Amy won't be with us. >> There was like all hands on deck kind of. energy because you're such a pivotal. part of the show. So you not being there. was just like there's such a gap. we. have to acknowledge this in some sort of. way and yeah to be asked to do it was.

like this is cool like this is what. makes this place you know an epic kind. of place and I felt very grateful to be. involved in any sort of like moment like. that you know it's very special man. >> Maya's question to you was. it was basically more of like a. statement which is you're a fully formed. little Keenan felt like he kind of came. out fully formed. And I think little. Maya too, the same thing. I think you. guys saw that in each other. [snorts].

>> And um. >> I think her question was really like, do. you think that's true? And I do think we. kind of talked about like do you think. you knew from the very earliest age what. you wanted to do. >> in some sort of some sort of way? And. definitely in that direction, you know. what I mean? Of like. >> I don't know if sports is going to be. it. Like I'm like I enjoyed playing. sports, but I don't I didn't think I was. going to be Bo Jackson. You know what. I'm saying? >> You were Bo Jackson. >> So like yeah, I think I had an affinity. towards.

>> my path kind of and I always felt like. it had already been carved in some sort. of way. You know what I mean? Like it. was just, >> you know, big destiny believer that. could have something to do with like. faith and growing up in church and stuff. like that. >> But. >> it just felt that way. And then I kept. getting reminded of those things when. those kids mitty kind of things would. happen along the way and I was just. like, "All right, I think I should just. give over to the universe and just stay. positive and stay ready.". >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, um, what's where are you going? >> I'm just going to my daughter's little.

like summer play. >> Oh god. You're going You're just going. to your daughter? >> Literally across the street. >> Okay. But what time is the plan? >> Well, they're allowing the parents in at. 1:35. >> Oh my god. We have to get you out of. here. Okay. So, we cannot It's 1:30. >> Yeah. >> So, let's go. I got to ask you one. question. I'm going to put your glasses. on. Yeah. >> What are you listening to right now? What are you What's making you laugh? >> Yeah. I love that you're going to your. daughter's play. What is she ask the. best? >> What is she doing? What's. >> I want to say. It's just their like. sixth grade, I think, end of school.

>> Does she want to be a performer thing? >> Does any of them. >> some Yeah, she's better at sports kind. of thing. She's a little introverted, >> but I see it in her, you know, and she. has her moments where she just hams it. up, you know, kind of thing. >> But what are you laughing at right now? What's making you laugh? >> I'm laughing at a lot of pock I'm. watching my friends work, you know, like. whoever is putting out like new work. kind of thing, you know? I just. >> like I wasn't really aware of Sarah's.

like standup presence and I watched that. special. >> that special. So we. >> she's a force. >> We we we had her on. She is. That. special is the craziest I've ever. seen. >> It's the craziest. And I'm like, thank. God because who else can do it, you. know, kind of. So I'm like, well, she's. here for a reason. And like, buckle up. everybody because when she decides to. like. >> so funny on here, >> let the train loose, it's gone. Like it. was great. Yeah, she's. >> fantastic. And like that's one of the. newer things that I caught on to. recently. But like,

>> you know, any and all of our friends. that are doing stuff, you know, like. Leslie Jones's special was fantastic. Like Finesse is still out there killing. Finess is out there with Tisha Campbell. which is why he got Tisha Campbell doing. stand up and it's really funny. >> Yes. >> So like yeah I'm just you know. celebrating all of our friends. >> Kenan, you always do. You've always been. like laughing with us along the way and. always like reminding us that like we we. won the lottery for getting to do what. we get to do. A lot of the time it is.

really a nice reminder and a pleasure to. like take a look around, you know, and. be reminded of the reach when we're like. flicking through the channels or like. something pops up in the zeitgeist like. thank you for Broad City, you know, and. like for Paige and Hannah, you know what. I mean? Like just supporting like new. people along the way and like. >> constantly just keeping the vibe alive, you know what I mean? Of fishing for fun. times. Thank you for always shouting out. all us women, too. You always do that. and we love you for it. >> It's unbelievable and it's undeniable.

>> You can put your glasses back on for. this last thing. And we're we're I mean. I love that you're going to your. daughter's play. >> Yeah. It's my sweetheart. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I'm I'm so excited. And my other one had. field day. >> and her country to represent was. Austria. So, she had to learn about. Austria. And listening to a. seven-year-old talk about Austria is. adorable. Oh, and I'm seeing the faces. of these children and they are. >> insanely sweet and cute. >> God bless them. >> And they are so lucky to have you as.

their dad. And now that you're a. grandpa, we're so lucky to have you as a. grandpa. >> Yeah. And hopefully I'll be a great. great before I'm out of here like Morgan. Freeman, you know. >> Yeah. And I'm going to meet you on the. red carpet and have also have sunglasses. on and and weirdly a se like a dog. I. >> want to start bringing a backup pair for. people that I like. And it was like, "All right, just make sure.". >> We'll get you some, >> Kenan. We're so lucky to have you. I'm. so lucky to know you and it's so good to. see you. >> Same. >> Love you. Thank you for doing this. >> Thank you so much. My pleasure. Miss you. and so happy to see you today.

>> Yeah. Same. >> Thank you so much, Kenan Thompson. You. are the best. You're the best, most. wonderful person and so hilarious. And. I'm so lucky to know you and thank you. for doing this. And you know, in these. polar plunges, we usually kind of dig. deeper into something that we talked. about, but I just want to take a minute. to just dig a little bit deeper into the. fact that Kenan's characters on SNL 23. years in still kind of remain the. characters that I quote on a weekly. basis. Whether it is TT and Mario.

saying, "I'm going to put whipped cream. on your business." Or it's uh Jean Kjan, the French stand-up comedian who says. Zutures when he does Update. or DJ. Dynasty Handbag. Um, a a a character. that he did on a sketch called Deep. House Dish, which was kind of like a. Euro MTV show. And [laughter]. written by the great James Anderson and. and Kenan's character used to say. bouquet instead of okay. [laughter].

And I say bouquet um or bouquet or. bouquet or whatever, however he said it. I say it all the time. I guess my point. is. Kenan is. like woven into the fabric of that show. and my experience in that show in a way. that's that's like very very very. special to me and is kind of stuck in my. brain. So um my plunge today is to. encourage you to keep watching his stuff.

past, present and future and to stay in. the present like Kenan does too. Thank you for listening to uh this. podcast called Good Hang with Amy Polar. Okay, bye. You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill Simmons, Jenna [music] Weiss. Berman, and me, Amy Polar. The show is. produced by The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack. Wilson, Cat Spalain, Kaia [music]. McMullen, Alia Xeneres, Bridget.

Gearlings, Paige Garberini, Belle Roman, and Drew Vanstein Bergen. [music] for. Paperkite production by Sam Green, Joel. Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. >> Was a really [music] good Hey.