Kenan Thompson Gets Real: Life with GERD Is No Laughing Matter

Kenan Thompson has spent the better part of his life bringing joy and laughter to millions. From his early days on All That and Kenan & Kel to becoming Saturday Night Live‘s longest-running cast member, Thompson has earned his place as a comedic icon. But behind the punchlines and sketches lies a more serious side of his life — one he’s opening up about for the first time.

The beloved comedian is now shining a spotlight on a condition that affects millions but is often misunderstood: gastroesophageal reflux disease, more commonly known as GERD.

“GERD is no joke. It’s uncomfortable,” Thompson told Healthline, sharing his personal journey with the chronic digestive disorder.

A Diagnosis Years in the Making

For years, Thompson lived with persistent heartburn and discomfort, symptoms that became increasingly difficult to ignore. In his mid-30s, what began as the occasional night of indigestion evolved into restless nights, vocal strain, and physical fatigue — a tough combination for someone whose job depends on timing, energy, and voice projection.

“I’ve had nights where I couldn’t sleep and then had to perform the next day,” he said. “It messes with your energy and your confidence.”

Even simple tasks like singing during a sketch could lead to hoarseness or a lost voice, something he never expected to happen just from performing. Thompson began to realize there was more at play than just a few bad food choices.

But as many with GERD can relate, it wasn’t easy to connect the dots. He often brushed off flare-ups, attributing them to something spicy or overly acidic he’d eaten — not recognizing the larger pattern until the symptoms became impossible to ignore.

From Pizza to Prescription

Thompson’s diet, like many Americans’, included frequent indulgences in pizza and soda — two known triggers for reflux. Over time, he started to see a direct correlation between what he ate and how he felt.

“I would have flareup moments and not really understand what was necessarily going on or just not putting two and two together that I was doing this to myself,” he admitted.

Eventually, in his early 40s, Thompson was diagnosed with non-erosive GERD, a subtype of the condition that doesn’t damage the esophagus but causes many of the same symptoms as erosive GERD, such as heartburn, chest discomfort, and chronic throat irritation.

After years of relying on over-the-counter remedies that provided only short-term relief, his doctor prescribed Voquezna (vonoprazan) — a newer treatment that finally gave him a handle on the condition.

“It was almost like I couldn’t eat pizza without having a no-sleep night,” Thompson joked. “And you can’t live like that. I’ve got to eat my pizza!”

Now, with his symptoms under control, Thompson feels more empowered to manage his condition without fear of flare-ups. Though he still avoids some trigger foods, he no longer lives in fear of occasional indulgences — thanks to having the right treatment plan and understanding what works for his body.

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A Platform for Awareness

As part of the “GERD IS NO JOKE” campaign, Thompson is using his voice not for punchlines — but for purpose. By sharing his story, he hopes to encourage others who might be silently suffering to seek help, find answers, and make changes that could improve their lives.

“If I can change one life, great. If it’s more based on the following that I have, even better,” he said. “It will definitely help me sleep at night knowing I helped someone else sleep better too.”

And while no skits are confirmed yet, Thompson isn’t ruling out the possibility of bringing GERD to the comedy stage in the future.

“You never know — I might just have to do the Weekend Update version of myself,” he teased.

Food, Lifestyle, and GERD: What Helps?

Managing GERD, experts say, is a personalized process. There’s no universal food plan, but there are some common culprits that can trigger symptoms. According to Anna Beery, a registered dietitian nutritionist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, acidic foods, carbonated drinks, chocolate, coffee, peppermint, and alcohol are among the most frequent offenders.

She also recommends keeping a food journal to track symptoms and identify personal triggers. Alongside dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments can also make a significant difference — like eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding lying down shortly after eating, and elevating the head during sleep.

“Better sleep in general may decrease GERD,” Beery explained.

The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, legumes, olive oil, and lean proteins, has also shown promise in managing GERD. Beery adds that maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can reduce symptoms and improve overall digestive health.

Finding Relief and Paying It Forward

For Thompson, the journey from symptom confusion to clarity has been both challenging and enlightening. Through trial, error, and finally a proper diagnosis, he’s found relief — and a mission to help others do the same.

His message is clear: GERD might be common, but it’s not something to brush off. And when someone like Kenan Thompson — a man who makes a living off making us laugh — tells you something’s no joke, it’s worth listening.

Whether through awareness campaigns or maybe even a future SNL skit, Thompson’s candidness is already breaking the silence around GERD — one laugh, and one real talk moment, at a time.