When I Was Your Age: Life Lessons, Funny Stories & Questionable Parenting Advice from a Professional Clown

Saturday Night Live actor Thompson reflects on his family life and storied career in this rib-tickling debut memoir-in-essays. He begins with his childhood in Georgia, attributing to his tight-knit family his own eventual status as a “softie” dad to his two young daughters. The real focus, however, is Thompson’s entertainment career, spanning from an early break on the Nickelodeon sketch comedy show All That through several films and into his ongoing tenure at SNL, where Thompson—who was hired in 2003—has become the longest-running cast member in the show’s history. Though Thompson refuses to pick a favorite SNL host, he gossips about his audition process (he faced off against Kel Mitchell, his former comedy partner, to replace retiring cast member Tracy Morgan), sharing an office with “Weekend Update” host Colin Jost, and former president Donald Trump’s appearances on SNL (“At the table read, he was a dickhead”). There are also behind-the-scenes glimpses at classic sketches including “Black Jeopardy!” and “What’s Up with That?” The prevailing tone is light, but Thompson doesn’t shy away from heavier topics, including his 2022 divorce from model Christina Evangeline and bankruptcy at the hands of a fraudulent accountant. Through it all, he’s funny, candid company. For the comedian’s fans, this is a treat. Agent: Albert Lee, UTA. (Dec.)