Kenan Thompson on leaving 'SNL': 'You don't have to worry about stuff like that'

NEW YORK, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Kenan Thompson will not confirm or deny reports that he's leaving Saturday Night Live after the show's upcoming 40th season.

Thompson stopped by the Today Show Thursday morning to address the buzz that he plans to leave the show and move to Los Angeles to work on a television series.

"You don't have to worry about stuff like that," said the 36-year-old comedian. "We need to worry about the premiere Saturday. It's the 40th anniversary! That's what we need to focus on."

Thompson has performed in the late night comedy series for the past 11 year -- making him the most tenured African-American cast member on the show. Rumors of his departure began Monday when TMZ reported the actor was in talks to star in a new show.

The following day a rep for SNL rebutted the claims in a statement to The Wrap.

"This report is incredibly inaccurate as the season hasn't even started and cast decisions aren't made until the end of the season," said the rep.

TMZ responded with: "This is not an SNL decision -- it's Kenan's decision, and we know he's already made it."