If you watched SNL or any comedy from the 90’s to today, you’ll know who Norm Macdonald was. The prolific comedian with a delivery style only he could do, died this morning at the age of 61. He had a private, nine-year battle with cancer. His longtime producing partner Lori Jo Hoekstra had this to say to Deadline about his passing.
He was most proud of his comedy. He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly.
He was the host of Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live for three years. His SNL tenure lasted from 1993 to 1998. He was one of the most pivotal and impactful hosts of the famous news segment in it’s history. The program changed from silly news sketch more to what it is today with hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che. His deadpan style was all his own, and it led to his special brand of comedy.
I remember him most from the Comedy Central Roasts that he was part of. His most famous appearance being on the Roast of Bob Saget. He went up and bombed with terrible jokes that weren’t funny. It was a nice rib from one comedian to another. He went on from SNL to star in his own show, The Norm Show from 1999 to 2001.
Do your best to remember your favorite comedic moments from Norm Macdonald. Keep his family in your thoughts.
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