Norm Macdonald, a Canadian comedian known for his dry wit and deadpan delivery, left an indelible mark on comedy through his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and his sharp, often absurd humor. From his iconic "Weekend Update" segments to his famous "moth joke," Macdonald’s unique approach to comedy continues to influence the industry even after his passing in 2021. In this article, we explore his career, his humor, and the legacy he left behind, along with insights into his net worth at the time of his death.
Norm Macdonald died on September 14, 2021, after a long private battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Despite keeping his illness hidden from the public, his death came as a shock to fans and fellow comedians. His work, however, continues to be celebrated through reruns, podcasts, and the memories he left behind in the world of comedy.
Key Takeaways
- Norm Macdonald was a Canadian comedian famous for his time on SNL, especially for hosting the "Weekend Update" segment.
- He was known for his unique, often absurd style of humor, including his famous "moth joke."
- Macdonald passed away in 2021 due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia, a condition he kept private.
- His estimated net worth at the time of his death was $2.5 million, accumulated from his work in stand-up comedy, television, and writing.
- He remains a beloved figure in the comedy world, with ongoing tributes and replays of his performances.
Norm Macdonald’s Early Life and Comedy Career
Norm Macdonald was born on October 17, 1959, in Quebec City, Canada. His early career involved stand-up comedy in Canadian clubs, where he honed his distinctive style—delivering jokes with a deadpan, almost awkward, demeanor that became his trademark.
In 1993, Macdonald joined SNL and soon became the anchor of its Weekend Update segment, where he provided satirical commentary on current events. His biting humor and willingness to push the envelope, particularly with jokes about O.J. Simpson, made him a standout but also led to controversy, which eventually caused his departure from SNL in 1998.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Norman Gene Macdonald |
| Born | October 17, 1959, Quebec City, Canada |
| SNL Tenure | 1993–1998 |
| Net Worth at Death | Estimated $2.5 million |
| Famous for | Weekend Update, deadpan humor, absurd jokes |
| Passed Away | September 14, 2021, at age 61 |
| Cause of Death | Complications from acute myeloid leukemia |
Norm Macdonald’s Iconic SNL Run and His "Weekend Update" Legacy
One of Norm Macdonald’s most significant contributions to comedy was his time on SNL, where he anchored the "Weekend Update" segment from 1994 to 1997. His satirical and often edgy humor during this period became the highlight of the show. Macdonald’s dry delivery, paired with sharp political and celebrity-focused jokes, solidified his reputation as a comedy rebel.
Macdonald’s tenure on SNL ended controversially after he made repeated jokes about O.J. Simpson, despite network objections. Though this led to his firing, many fans regard his stint on Weekend Update as one of the best in the show’s history.
The Norm Macdonald Joke – The Art of Absurdity
Macdonald’s comedy often leaned into the absurd, which is best captured in his now-famous "moth joke." The joke begins with a moth entering a podiatrist’s office and spirals into a long-winded, existential tale that seems to have no connection to the punchline—yet it is Macdonald’s delivery that makes the joke legendary.
Macdonald’s humor was filled with this kind of anti-humor, where he would stretch a simple setup into a complex narrative, leaving audiences surprised by the punchline. This style made him stand out from his contemporaries, creating some of the most memorable moments in modern comedy.
Norm Macdonald Live – The Comedic Podcast
In 2013, Macdonald launched Norm Macdonald Live, a podcast where he interviewed various celebrities and comedians. The show quickly became a hit, thanks to Macdonald’s candid, unscripted conversations. Running until 2018, the podcast featured Macdonald’s quick wit, making it a fan favorite.
His conversational style and ability to steer interviews into unexpected, humorous territories made Norm Macdonald Live a unique gem in the comedy podcast world. The archive of the show remains available for fans to revisit.
The Legacy of Norm Macdonald’s Death and His Private Battle with Cancer
Macdonald’s death in 2021 from acute myeloid leukemia came as a shock, as he had kept his battle with cancer private for almost a decade. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, which eventually developed into leukemia. His decision to keep his illness hidden from the public was consistent with his private nature.
Norm Macdonald’s passing left a significant void in the comedy world, but his legacy lives on. Reruns of his SNL episodes, clips of his stand-up routines, and his interviews on shows like Conan continue to introduce new generations to his comedy.
Norm Macdonald’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his death, Norm Macdonald’s net worth was estimated to be around $2.5 million. His wealth came from various ventures, including his work on television, stand-up comedy, films, and his book, Based on a True Story: Not a Memoir, a mix of fictionalized stories and comedic anecdotes. Although his net worth wasn’t as high as some of his contemporaries, Macdonald’s impact on the world of comedy was immeasurable.
Norm Macdonald’s Impact on Comedy Today
Even after his death, Macdonald’s influence remains strong in the comedy world. Younger comedians often cite his work on Weekend Update and his live performances as a major influence. Shows like The Orville, where he voiced the character Yaphit, are further reminders of his versatility in acting and comedy.
FAQ
How did Norm Macdonald die?
Norm Macdonald died due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia, a type of cancer he had been battling privately for years.
What type of cancer did Norm Macdonald die of?
He died of acute myeloid leukemia, which he had been diagnosed with after previously battling multiple myeloma.
What is Norm Macdonald famous for?
Norm Macdonald is best known for his time on SNL, particularly as the anchor of Weekend Update. He was also famous for his stand-up comedy, podcast Norm Macdonald Live, and his unique brand of absurd humor.
What is Norm Macdonald’s net worth?
At the time of his death, Norm Macdonald’s net worth was estimated to be $2.5 million.
What is Norm Macdonald’s most famous joke?
One of his most famous jokes is the "moth joke," an example of his absurd humor and expert delivery.
Did Norm Macdonald have any children?
Yes, Norm Macdonald had one son, Dylan Macdonald, born in 1993.
- Norm Macdonald’s Early Life and Comedy Career
- Norm Macdonald’s Iconic SNL Run and His "Weekend Update" Legacy
- The Norm Macdonald Joke – The Art of Absurdity
- Norm Macdonald Live – The Comedic Podcast
- The Legacy of Norm Macdonald’s Death and His Private Battle with Cancer
- Norm Macdonald’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
- Norm Macdonald’s Impact on Comedy Today
- FAQ