Here at Global Grind we always like to keep you posted on what’s happening. This Saturday on Nickelodeon, not one, but two hot shows “iCarly” and “Victorious” will guest star “SNL” star Kenan Thompson.
The two comedies get kicked up a notch on the set of “iParty with Victorious,” which will premiere this Saturday June 11th, at 8/7 c.
We got a chance to talk to Kenan Thompson about his role on this show and his time on Nick, back when he was a cast member of Saturday night staples like “All That,” “Kenan and Kel” and others.
Check out what Kenan had to say below and on the next few pages. One thing’s for sure, Kenan may be older, but he’s definitely still funny!
How did Dan Schneider ask you to be part of “iParty with Victorious”?
He asked me would I do him a huge favor, but it’s not even a favor when it comes to people like that. I owe everything to Dan. So as soon as he said can I do something for him, I was like yeah.
There’s a lyrical battle that takes place on the show. Which two artists would you like to see battle it out?
I want to see Eminem battle somebody, even thought he feels like he doesn’t have another opponent. Maybe Eminem and Lil Wayne.
Who do you think would win in that battle?
I don’t know. I’ve never really seen Lil Wayne battling but I know he’s nice. I’m more of a Lil Wayne fan, me personally. But Eminem is the freestyle master so I don’t know. It would be a dope battle.
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Working with Miranda Cosgrove and Victoria Justice, how fun was that to be on set with them?
It was cool. I’ve known Miranda for a long time like through, “School of Rock,” I’ve always been a fan. Very funny and talented and she’s super nice and her mom is super nice and I just met Victoria. When I did the show she’s super nice too, so it was fun.
You’ve known Miranda for awhile but you said you just got introduced to Victoria. Since you were a pioneer and you paved the way for the younger generation, did you give them any advice?
Yeah! Whatever they asked me, but all those kids are pretty professional, so they pretty much know what they wanna do and how they wanna get there. All the advice I can give them is stay out of trouble type stuff. Stay off of TMZ!
What is one of the most memorable party that you’ve been to?
The most memorable parties “SNL” wise – funny moments would happen when Tracy Morgan shows up, that’s for sure. I remember he used to hang out my first couple of years and he would always have words of wisdom for me at three in the morning. In the middle of the club where it’s super loud and everyone’s talking, it would be me and him chatting and he was cracking me up because he’s so naturally funny. So it just felt really special to be able to get personal stand-up comedy from Tracy Morgan at three in the morning.
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We would love it if you and Tracy Morgan got together and did like a “Bad Boys” type of thing.
I would love it, man! Tracy is really like one of my older brothers, for sure.
You were rehearsing for the season finale of “SNL” and Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake were the guest and host. When big stars like Gaga come on the show, does it get a bit more hectic backstage?
Anytime there’s hoopla around the person, there’s gonna be hoopla around the building. I think people been sleeping around the building since Tuesday when it usually starts on Friday.
What’s your favorite impersonation that you’ve done on “SNL”?
Lately it’s been Jimmy McMillan, just because kind of just fell out of the heavens into my lap. Like ‘thank you.’ I can’t ask for a better political candidate person.
Above: Kenan on “SNL” spoofs Jimmy McMillan of “The Rent is Too Damn High” Party.
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You started out on Nickleodeon and had your own show “Kenan and Kel” and you’re also on “SNL.” “SNL” has launched so many superstars — most recently with Kristen Wiig — does that give you a desire to have a big breakout role and move onto other things?
We all trying to graduate – we’re there to do the job but we’re also hoping that that job will lead to other jobs. I think that any actor is ambitious, but I would love to be like an Adam Sandler guy type getting movies done and stuff with all my buddies. That would be awesome.
When people see you here on “iParty with Victorious” what do you expect them to see and how do you expect them to react?
I really don’t know man, I actually just hope they enjoy the episode. But I hope it’s something funny that they can laugh at like that’s kinda what I’m there for – I’m not really there to play the superstar celebrity or however it’s written. I’m just trying to get some funny across like always. I just hope they enjoy it. It was so strange doing it because I don’t really look at myself like that, with a super-duper mansion like Andy Warhol pictures of myself, it was kinda humorous if you know what I mean. But it’s all good and I accept all that same love that people have.
Above: L to R Miranda Cosgrove (Carly Shay), Kenan Thompson and Tori Vega (Victoria Justice).
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What’s next for you? What else are you working on?
I don’t know ― trying to squeeze a movie in or two this summer.
Do you have any movies lined up?
No, not at the moment. I’m trying to develop these ones in my lineup that’s about it. It’s in the stages of development I guess. Hopefully it will buckle down and will get actually crackin’ and that’s always the goal.
