Kenan & Kelwas the classicNickelodeonsitcom that ran from 1996 to 2000 and featured Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell as two bumbling best friends. It followed their misadventures and silly schemes as they navigated the chaos of teenage life in the city of Chicago.
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The show was an instant success thanks to the incredible chemistry between the two comedians and featured many guests stars of the time, including Britney Spears and Ron Harper. It not only shot the two actors to celebrity status, but also helped establish a new kind of kid’s sitcom for television stations like Nickelodeon, leading the way for programs likeDrake and JoshandiCarly.
10The Show Was Among Kenan And Kel’s First Roles
Kenan & Kelwas one of the first roles for the two young actors, having first starred in the kid’s sketch comedy show,All That.As young comedians, the two routinely played frivolous characters in parodies of the90’slifestyleon the show. Both had experience in theater productions at a young age, but an immensely successful show was a sizable step up.Kenan & Kelwould mark a first for them as stars of their own program.
Kenan Thompson also had a role in the sequel to theMighty Ducksmovie,D2: The Mighty Ducks. He played Russ Tyler, a member of theiconic hockey teamthat was the de facto leader of the 90’s kid’s sports film fad. Russ would return in the film’s third movie,D3: The Mighty The Ducks,although the role would not continue beyond that. Kenan would act in a number of other films throughout the 2000’s and 2010’s, still making numerous cameos in films to this day.
8The Two Made A Movie Together
Based on their sketch onAll That, Kenan and Kel made it to the big pictures with the 1997 film,Good Burger.Still considered an iconicNickelodeon film from the 1990’s, the film followed the pair’s shenanigans as they work in a burger shop for the summer and feud with an intimidating larger burger chain. The light-hearted comedy connected the duo with a larger audience and further cemented their status as comedy staples of the era.
7Their Antics Led To The Show’s Creation
The pair seemed to have early chemistry, as their joking around on the set ofAll Thatcaught the attention of the producers who thought the two would make a great comedy duo. It was almost immediately got their own show, which very quickly turned into their own movie,Good Burger. The show and movie are still considered classics in the eyes of many 90’s kids, and have retained a cult status. Both actors have since played roles very similar to their goofy roles in theKenan & Keldays.
6There’s An Ace Zombie Slayer In The Family
Ken Foree, who plays Kenan’s father, Roger, on the show is also a horror film mainstay. Foree may be recognizable to somehorror fansas survivor, Peter, in the essential zombie filmDawn of the Dead.
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A film involving amall overrun with bloodthirsty zombiesmay seem like an odd precursor for a Nickelodeon dad, but Foree has also appeared in a number of other horror films includingLeatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre IIIandThe Devil’s Rejects.
5Kenan Thompson Is The Longest Running Cast Member On SNL
Kenan Thompson has been the “glue” ofSaturday Night Livesince he first joined in 2003. Notorious for his impressions, perfect timing, and ability to add something special to every sketch he is in, Thompson is still appearing in sketches on Saturday nights to this day. Kenan landed the position after multiple attempts to get on were impeded by claims he was too young, somewhat ironic considering he is now the longest-tenured member of the show.
4Kenan’s Mother On The Show Was Only 13 Years Older Than Him
An interesting tidbit regarding Kenan’s family on the show, Kenan’s mother on the program, Sheryl, was only 13 years older than the rambunctious conniver. Played by Teal Marchande, the character was known more as an authority figure more than her real age would give away.
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Marchande has not acted since the show, last appearing on screen in the final episode which was a multi part movie.
3Kel Was Rumored To Have Died At 27
Kel Mitchell was the subject of a faux death hoax that floated around MySpace circa 2006. The hoax was of course untrue, as Kel has appeared in a number of shows and films since his time on Nickelodeon, includingDancing with the Starsand his own film,Dance Fu.Kel also appeared in thesuperhero film,Mystery Men,and the children’s cartoon,Clifford the Big Red Dog.He is also slated to be a panelist on an MTV spinoff ofRidiculousness.
2The Show Is Still Getting Referenced
The show has caught a second life of sorts through variouspop culture outletsreferencing the duo. The show has been referenced and parodied in shows such asRobot ChickenandThe Venture Bros.Kenan and Kel even appeared in an episode ofSabrina the Teenage Witch,acting out in a magic eight ball what it would be like if they won the lottery.The duo also had cameos in the 2000 film,The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle.
1Kenan Thompson Has A New Sitcom
Kenan Thompson has officially stepped back into the realm of TV sitcoms with the release ofKenanon NBC. The story follows Kenan as a host for an Atlanta morning show and a single father of two. Although he will be starring in the show, Kenan has stated that has no intentions of leaving SNL at this time and plans to do both. Don Johnson, Kimrie Lewis, and Chris Redd also star in the show alongside the seasoned comedian. The show premiered on February 16th of this year.
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