At a Glance
- Kenan Thompson, 47, embraces optimism while launching a Jim Beam & Lemonade Kit.
- The kit drops on Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 in limited quantities.
- Thompson faces a 2025 GERD diagnosis and a 2022 divorce after ten years of marriage.
- Why it matters: Fans gain insight into his mindset and a new product that turns lemons into a drink.
Kenan Thompson, the long-time Saturday Night Live cast member, shared how he stays positive while announcing a partnership with Jim Beam. In an exclusive interview with News Of Los Angeles, the 47-year-old discussed his optimism, personal challenges, and career milestones.
Optimism & the Jim Beam & Lemonade Kit
Kenan says he “leans toward” optimism, even when life throws curveballs. He added, “I try to lean toward the positive. Why not?”
The partnership with Jim Beam offers a themed care package that turns lemons into a cocktail. The kit includes:
- A juicer and fresh lemons
- Cans of lemonade
- Handled Mason jars for sipping
The kits are available in limited-time drops beginning Jan. 22, with a second drop on Jan. 29. They are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Drop Schedule
| Drop Date | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 22 | Limited quantity | First release |
| Jan. 29 | Limited quantity | Second release |
Kenan frames the kit as a playful nod to surviving football season ups and downs, a reference to his long-suffering support of the Atlanta Falcons.
Personal Challenges
In 2025, Kenan revealed to News Of Los Angeles that he was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). He also filed for divorce from wife Christina Evangeline in June 2022 after ten years of marriage. Evangeline’s relationship with fellow SNL cast member Chris Redd has also attracted media attention.
“I know very well [what it’s like] to be left out of things when it comes to playoff time,” he told News Of Los Angeles. “If I’m going to be on the sidelines, I might as well have a tasty beverage to go with.”
SNL Career Highlights
Kenan joined SNL in 2003 and is now in his 23rd season as a cast member. He credits the show as a “pressure cooker” but also a place where he can be vulnerable.
He highlighted several favorite sketches:
- “What’s Up With That?”
- “Scared Straight”
- “Black Jeopardy”
“Anything on the Weekend Update desk is always a lot of fun,” he added.
Kenan also reminisced about his early career, noting that his breakout roles were on the sketch comedy series All That and the sitcom Kenan & Kel.
Key Characters
- Pierre Escargot – a recurring character on All That
- Mavis and Clavis – also from All That
“Those were two of our favorites, me and Kel – just playing old men that were kind of reflective of the old Black men we had seen on TV or just in life,” he said.
Family Life
Kenan is a father to two daughters: Georgia, 11, and Gianna, 7. He credits them with keeping him updated on pop culture.
“The 11-year-old knows literally about everything,” he laughed. “She teaches me about every single soccer player, every single soccer club, and it’s just like they are the ones that are aware of all these new artists, new songs…”
His daughter Gianna is more of a performer, while Georgia is an athlete.
Professional Mindset
Kenan describes himself as “weirdly, drastically different from my persona on television.” He stresses the importance of staying professional on set.
“I’ve tried to pick my moments when I’m off camera to kind of let the release valve go a little bit and laugh at things and get back into professional mode when it snaps back,” he explained. “But you have to be careful with that because, you know, it’s live TV, so different buttons get pushed sometimes and the camera might cut to you…”
Key Takeaways
- Kenan Thompson remains a positive force, even amid personal and health challenges.
- His partnership with Jim Beam offers fans a unique way to enjoy a cocktail while supporting a favorite actor.
- The limited-time drops on Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 may sell out quickly.
- Thompson’s candidness about GERD and divorce shows a willingness to share personal struggles.
- Fans can enjoy his career highlights and family insights, reinforcing his relatability.
Kenan’s story reminds us that even a seasoned performer can stay optimistic, embrace new ventures, and keep fans in the loop about the highs and lows of life.
