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Jan.23,2005 -Jan.30,2005 |
Hey, hey, hey... Cosby's kid is back
Saturday Night Live comedian Kenan Thompson is a pretty phat Albert in new film
By Angela Baldassarre
Originally Published: 2005-01-09
Kenan Thompson was destined to play Fat Albert. Not only was he the first performer on Saturday Night Live to be born after the show's 1975 debut (he was born in 1978), but his first impression on that show was that of Bill Cosby, the creator of the beloved 1970s animated television series about a group of adolescent boys living and kickin' it in a Philadelphia neighbourhood. The show was based on the stand-up routines and reminiscences of Cosby, who grew up in Philadelphia.
Directed by Joel Zwick, Fat Albert centres on the gang ringleader (Thompson), whose friends include Rudy, Mushmouth, Bill, Bucky, Old Weird Harold and Dumb Donald. Set today, (not in the 1970's) Albert (his stomach touched his knees!) and his friends find themselves in the "real world", turned into live people rather than cartoons. Soon, Fat Albert befriends two girls, one of whom he falls for.
Though not a familiar name, Thompson has had a productive career in his 26 years having appeared in dozens of television series and movies, including Big Fat Liar, Master of Disguise, My Boss's Daughter, Love Don't Cost a Thing, and Barbershop 2: Back in Business.
Tandem talked to Kenan Thompson about Fat Albert.
People have been waiting for this movie to come out for years. How did you get the part?
"I've actually been auditioning for the part for, like, the past two or three years. I remember when the project was up a couple of years ago under Forest Whitaker. I was auditioning for it and I made it to, like, the final call-back between me and my other buddy that was in the 8 Mile movie, the big tall dude."
What's his name?
"I can't remember his name. I only met him that one time but, he was a cool guy. He was the big dude in 8 Mile, but, whatever. It was down to me and him and then he got the part because they wanted Fat Albert to be like, the tallest member, I guess, at that point. The tallest member in the gang, 'cause that's kind of how he was in the cartoons. But, you know, I guess Forest and Bill had some issues so they put the project on hold for awhile and then it came back together under Joel Zwick's direction and you know, he did My Big Fat Greek Wedding. So the movie now became like more of a romantic type - you know, love stories, lovers' comedy and what not - so I guess they wanted somebody that was a little more heartfelt, I don't know. I auditioned for it again, and I tried out in L.A.. I flew right after a show [Saturday Night Live], one night and then made another special tape in New York with Joel for Mr. Cosby for his personal viewing. He ended up watching the tape for like, two minutes, I think, and turned it off and said give me the job. So, that was awesome of him."
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