Photo Credit:NBC/Mary Ellen Matthews
Kenan Thompson may be known for delivering punchlines on live television, but behind the scenes, the _Saturday Night Live_ veteran was battling something that was no laughing matter. For over two years, the comedy icon silently endured the painful symptoms of severe acid reflux—until it became impossible to ignore.
As the longest-running cast member in _SNL_ history, Thompson thrives under pressure. But when his health began to interfere with his performance, the warning bells became too loud to silence. “I noticed that I would get hoarse a lot easier when I'm doing the show,” Kenan shared in a recent interview. “Losing my voice quicker, but also uncomfortable sleepless nights because I'm burping up acid, just kind of hiccuping all night.”
It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was affecting his ability to do what he loves. And like many people, Thompson tried to tough it out, patching the problem temporarily without seeking real help. “I was like, ‘Whatever, I’ll get over it.’ But it just started to pile up,” he admitted.
Eventually, Kenan learned he was dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. GERD isn’t just a nuisance—it can be life-altering if left untreated. For Kenan, the tipping point came when even quick fixes stopped working. The constant discomfort, the disrupted sleep, the strain on his voice—it all became too much to ignore.
Once he consulted a doctor, things started to change. He received the diagnosis, began treatment, and adjusted his lifestyle. “I felt relief pretty immediately,” he said. “God bless, I feel great.”
Thompson’s story is a powerful reminder that even those who seem to have it all together can struggle silently. Whether it’s out of embarrassment, denial, or simply being too busy, many delay seeking help. But as Kenan now knows, prioritizing health can make all the difference—not just for comfort, but for quality of life.
Today, the funnyman is not only back in fighting shape, he’s more mindful of his habits and grateful for a second chance at living (and laughing) without pain. And in sharing his story, Kenan is proving that vulnerability can be just as powerful—and healing—as any punchline.
It wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was affecting his ability to do what he loves. And like many people, Thompson tried to tough it out, patching the problem temporarily without seeking real help. “I was like, ‘Whatever, I’ll get over it.’ But it just started to pile up,” he admitted.
Eventually, Kenan learned he was dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. GERD isn’t just a nuisance—it can be life-altering if left untreated. For Kenan, the tipping point came when even quick fixes stopped working. The constant discomfort, the disrupted sleep, the strain on his voice—it all became too much to ignore.
Once he consulted a doctor, things started to change. He received the diagnosis, began treatment, and adjusted his lifestyle. “I felt relief pretty immediately,” he said. “God bless, I feel great.”
Thompson’s story is a powerful reminder that even those who seem to have it all together can struggle silently. Whether it’s out of embarrassment, denial, or simply being too busy, many delay seeking help. But as Kenan now knows, prioritizing health can make all the difference—not just for comfort, but for quality of life.
Today, the funnyman is not only back in fighting shape, he’s more mindful of his habits and grateful for a second chance at living (and laughing) without pain. And in sharing his story, Kenan is proving that vulnerability can be just as powerful—and healing—as any punchline.