Kenan Thompson has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The condition affects a significant portion of Americans, making it one of the most common digestive disorders in the United States.
The 46-year-old actor was diagnosed with the disease — which causes stomach acid to repeatedly flow back into the tube that connects his mouth to his stomach — after he started experiencing painful heartburn on the set of “Saturday Night Live” two years ago. GERD is known to be particularly common among performers and public speakers due to the stress and irregular schedules associated with the profession.
“I noticed that I would get hoarse a lot easier when I’m doing the show. Losing my voice quicker, but also uncomfortable sleepless nights because I’m burping up acid, just kind of hiccuping all night. And that can definitely add more stress to an already stressful kind of environment doing a live show like that,” Thompson shared to PEOPLE. Voice strain is a frequently reported symptom among GERD patients, especially those whose careers depend on vocal performance.
“So, all of those factors, I was like whatever, I’ll get over it. But it just started to pile up.” Medical experts note that this dismissive attitude toward persistent symptoms is common, with many patients waiting years before seeking professional help.
Despite his best efforts, Thompson couldn’t find a solution to the problem. Over-the-counter remedies provide temporary relief for many GERD sufferers, but rarely address the underlying causes of the condition.
The actor, who has been a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ since 2003, admits that the issue eventually became unmanageable for him. His tenure on SNL has made him a beloved figure in American comedy, spanning multiple generations of viewers and cast members.
“I was able to take something and patch it up for the moment, but I got to a point where that didn’t work anymore. That’s when it got serious,” he explained. Gastroenterologists often warn that untreated GERD can lead to more serious complications, including esophageal damage and increased risk of certain cancers.
“It was a suffering-in-silence situation. I don’t know if I was necessarily embarrassed to talk to a doctor — I just didn’t know if I needed to.” Health advocacy groups point out that men are statistically less likely to seek medical attention for ongoing health issues compared to women.
Thompson finally decided to see a doctor in 2024, and he was ultimately diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is commonly known as GERD. The diagnosis typically involves a combination of symptom assessment, endoscopy, and sometimes pH monitoring to confirm the condition.
The comedy star was put on an acid blocker by his doctor and it has helped to control his symptoms. Proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are among the most commonly prescribed medications for GERD, with high success rates for most patients.
“I felt relief pretty immediately,” he shared. Medical research indicates that proper treatment can provide significant symptom relief within days for most GERD patients.
Thompson is now in “a good place” with his health, and he has a much clearer idea of how to control his symptoms, too. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, weight management, and sleeping position adjustments, are often recommended alongside medication for optimal GERD management.
“God bless, I feel great. I’m in a much healthier kind of space with my daily lifestyle and meal decision-making and all of that good stuff. I’m in a good place,” said the comedian, who is the longest-tenured cast member in the history of “Saturday Night Live.” His record-breaking run on the show has established him as a cornerstone of modern American comedy.
Thompson’s willingness to share his diagnosis publicly has been praised by health advocates who note that celebrity health disclosures often lead to increased awareness and earlier diagnosis for others with similar symptoms. The American Gastroenterological Association reports that public figures discussing digestive disorders helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek treatment.
Thompson’s diagnosis comes during a busy period in his career, as he balances his SNL commitments with various film and television projects. Medical professionals emphasize that stress management is crucial for GERD patients, especially those in high-pressure careers.
