India, Aug. 30 -- Kenan Thompson is stepping into Simon Cowell's seat on America's Got Talent as the longtime judge takes a temporary break to recover from a routine back procedure. Thompson will serve as a guest judge during the third round of Season 21 quarterfinals on September 1. He will be joining Howie Mandel, Mel B and Sofia Vergara on the panel.

But Thompson is hardly a newcomer to television or even to America's Got Talent. The actor and comedian has spent decades in the entertainment industry, rising from a Nickelodeon star to becoming the longest-serving cast member in Saturday Night Live history. And there is another interesting connection: he previously stepped in for Cowell during AGT's live shows in 2020.

Who Is Kenan Tho...