Kenan Thompson’s ex-wife Christina Evangeline was the only one there for Chris Redd during his ‘pill problems,’ he tearfully reveals

Chris Redd opened up in an emotional video on January 7, 2026 about his past struggles with pill addiction during his time on Saturday Night Live and his relationship with Kenan Thompson’s ex-wife, Christina Evangeline. The 40-year-old comedian revealed that Evangeline was the only person who supported him during his darkest moments on the sketch series.

The Pill Problems Behind the Scenes

During his five-year tenure at SNL, Redd battled serious substance abuse issues. He admitted to selling prescription pills to fellow cast members while struggling with his own addiction. The comedian opened up about experiencing panic attacks behind the scenes of the NBC sketch show.

Redd recalled that his castmates would gossip about his struggles but offered no support or intervention. “It’s crazy that somebody would watch you destroy yourself,” he said in his emotional video message. The lack of compassion from those around him created a toxic environment that worsened his mental health during those years.

Despite seeking help through therapy, Redd continued to spiral. He struggled with anxiety and depression during his final years on the show, creating a challenging personal crisis that few people noticed or addressed.

Christina Evangeline’s Unexpected Support

In the midst of his darkest period, Christina Evangeline entered Redd’s life and became his lifeline. She was the only person to encourage him to seek treatment and to check on his well-being. Redd credited Evangeline with helping him through his therapy journey and providing emotional support when everyone else turned away.

Their connection deepened as Evangeline shared her own struggles and life experiences with Redd. “She helped me with my therapy journey and she told me things about her life that made me look at a lot of people involved differently,” Redd explained. The bond formed through vulnerability and mutual understanding eventually transformed into romantic love.

Evangeline’s compassion contrasted sharply with the indifference he experienced from SNL colleagues. She made Redd feel like he “didn’t know what love was” and he couldn’t imagine missing out on the connection they developed.

The Complicated Love Story

Person	Role in Story	Timeline
Chris Redd	SNL Comedian suffering from pill addiction	2017-2022 on SNL
Christina Evangeline	Kenan Thompson’s ex-wife turned romantic partner	Support began during SNL era
Kenan Thompson	SNL costar and friend; Evangeline’s ex-husband	Married Evangeline 2011-2022

Redd acknowledged the complexity and controversy surrounding his relationship with Evangeline. “I hate doing something to somebody that I know would hurt them,” he stated, referring to his close friendship with Thompson. The situation deeply troubled Redd from the beginning, creating what he described as “an emotional double-edged sword.”

The comedian was transparent about his feelings: “I felt bad from the start.” Yet he couldn’t deny his love for Evangeline. “I was in love and I was spiraling out,” Redd explained, capturing the internal conflict he experienced throughout the relationship’s development and eventual public revelation.

Facing Public Judgment and Personal Growth

Redd didn’t shy away from acknowledging the damage his choices caused. “I chose love, though it made me look terrible to people that I love and a lot of my fans,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. He expressed genuine remorse for disappointing those who supported him throughout his SNL career.

The comedian also reflected on an assault outside The Comedy Cellar in October 2022, just weeks after his SNL exit became public. “Most people who know me from back home would know that I would be retaliating in a heartbeat, but not this time. This time it felt fair,” Redd said, seemingly suggesting the incident felt like karmic consequence for his actions.

Despite the pain and judgment, Redd reaffirmed his commitment to Evangeline. “I found someone that makes me feel like I didn’t even know what love was for real,” he stated. He emphasized that love is not sensible and that their connection transcended the circumstances of its beginning.

What’s Next for Chris Redd After This Emotional Revelation?

Redd announced his New Year’s resolution to lead with vulnerability and openness in all aspects of his life moving forward. The decision to publicly address the situation shows his commitment to authenticity and personal accountability. He’s promoting an upcoming stand-up comedy show at Caveat in New York City on January 28, 2026.

The comedian indicated that his new comedy material will center on the theme of love, drawing from his raw personal experiences. According to Redd, the whole show will not focus solely on this situation, but his newfound openness will likely inform his comedic perspective. Thompson and Evangeline finalized their separation, with Thompson filing for divorce in June 2022, and sources confirmed there was no overlap or cheating when Redd and Evangeline’s relationship began.