SATURDAY Night Live vet Norm Macdonald has passed away at 61 after a private battle with cancer.
Stars have been quick to pay tribute to the comedian, including Jim Carrey who wrote "He was one of our most precious gems. An honest and courageous comedy genius. I love him." on Twitter.
The comedian's management firm confirmed his death to Deadline, and revealed the SNL star was fighting cancer for almost a decade.
Norm's longtime producing partner and friend Lori Jo Hoekstra revealed: "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.”
One of Macdonald's most beloved characters was his recurring appearance on SNL's Celebrity Jeopardy! skit, where he played Burt Reynolds.
Read of Norm Macdonald live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Julia Fields
FAMOUS QUOTE
Macdonald had memorable quotes about comedy.
- Julia Fields
COMEDIC GENIUS
Fans and friends remember Macdonald's best jokes.
- Julia Fields
WHO IS NORM MADCONALD'S EX WIFE?
Norm Macdonald married Connie Vaillancourt Macdonald in 1988.
The pair had one child, Dylan, who was born in 1993.
According to a Reddit thread, Connie is a family therapist and lives in Los Angeles.
Connie and Macdonald divorced in 1999.
It is unclear what led to their split.
- Julia Fields
'TRANSCENDED DIVISIONS'
Bridget Phetasy remembers the way Macdonald could "transcend divisions."
- Julia Fields
'SHATTERING BOUNDARIES'
Macdonald will be remember for "shattering boundaries of truth and tastelessness."
- Julia Fields
FAVORITE MOMENTS
Friends and fans are sharing their favorite Macdonald moments.
- Julia Fields
'THANKS FOR ALL THE LAUGHS'
Edgar Wright remembers Macdonald for his talk show appearances and thanks the late comedian for the laughs.
- Julia Fields
JON STEWART TRIBUTE
Jon Stewart took to Twitter to remember Macdonald, writing "No one could make you break like Norm Macdonald. Hilarious and unique. F*** cancer."
- Julia Fields
MEMORABLE SKETCH
When he wasn't behind the desk, Norm would also appear in various sketches, including his memorable impersonation of Burt Reynolds on Celebrity Jeopardy.
- Julia Fields
THE NORM SHOW
Following his stint on SNL, Norm would go on to star on The Norm Show, from 1999 to 2001.
However, he would continue to make various appearances on late-night television, including his notable interviews with Conan O'Brien.
- Julia Fields
SNL FAME
The TV star landed on the mainstream radar thanks to SNL, as he made his debut in the iconic sketch comedy show in 1993, leaving in 1998.
During his tenure he was most remembered for his role as the Weekend Update anchor for three seasons, most notably his dry, quick wit.
Norm would leave the program in 1998.
- Julia Fields
'MOST PROUD OF HIS COMEDY'
Norm's longtime producing partner and friend Lori Jo Hoekstra revealed: "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.”
- Julia Fields
CONFIRMED
The comedian's management firm confirmed his death to Deadline, and revealed the SNL star was fighting cancer for almost a decade.
- Julia Fields
STAR DEAD
Saturday Night Live vet Norm Macdonald has passed away at 61 after a private battle with cancer.
Source: Read Full Article