The great Norm Macdonald has passed away after an extended and private bout with cancer. The world will be a lesser place without him.
Some comedians say funny things. Norm simply was funny. His delivery, his tone, his mannerisms, everything. He was also uncompromising in his approach, never playing by anyone else’s rules. He was a “comedian’s comedian” who didn’t care if the audience was right there with him or not. He just went for the joke, whether he was relentlessly bashing O.J. Simpson as the host of “Weekend Update” on “SNL” or skewering everyone in sight at the 1997 White House Correspondents’ Dinner or intentionally “bombing” at Bob Saget’s Comedy Central roast in front of a crowd that expected an ever-escalating barrage of raunchiness but instead was served one grandpa joke after another.
The best way to honor Norm is to bask in what he’s left us. He holds a special place in many of our hearts, and it isn’t just because of the comedy. He also seemed to be a genuinely decent and authentic person who was loyal to his friends and wasn’t afraid to express deeply felt admiration and gratitude to those who inspired him.
1. Norm with Courtney Thorne-Smith on Conan
The most iconic of Norm’s late-night appearances. There’s a special thrill that comes from comedic brilliance created on the spot. “B-O-R-E-D.”