In a revealing interview with People magazine on April 4, 2025, Kenan Thompson, the beloved star of Saturday Night Live, opened up about his recent diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The comedian disclosed that he had faced health challenges for over two years, grappling with symptoms in silence before seeking medical advice.
Thompson first began experiencing voice strain and heartburn at the age of 44, particularly after consuming acidic foods. Working on a live show like Saturday Night Live intensified these issues, making it difficult for him to maintain his usual vocal quality.
Struggles on the Live Stage
As he noted, the stress of performing live compounded his discomfort:
“And that can definitely add more stress to an already stressful kind of environment doing a live show like that. So all of those factors, I was like whatever, I’ll get over it. But it just started to pile up,” Thompson recalled.
Despite initial attempts to alleviate his symptoms with over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle adjustments, Thompson struggled with persistent issues, including increased hoarseness and sleeplessness during tapings:
“I noticed that I would get hoarse a lot easier when I’m doing the show,” he shared.
His worsening symptoms, characterized by frequent acid reflux and discomfort, prompted him to reconsider his health. Initially hesitant to visit a doctor, Thompson admitted:
“I don’t know if I was necessarily embarrassed to talk to a doctor — I just didn’t know if I needed to,” he expressed.
However, early 2024 marked a turning point for Thompson as his symptoms reached a peak, ultimately leading him to seek professional medical help. He was diagnosed with GERD, a condition that is more common and frequently underdiagnosed than many people realize.
Understanding GERD and Seeking Solutions
Upon receiving his diagnosis, Thompson started on a treatment regimen that included Voquezna, an FDA-approved potassium competitive acid blocker that provided him with immediate relief. His condition saw significant improvement soon after.
In light of his experiences, Kenan has taken proactive steps to manage his health, incorporating changes to his diet and daily habits. He noted, “God bless, I feel great,” indicating a positive shift in his overall well-being.
Raising Awareness Through Humor
In an effort to contribute to broader awareness about GERD, Thompson partnered with Phathom Pharmaceuticals to launch the “GERD IS NO JOKE”campaign. He cleverly utilized humor, portraying a chef in a creative segment called the Kick Some Acid Cooking Show.
“It’s nice to throw some humor into it because I like to have fun and a little bit of sugar helps the medicine go down,” he remarked.
Thompson’s approach aims to engage audiences by connecting through humor while addressing the serious nature of the condition. He recognized that people might initially dismiss a medication campaign, leading him to introduce the subject with a relatable and lighthearted tone:
“Sometimes you have to massage your way into it a little bit and just be like, alright, don’t freak out everybody, I’m doing a medication ad,” he explained.
As the next episode of Saturday Night Live draws near, set to air on April 12, 2025, Thompson continues to leverage his platform for educational purposes, inspiring others to prioritize their health while doing so with characteristic humor and warmth.