Kenan Thompson reveals the childhood role that nearly ended his acting dreams

The future “Saturday Night Live” star struggled during his first film role before finding his footing in Hollywood.

Kenan Thompson’s path to becoming one of television’s most enduring comedians nearly ended before his biggest career break had a chance to take shape.

During his Sept. 1 appearance on Amy Poehler’s “Good Hang,” the “Saturday Night Live” veteran looked back on making his film debut in 1994’s “D2: The Mighty Ducks” and revealed that the experience initially left him questioning whether acting was worth pursuing.

Thompson was 15 when he was cast as Russ Tyler, the street-hockey player whose signature “knucklepuck” becomes an important weapon for the Mighty Ducks. The problem was that playing hockey required skills the young actor simply didn’t have.

He had listed roller skating among his special skills, but ice hockey was another matter. Thompson recalled that after his first day at hockey camp, which happened to fall on his 15th birthday, he was ready to walk away.

“I wanted to quit it all,” he told Poehler.

Thompson’s mother, however, wasn’t prepared to let one difficult training session derail her son’s career. She pushed him to return the following day, and he continued training for roughly eight weeks.

That decision proved significant. Thompson eventually learned to skate well enough to perform on screen and later reprised Russ Tyler in 1996’s “D3: The Mighty Ducks.”

More importantly, the role helped put the teenage actor on a path toward the career he has now built over more than three decades. Soon after “D2,” he became a breakout performer on Nickelodeon’s “All That,” followed by “Kenan & Kel” and the cult comedy “Good Burger.”

In 2003, Thompson joined “SNL,” where he has remained for more than 20 years and become the show’s longest-serving cast member.

The hockey experience also left him with a skill he still enjoys. Thompson told Poehler that he now skates with his family during the holidays, turning what once felt like a career-ending obstacle into something he takes pride in.

His story is a reminder that one of the most intimidating moments in a young performer’s career can sometimes become the experience that keeps the door open.