Kenan Thompson's biggest challenge as the Emmys host? 'Getting it done'

Kenan Thompson is a man of many faces. He's also a man of many hosts.

Thompson, the longest-running cast member in the nearly half-century history of NBC's "Saturday Night Live," has played a monumental number of offbeat characters during his 19 seasons on the sketch comedy series. But he is probably best known for playing a variety of hosts on talk and game show parodies. Among other duties, he emcees "Black Jeopardy" and the wacky "What's Up With That?" and does an impression of Steve Harvey's "Family Feud" routine.

His latest character, though, is brand new: "Kenan Thompson, Emmy host." The comedian will headline the Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, fortuitously timed to coincide with the start of his 20th season on "Saturday Night Live" — and the series' 48th — later this fall.

Thompson said he is hopeful that he will bring a lot of laughter to the proceedings: "It's going to be a fun night." He also discussed "Saturday Night Live's" upcoming 50th anniversary and his thoughts about "Kenan," his NBC sitcom that was canceled earlier this year after just two seasons.

Q: So we're used to seeing you play different characters, including a lot of show hosts. How are you feeling as you get closer to doing the real host thing?
A: I feel great. There's a great team that's involved. I definitely don't feel like I'm floating out there by myself. I'm really excited about it. There's some great pieces coming together.

Q: Your "SNL" colleagues Michael Che and Colin Jost hosted the Emmys a few years ago. Have you asked them for advice or counsel?
A: I have not been in touch with them, necessarily. I'm going to be pretty straightforward — a good monologue and keeping the energy up will be my approach. I enjoy honoring artistry and creativity.

Q: Are you getting up to speed on all the nominated shows and nominees?
A: You would think! [Laughs.] If I were a smart host, I would be doing that. I'm just keeping it natural and watching what looks appealing. But I really should go down the list and comb through everything so at least I know the faces when I run into them.

Q: Not to spoil it, but can you give any clues on what you'll be doing? Will any of your "SNL" characters show up?
A: I'm still figuring that one out. But right now, it's probably going to be mostly myself.

Q: You've also got the new season of "SNL" coming up. What is your perspective about being on this show for so long?
A: It's earned every single time. If it's something that people have seen before, you have to find a way to do it so that it seems fresh. The telling of each joke has to be earned. You have to set it up the right way, and it has to be funny on the back end for people to celebrate it. You just can't sit back and rely on being liked or admired. You have to come with it. I definitely have noticed that in the past few years — being in a place of being adored but also like, "I've heard this before. What else do you have?" situation. It keeps you digging.

Q: What is the value that you're getting from the show?
A: A lot of stability, which is a high-[value] commodity for a work-for-hire actor. It's nice to be in one place, [versus] having to deal with the beck and call from Vancouver or Australia or some place like that. With raising kids, that kind of lifestyle is a nice thing to have. That is my most prized part of everything that is outside of what "SNL" can do for your career. It's also always changing, and it's live, with a high level of artists and musicians. But the thing I covet most is knowing where I am going to be a lot of the time.

Q: The 50th anniversary of "SNL" will arrive in a few years. You have said you feel that executive producer Lorne Michaels might leave that series when that milestone is hit.
A: His presence has been undeniably critical during the entire run of the show. He has a love and level of expectation for that place. It set the example — that dedication, smart people and being free to be an artist matters. My generation, the people who grew up watching the show, have a respect for the show. But at the same time, can he do it forever? Does he want to do it forever? I don't know. Fifty is a nice round number and a hell of an achievement for anybody. That's all I was trying to say.

Q: What about your future staying with the show?
A: I keep joking that they will have to throw me out of there one of these days. I've never been in a situation where I'm invited back an exuberant amount of times. There's really no negatives, other than it's highly stressful and emotional. It's better than being out of town.