Norm Macdonald
Early Life
Norman Gene Macdonald was born on October 17, 1959, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. He was raised in Ottawa, Ontario, where he attended Gloucester High School. Macdonald's father, Percy Lloyd Macdonald, was a teacher, and his mother, Ferne Alice, was a nurse.
Career
Stand-up Comedy
Macdonald began his career in stand-up comedy. He performed at clubs in Ottawa before moving to Los Angeles. His style of comedy was unique, often characterized by his deadpan delivery and his use of irony. Macdonald's comedy was heavily influenced by the work of Bob Newhart, Don Rickles, and Richard Pryor.
Saturday Night Live
In 1993, Macdonald joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. He was best known for his role as the anchor of the show's "Weekend Update" segment, a position he held from 1994 to 1997. Macdonald's tenure on SNL was marked by his distinct comedic voice and his controversial jokes.
Television and Film
After leaving SNL, Macdonald starred in the sitcom "The Norm Show" (later renamed "Norm"), which ran from 1999 to 2001. He also appeared in several films, including "Billy Madison," "Dirty Work," and "Screwed."
In 2011, Macdonald launched a podcast, "Norm Macdonald Live," which was later picked up by Netflix as a talk show, "Norm Macdonald Has a Show."
Personal Life
Macdonald was notoriously private about his personal life. He was married to Connie Macdonald from 1988 to 1999, and they had one son, Dylan.
Death and Legacy
Macdonald died on September 14, 2021, after a private nine-year battle with cancer. His death was mourned by many in the comedy world, and he was remembered for his unique comedic voice and his influence on the field of comedy.