Kenan Thompson has long been the face of laughter on Saturday Night Live, bringing smiles to millions with his comic timing and endless charm. But off-camera, the beloved comedian is confronting a serious health issue—Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). For the first time, Thompson is sharing his journey with the chronic condition in hopes of helping others recognise the signs and take action.
When Comedy Meets Reality: Thompson’s First Encounter With GERD
While audiences were busy chuckling at his on-screen personas, Thompson was quietly battling painful symptoms behind the scenes. He recalls the onset of heartburn and digestive discomfort in his mid-30s, which only worsened with time. Initially brushing it off as simple indigestion or a spicy meal gone wrong, the SNL veteran didn’t realise his late-night pizza cravings and soda binges were doing real harm.
“It’s definitely given me restless nights, which is not helpful when you’re trying to perform and you’re already dealing with a lot of stress,” Thompson shared in a recent interview. Beyond the discomfort, he noticed his voice growing hoarser more quickly, something that affected his ability to perform live skits and musical segments.
A Diagnosis That Made Things Clear
In his early 40s, Thompson finally got the clarity he needed. A medical evaluation revealed he had non-erosive GERD—a form of the disease where acid reflux doesn’t visibly damage the esophagus but still causes symptoms like heartburn, burping, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.
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According to experts like Dr Kavita Kongara, a gastroenterologist at Northside Hospital, GERD is diagnosed by symptom history, and if necessary, confirmed through procedures like an upper endoscopy. “Non-erosive GERD affects about two out of three people with the condition,” she noted. Thompson’s turning point came when over-the-counter medications no longer offered the relief he needed. The discomfort began affecting not just his sleep, but his energy levels and performance during high-pressure shoots.
Finding Relief Through Medication and Mindful Choices
After years of trying short-term fixes, Thompson's doctor prescribed Voquezna (vonoprazan), a newer treatment designed to control stomach acid more effectively. For the actor, this meant regaining control over his life—and his pizza nights.
“It was almost like I couldn’t eat pizza without having a no-sleep night, and you can’t live like that,” Thompson joked. With the right treatment, he now enjoys the occasional indulgence without paying the price in discomfort.
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Along with medication, Thompson also made important lifestyle changes. He cut back on acidic and spicy foods, especially late-night meals, and became more aware of how his diet affected his condition.
Spreading Awareness: GERD Is No Laughing Matter
Kenan Thompson is now using his platform to speak out through the “GERD IS NO JOKE” awareness campaign. His goal? To encourage others not to ignore persistent symptoms and to seek medical advice.
“If I can change one life, great—and if it’s more based on the following that I have, even better,” he said. “But I definitely want to get the word out because if there are people that are suffering and they don’t have the information, it will definitely help me sleep at night to help another person.” The idea of turning his GERD experience into comedy isn’t off the table either. “You never know; I might just have to do the Weekend Update version of myself,” he said with a grin.
Bottomline
Kenan Thompson’s story is a reminder that even the most lighthearted individuals can face serious health challenges. GERD may be common, but it's often overlooked or misdiagnosed. With proper treatment, awareness, and lifestyle adjustments, it's manageable. For those dealing with persistent heartburn or acid reflux, Thompson’s advice is simple: don’t wait. “It’s not something you should just live with,” he said. “There’s help out there, and getting that help can make a huge difference.”