Norm Macdonald
- Oct 17, 1959
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 27
DOB: October 17, 1959 | Birthplace: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada | Profession: Comedian
Unfortunately, Norm Macdonald has passed away.
Died: September 14, 2021 (Age 61 Years)
City: Pasadena, California
Cause of Death: Leukemia
Resting Place: Cremated, ashes returned to family
Obituary: Read More...
Norm Macdonald was a Canadian comedian, actor, and writer best known for his role as the anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment on Saturday Night Live (1994–1998). His deadpan delivery, eccentric humor, and fearless approach to comedy made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, influencing countless comedians with his unique style.
Early Life
Norm Macdonald was born on October 17, 1959, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Raised in an Anglophone family by parents Ferne and Percy Lloyd Macdonald, both teachers, he grew up with two brothers, Neil and Leslie, who later became journalists. His father, a World War II veteran, insisted the family speak only English, shaping Norm’s cultural identity. He attended Quebec High School before moving to Ottawa, where he graduated from Gloucester High School at age 14. He briefly studied mathematics and philosophy at Carleton University and enrolled in journalism and broadcasting programs at Algonquin College but dropped out to pursue comedy.
Career Beginnings
Norm Macdonald started his career performing stand-up comedy at clubs in Ottawa, including Yuk Yuk’s, in 1985. His sharp wit and deadpan style quickly earned attention, leading to a performance at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal in 1987, where he was hailed as one of Canada’s hottest comics. By 1990, he appeared on Star Search and Late Night with David Letterman, catching the eye of industry professionals. He landed writing gigs for The Dennis Miller Show (1992) and Roseanne (1992–1993), showcasing his comedic talent before transitioning to on-screen roles.
Breakthrough with Saturday Night Live
In 1993, Norm Macdonald joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a writer and cast member. He gained widespread recognition as the anchor of the "Weekend Update" segment from 1994 to 1997, delivering biting commentary with his signature line, “And now the fake news.” His relentless mockery of the O.J. Simpson trial reportedly led to his firing in 1998 by NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer, a friend of Simpson. Macdonald’s impressions of Burt Reynolds, Larry King, and David Letterman also became iconic, cementing his influence on the show. His bold, uncompromising humor made him a standout, with David Letterman calling him “the best” stand-up comedian.
Film and Television Roles
Beyond SNL, Norm Macdonald starred in the sitcom The Norm Show (1999–2001) as Norm Henderson, a former hockey player turned social worker. He co-wrote and starred in the revenge comedy Dirty Work (1998) with Artie Lange and Chris Farley, and voiced Lucky the Dog in Dr. Dolittle (1998), Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), and Dr. Dolittle 3 (2006). Other roles included appearances in Billy Madison (1995), The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), Man on the Moon (1999), and Screwed(2000). He voiced characters in Family Guy, The Fairly OddParents, and Mike Tyson Mysteries, and hosted Norm Macdonald Live (2013–2018) and Norm Macdonald Has a Show (2018) on Netflix, interviewing comedians with his signature wit.
Personal Life
Norm Macdonald was married to Connie Vaillancourt from 1988 to 1999, and they had one son, Dylan, born in 1993. A private individual, he rarely discussed his personal life, focusing instead on his craft. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of golf, and often incorporated sports into his comedy. Macdonald was also a self-identified gambling addict, having lost his net worth multiple times, which he discussed candidly in his routines. He kept his leukemia diagnosis private for nine years, sharing it only with close confidants.
Top 10 Films/TV Shows
Saturday Night Live (1993–1998) — Cast Member, Weekend Update Anchor
The Norm Show (1999–2001) — Norm Henderson
Dirty Work (1998) — Mitch Weaver
Dr. Dolittle (1998) — Voice of Lucky the Dog
Billy Madison (1995) — Supporting Role
The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996) — Reporter
Man on the Moon (1999) — Cameo as Michael Richards
Screwed (2000) — Willard Fillmore
Norm Macdonald Live (2013–2018) — Host
Norm Macdonald Has a Show (2018) — Host
Honors and Recognitions
Norm Macdonald was named #83 on Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time miniseries. He was posthumously nominated for two Primetime Emmys in 2022 for his stand-up special Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special. His Saturday Night Live tenure and Weekend Update segments are considered some of the most influential in comedy history, with peers like Conan O’Brien and Dave Chappelle praising his brilliance. His stand-up specials, including Me Doing Standup (2011) and Hitler’s Dog, Gossip & Trickery (2017), earned critical acclaim for their innovative humor.
Conclusion
Norm Macdonald’s tenure as Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update anchor and his fearless, deadpan comedy style remain defining moments in television and stand-up comedy. With a career spanning stand-up, film, television, and podcasting, he left an indelible mark as a comedian’s comedian, admired for his wit, originality, and refusal to pander.
About the Author
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