NBC Says Kenan Thompson's Departure From 'SNL' Is 'False'

An NBC spokesperson has dismissed claims that actor and comedian Kenan Thompson will be leaving the live sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" after its 40th season, which is set to premiere on Saturday, Sept. 27.

A TMZ report published Monday claimed that Thompson was going to leave the show after this upcoming season to pursue other projects, but an NBC spokesperson deemed the report "inaccurate," telling The Huffington Post "the season hasn't even started and cast decisions aren't made until the end of the season."

TMZ acknowledged NBC's claim, arguing that although the network has said Thompson won't be leaving, the actor has apparently confirmed his departure to the media outlet. "[…] as we reported […] this is not an SNL decision -- it's Kenan's decision, and we know he's already made it," TMZ claims.

TMZ added that Thompson "has no hard feelings and is leaving on great terms," saying that the actor is planning to move to Los Angeles, California with his family to start his own, brand new show.

Thompson, who recently had his first child with wife Christina Evangeline, has broken the record on "Saturday Night Live" for being the longest serving African American cast member. He joined the show in 2003 and also holds the record for the third longest cast member behind Darrell Hammond and Seth Meyers.

The 36-year-old actor has been involved in show business since his youth, first starring in the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series "All That" and later starring in his own sitcom "Kenan and Kel" alongside Kel Mitchell.