Key Insights
Why did Kenan Thompson struggle with sleep recently?
He ran out of sleeping pills and was dealing with a new house, an upcoming baby, and a busy schedule, which left him with no time to think, causing his brain to spiral at night.
How does Kenan Thompson block out his thoughts?
He listens to podcasts and watches YouTube to distract himself from negative thoughts.
Why does Kenan Thompson prefer podcasts over other forms of entertainment?
Podcasts provide a form of stimulation that helps him feel calmer and less alone, especially in noisy environments like the subway.
What was Kenan Thompson's reaction to watching 'The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover'?
He found the movie visually stunning but was shocked by its intense sexual and violent content, which made him question the NC-17 rating.
Why did 'The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover' face censorship challenges?
The film was considered too sexually explicit for American audiences and was seen as a social satire mocking the Thatcher government in England.
What does Kenan Thompson think about Tom Cruise's comedic abilities?
He believes Tom Cruise is funny, especially in roles like his character in 'Tropic Thunder', and thinks he would be interesting as an SNL host.
Why hasn't Jack Nicholson hosted SNL?
Nicholson comes from an era where A-list movie stars were considered too cool for television, and he may feel too vulnerable to host.
What is Kenan Thompson's opinion on the difficulty of writing comedy for SNL?
He believes writing comedy is the hardest thing ever and that the pressure on SNL writers is intense due to the weekly live format and the need to check many boxes for different audiences.
How did Kenan Thompson feel about being recognized as a child actor?
He was initially embarrassed but moved on quickly because he didn't have the luxury to dwell on it, needing to get back to work.
What does Kenan Thompson think about the current state of comedy movies?
He misses the era of classic raunchy comedies and feels there are not enough comedies being made today, with most mainstream comedies being road trip or Jumanji-type movies.
Why did Kenan Thompson almost leave SNL in the beginning?
He didn't understand his place in the show, coming from a working environment where he was a utilizable tool, and found the ensemble nature of SNL challenging.
What is Kenan Thompson's take on the sensitivity of SNL audiences?
He acknowledges that the audience can be touchy and that there is a risk of clutching pearls, especially with stand-up monologues that push boundaries.
Chapters
- Sunlight can keep you awake when trying to sleep.
- Overstimulation from podcasts and YouTube can prevent sleep.
- New house and upcoming baby contribute to stress and sleeplessness.
Shownotes Transcript