Kenan Thompson Shares How He Refrains From Breaking Character on “Saturday Night Live”: 'Breathe Through It' (Exclusive)

Chris Haston/NBC via Getty; Esther Kuhn/NBC via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Kenan Thompson shares that while he appears skilled at not breaking character on SNL, behind the scenes, he's often just breathing through it

• Speaking to PEOPLE, the actor and comedian said he tries to "pick my moments" to laugh during a sketch

• Still, he adds he tends to get "back into professional mode" quickly

Kenan Thompson doesn't often break character onSaturday Night Live— but when he does, he tries to ensure it's off camera.

"I've tried to pick my moments when I'm off camera to kind of like let the release valve go a little bit," he tells PEOPLE in a recent exclusive interview tied to his partnership withJim Beam.

Thompson, 47, adds that he when he does laugh, he tries to "get back into professional mode" quickly.

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Esther Kuhn/NBC

As a longtime veteran of sketch comedy — the actor and comedian found success as a child actor in the 1990s on the children's comedy seriesAll That,and on the sitcomKenan & Kel— Thompson admits that breaking character on live tv comes with its own set of challenges.

"You have to be careful with that because, you know, it's live TV, so different buttons get pushed sometimes and the camera might cut to you ... you kind of have to stay present as much as possible, but I mean, I also enjoy what I'm doing and I enjoy the people I'm doing it with and I enjoy the reasons why," he says.

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Thompson adds that he never wants to get "so robotic" about his job, but adds, "I do wanna respect the writing and things like that ... it's just a balance of a lot of things going on in your mind, and if you get lost in that, you probably get lost in the sketch while you're doing it."

In other words, he says, "I try to immerse myself as much as possible, but sometimes, things make me laugh and I'll kind of smile at it and, you know, breathe through it and then continue."

Thompson joinedSNLin 2003 and is now in his 23rd season as a cast member.

While he acknowledges that the show is more of "a pressure cooker," than his other projects, he adds there are several characters and sketches of which he's very proud.

"I love 'What's Up With That?' and 'Scared Straight,' and 'Black Jeopardy' ... anything on the Weekend Update desk is always a lot of fun," he says, adding that in real life, he's far different than he is on set.

"I'm weirdly drastically different from my persona on television," Thompson says.

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January 30, 2026

Kenan Thompson Shares How He Refrains From Breaking Character on “Saturday Night Live”: 'Breathe Through It' (Exclusive)

Chris Haston/NBC via Getty; Esther Kuhn/NBC via Getty NEED TO KNOW Kenan Thompson shares that while he appe...

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Melania Trump arrives at her documentary premiere — What did she wear?

It's"Melania"premiere day.

Melania Trumparrived at the newly namedTrump-Kennedy Centeron Thursday, Jan. 29, for the premiere of hermuch-talked-about documentarythat hits theaters Jan. 30.Alongside PresidentDonald Trump, thefirst lady hit the red carpet donning a sleek, buttoned skirt suit and slim belt from Dolce & Gabbana, while her husband wore a standard navy suit with a burgundy tie.

Also in attendance at the premiere was directorBrett Ratner, the "Rush Hour" filmmaker who was accused in 2017 by several women of sexual assault.

Other attendees include Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administratorDr. Mehmet Oz, United States Secretary of the InteriorDoug Burgumand Health SecretaryRobert F. Kennedy Jr.

First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere of her "Melania" documentary on Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Melania Trump chose a sleek, buttoned black coat dress and slim belt, which she wore with stiletto pumps.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> First lady Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump, wearing a navy suit and burgundy tie, directed attention to his wife.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first couple clasped hands on the red carpet at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The couple shared a smile for the cameras

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The president stepped to the side while photographers focused on his wife.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first lady wore her hair long and loose, her trademark style.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump and Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump and Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first couple greet the press.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump and Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> President Trump and Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere

First lady Melania Trump took a rare step into the spotlight at the premiere ofher "Melania" documentaryon Jan. 29, 2026. See her red carpet look.

At the premiere, the former model mentioned being an immigrant from Slovenia, explaining that her life reflects the American experience.

"Melania"explores the 20 days before Melania returned to the White House following her husband's second inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, delving into "the complexities of the White House transition" as she "reenters public life with her family," according to the film logline.

The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> The first couple steps out for the world premiere.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> First lady Melania Trump

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> "Melania" director Brett Ratner

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> "Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Doug Collins and Lisa Collins

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere

Thenew "Melania" documentaryhad a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trumpfirst lady Melania Trump.

"With exclusive footage capturing critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments, 'Melania' showcases Mrs. Trump's return to one of the world's most powerful roles," the logline reads.

It's the debut project fromthe first lady'snew production company,Muse Films, which she announced via social media in November. Amazon distributed the film, and Prime Video will stream the movie following the premiere.

Contributing: Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Melania Trump arrives to premiere of documentary — What did she wear?

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January 30, 2026

Melania Trump arrives at her documentary premiere — What did she wear?

It's"Melania"premiere day. Melania Trumparrived at the newly namedTrump-Kennedy Centeron Thursda...

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Sydney Sweeney Clarifies Political Views After Backlash from American Eagle Ad

Sydney Sweeneyis addressing the labels that followed her after last summer's controversial American Eagle campaign—and making it clear it was never about politics.

The actress found herself at the center of online backlash after appearing in the stores' "Great Jeans" ad, which sparked a lot of conversation on the internet. The comments intensified when it later became public that Sweeney has been registered as a Republican since June 2024, leading to the nickname "MAGA Barbie" circulating online—despite her never publicly discussing her political beliefs.

In a new interview withCosmopolitanshared on Thursday,January29, Sweeney shut down the characterization. "I've never been here to talk about politics," she said. "I've always been here to make art, so this is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of."

READ MORE:Iconic Singer Stands Up For Sydney Sweeney's New Film Amid Controversy

She explained that staying quiet has sometimes made the situation worse, not better. "And I think because of that, people want to take it even further and use me as their own pawn," she added. "But it's somebody else assigning something to me, and I can't control that."

The 28-year-old said navigating the fallout has felt like a no-win situation. "If I say, 'That's not true,' they'll come at me like, 'You're just saying that to look better,'" she explained, adding, "I just have to continue being who I am, because I know who I am. I can't make everyone love me. I know what I stand for."

Sweeney emphasized that politics have never been part of her career goals. "I'm in the arts. I'm not here to speak on politics," she said. "That's not an area I've ever even imagined getting into." She also made it clear where she does stand. "I don't believe in hate in any form," she said. "I believe we should all love each other and have respect and understanding for one another."

Amid the ongoing attention around her public image, Sweeney is turning her focus to hernew lingerie line, SYRN—a collection centered on self-expression and femininity. According to the company's website, the product comes straight from her "heart, brain, and boobs," and now, "it's all yours." The collection is available now.

This story was originally published byParadeon Jan 30, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.

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Sydney Sweeney Clarifies Political Views After Backlash from American Eagle Ad

Sydney Sweeneyis addressing the labels that followed her after last summer's controversial American Eagle campaign—a...

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Mrs. World Pageant Crowns Chanita Seedaket Craythorne of Thailand as 2025 Winner

Mrs. World Pageant/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

• On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Mrs. World pageant organization crowned its 2025 winner, Mrs. Thailand Chanita Seedaket Craythorne

• Contestants representing the U.S. and Sri Lanka also made it to the final three

• Craythorne was crowned by last year's titleholder, Tshego Gaelae, who made history as the first Black woman to be named Mrs. World

The Mrs. World pageant has crowned its 2025 winner!

Mrs. ThailandChanita Seedaket Craythornewas crowned the latest winner at the Westgate Las Vegas on Thursday, Jan. 29. Mrs. America and Mrs. Sri Lanka made it to thetop three. Thefinal six contestantsalso included Mrs. United Arab Emirates, Mrs. American and Mrs. Ireland.

Craythorne "has proudly represented Thailand with grace, strength, and purpose — embodying the true spirit of womanhood, motherhood, and leadership," Mrs. Thailand World said in astatementafter her victory. "Her journey is a powerful testament to Thai women who stand strong with heart, dignity, and responsibility to family and society."

"Thailand stands proud as her name is etched on the Mrs. World stage, marking another meaningful chapter in the nation's pageant history," the statement added.

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Last year, South African contestantTshego Gaelaeearned the coveted title ofMrs. World 2024at the pageant stage in Las Vegas. She bested 39 other contestants, including first runner-up Ishadi Amanda of Sri Lanka and Thailand's Ploy Panperm, who finished second.

Galae also made history as the first Black woman to be crowned Mrs. World, and she's the second winner to hail from South Africa. She's a licensed attorney and mom to one 7-year-old son; prior to her participation in the qualifying pageant, Mrs. South Africa, Galae had never previously competed in any pageant.

Speaking to PEOPLE in Sept. 2025, the 2024 winner said she was drawn to pageantry for its "networking opportunities" and "the opportunities to really be empowered." She recalled looking at "testimonials" from previous titleholders who reaped broader benefits from pageant training.

"They spoke about how experts in specific fields would be brought in to help ladies and empower them on various topics like confidence boosting, public speaking, financial management, all of those aspects," said Galae about nine months into her reign. "I thought, 'Wow, this is something I could really benefit from.'"

Galae was glad to expand her comfort zone and meet new people as she hoped, and the entire experience certainly boosted her own sense of self. However she was surprised to note how her participation also improved her son's confidence, too.

"I don't think my son has ever been a shy child, but I notice a shift in how he approaches people, how he's more willing to be open to have a conversation, even with a complete stranger, obviously while controlled and with his parents around," she told PEOPLE. "I really did notice a big confidence booster in him."

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Mrs. World Pageant Crowns Chanita Seedaket Craythorne of Thailand as 2025 Winner

Mrs. World Pageant/Instagram NEED TO KNOW On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Mrs. World pageant organization crowned its 2025 winner, Mrs. Thaila...

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Christina Applegate Credits Facetune and More with ‘Mermaid’ Look for “Married with Children” Reunion

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• Christina Applegate can thank technology for a bit of glam fun with friends

• The Married... with Children actress admitted to using Facetune ahead of an event for the beloved sitcom

• "We needed a night of laughs," she said of the evening out

Christina Applegateis loving her makeup look, thanks to her glam squad and a little Facetune.

TheDead to Meactress, 54, reflected on the previous night, when she got to reunite with herMarried... with Childrencast for a special event at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, in a post onInstagramon Thursday, Jan. 29.

"I asked@owengouldto make look like a mermaid on something," the actress wrote of her makeup artist. "He delivered."

"@mollyrsterndid my face and@marysolpattondid the Facetune and provided some hair length hahaha," Applegate added, shouting out theReal Housewives of Miamistar, who is the co-owner of a clip-in hair extensions company. "And my bestie@iamlindsayfloresgot me dressed for a special MWC reunion. It was beyond fun."

Her Instagram post included a photo of her standing in front of a draped curtain, wearing gray pants and a multi-colored coordinating blouse, paired with a pin-striped trench coat.

Applegate's blonde hair was styled in beachy waves, parted down the middle as they cascaded past her shoulders.

For makeup, she went for a smoked-out eye and nude lip.

"Thank you@davidfaustinofor making it happen. We needed a night of laughs," she added of her costar.

For "An Evening with The Bundys" on Wednesday, Jan. 28, the actress, who played Kelly Bundy on the sitcom, was joined by Ed O'Neill (who played her father, Al Bundy) and Katey Sagal (who played her mother, Peggy Bundy).

Her longtime friendDavid Faustinostarred as her brother, Bud Bundy, on the series, which ran for 11 seasons from 1987 until 1997.

Ahead of their reunion, Faustino, 51, spoke withExtraabout how he and Applegate still keep in touch amid hermultiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis.

"We talk often. She's helped me with a lot of things in my life, and I'm hoping I'm being there for her," he told the outlet in an interview published on Jan. 27.

"She's getting through it with humor," he added. "She's very sarcastic, very dry, always has been and continues to be, and she still makes me laugh."

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, Applegate later opened up about life since then during aMay 5, 2025 appearanceonConan O'Brien Needs a Friend.

"If people saw what my life was like on the daily, they wouldn't they wouldn't be able to do it. Because I can sometimes not do it. It's really, really hard," she said at the time.

"I don't really leave the house anymore," Applegate told O'Brien, 62.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE in October 2025 for the release of her memoirYou with the Sad Eyes, theAnchormanactress said, "I wrote this because I truly believe that books can make people feel less alone. I promise, You with the Sad Eyes won't be some big violin scratching for my life. But it will be real."

"It will be filled with the ups and downs, the humor and grief of life," she added. "So here I am. Real me. Lots to say."

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Christina Applegate Credits Facetune and More with ‘Mermaid’ Look for “Married with Children” Reunion

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty NEED TO KNOW Christina Applegate can thank technology for a bit of glam fun with friends The Married......

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