{"id":2158,"date":"2025-07-09T09:14:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T09:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/?p=2158"},"modified":"2025-07-09T14:46:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T14:46:40","slug":"norm-macdonald","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/norm-macdonald\/","title":{"rendered":"Norm Macdonald"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"177\" height=\"176\" src=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Norm-Macdonald.png\" alt=\"Norm Macdonald\" class=\"wp-image-2159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Norm-Macdonald.png 177w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Norm-Macdonald-150x149.png 150w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Norm-Macdonald-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Norm-Macdonald-100x99.png 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 177px) 100vw, 177px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Norm Macdonald<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Lists:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-136-funniest-comedian-of-2025\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-136-funniest-comedian-of-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Funniest Comedians in 2025<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Name:<\/strong> Norm Macdonald<br><strong>Full Name:<\/strong> Norman Gene Macdonald<br><strong>Born:<\/strong> October 17, 1959<br><strong>Died:<\/strong> September 14, 2021<br><strong>Birthplace:<\/strong> Quebec City, Quebec, Canada<br><strong>Occupation:<\/strong> Stand-up comedian, writer, actor, producer<br><strong>Years Active:<\/strong> 1985\u20132021<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Norm Macdonald was a Canadian stand-up comedian and writer celebrated for his dry, deadpan delivery, absurdist sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to his own comedic voice. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Norm built a cult following among comedians and fans alike, earning a reputation as a \u201ccomedian\u2019s comedian\u201d who never chased trends but instead crafted a style entirely his own\u2014mischievous, unpredictable, and subversively brilliant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Comedy Style<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Norm\u2019s comedy was distinct in several ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Deadpan, off-kilter delivery:<\/strong> His slow, unhurried drawl, unexpected pauses, and blank-faced reactions turned even mundane punchlines into masterpieces of comedic timing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Subversive punchlines:<\/strong> Norm often led audiences down a predictable path before pulling the rug out with an absurd twist, anti-joke, or a punchline that was intentionally undercut.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-sequitur storytelling:<\/strong> He was a master of long-winded shaggy dog stories\u2014jokes that meandered through odd tangents before landing somewhere hilariously offbeat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fearless irreverence:<\/strong> On live television and in stand-up, Norm didn\u2019t shy away from taboo topics, controversial jokes, or deadpan roasts\u2014famously ignoring network censors and corporate expectations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Signature bits:<\/strong> His moth joke, his roasts, and his sly, cutting takes on celebrity gossip are legendary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Career Highlights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Saturday Night Live (SNL):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Norm joined <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbc.com\/saturday-night-live\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nbc.com\/saturday-night-live\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Saturday Night Live<\/a><\/em> in 1993 as a writer and cast member.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He became one of the most iconic anchors of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nbc.com\/nbc-insider\/snl-weekend-update-hosts-in-order\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nbc.com\/nbc-insider\/snl-weekend-update-hosts-in-order\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Weekend Update<\/em> (1994\u20131997)<\/a>. His version of the segment was dry, biting, and brutally direct\u2014famous for relentless O.J. Simpson jokes and celebrity scandals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>He was fired from <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJZaYQLoQJ4XowUpXXjFxaV\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLS_gQd8UB-hJZaYQLoQJ4XowUpXXjFxaV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Weekend Update<\/a><\/em> in 1998, reportedly because NBC exec <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Don_Ohlmeyer\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Don_Ohlmeyer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Don Ohlmeyer<\/a> disliked Norm\u2019s jokes about <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/O._J._Simpson\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/O._J._Simpson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">O.J. Simpson<\/a>\u2014ironically cementing his legend as a comic who would not bend for network pressures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stand-Up Specials:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/m\/norm_macdonald_me_doing_standup\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.rottentomatoes.com\/m\/norm_macdonald_me_doing_standup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Me Doing Standup<\/a><\/em> (2011, Comedy Central): Highly regarded for showcasing Norm\u2019s unique approach to mundane topics, mortality, and human absurdity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/za\/title\/80134780\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/za\/title\/80134780\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hitler\u2019s Dog, Gossip &amp; Trickery<\/a><\/em> (2017, Netflix): Praised as one of the decade\u2019s best specials\u2014sardonic, offbeat, and vintage Norm.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/za\/title\/81128851\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.netflix.com\/za\/title\/81128851\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special<\/a><\/em> (2022, Netflix): Released posthumously, this final hour was secretly recorded at his home during the pandemic as he battled cancer, showing his dedication to comedy until the very end.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TV &amp; Film:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Created and starred in <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0181935\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0181935\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Norm Show<\/a><\/em> (1999\u20132001, ABC), playing a former NHL player forced into social work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosted <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt1885032\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt1885032\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sports Show with Norm Macdonald<\/a><\/em> (2011, Comedy Central), a short-lived but cult-favorite sports satire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frequent late-night guest\u2014his appearances on <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0106052\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0106052\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Late Night with Conan O\u2019Brien<\/a><\/em>, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt3444938\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt3444938\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Tonight Show<\/a><\/em>, <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0001468\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm0001468\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Letterman<\/a><\/em>, and <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.howardstern.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.howardstern.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Howard Stern<\/a><\/em> are considered some of the best late-night comedy moments ever.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Appeared in films such as <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0120654\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0120654\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dirty Work<\/a><\/em> (1998, cult classic he co-wrote and starred in), <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0112508\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0112508\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Billy Madison<\/a><\/em> (1995, with Adam Sandler), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0125664\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0125664\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Man on the Moon<\/em> (1999)<\/a>, and voice roles in <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0118998\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0118998\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dr. Dolittle<\/a><\/em> and other family comedies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Podcast &amp; Books:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hosted <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt6407712\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt6407712\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Norm Macdonald Live<\/a><\/em> (2013\u20132017), an online video podcast loved for its unfiltered, unpredictable interviews\u2014Norm\u2019s surreal, dry banter with comics, actors, and friends is still widely shared.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrote <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Based-True-Story-Not-Memoir\/dp\/0812983866\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Based-True-Story-Not-Memoir\/dp\/0812983866\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Based on a True Story: Not a Memoir<\/a><\/em> (2016), a semi-fictional autobiography praised for its surreal humor and unreliable narrator voice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Accolades &amp; Influence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Revered by comedians from David Letterman to Conan O\u2019Brien to Bill Burr\u2014many cite him as a once-in-a-generation comedic mind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Frequently listed among the greatest <em>SNL<\/em> cast members of all time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Norm\u2019s writing and stand-up style have heavily influenced modern comics who value authenticity and unfiltered, no-sell delivery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Personal Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Norm was born in Quebec City and raised in Ottawa. He started as a stand-up comic in Canada, honing his unique voice in clubs before moving to Los Angeles. Quiet and private off-stage, Norm lived simply and rarely courted fame, letting his comedy speak for itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He privately battled cancer for nearly a decade before his passing in 2021, a fact he never revealed publicly, which many felt was quintessential Norm\u2014fiercely independent, not wanting sympathy, and always playing for the joke first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Norm Macdonald&#8217;s Funniest Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some comedians tell jokes. Norm Macdonald told the truth \u2014 and then made it hilarious. With his dry wit, perfectly timed pauses, and that unmistakable delivery, Norm turned the simplest stories into unforgettable punchlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This compilation pays tribute to one of the most original voices in comedy. From legendary talk show moments to stand-up bits that still catch you off guard, this is Norm Macdonald at his sharpest, weirdest, and funniest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So get ready for awkward silences, unexpected twists, and that signature laugh. Here\u2019s to Norm \u2014 a comedian\u2019s comedian, and a legend who always played by his own rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Norm Macdonald\u2019s FUNNIEST MOMENTS of All Time\" width=\"1130\" height=\"636\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tm-uISr3OWw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Norm Macdonald\u2019s legacy is that of an unshakable original\u2014a comic who never sold out his style, even if it meant confusing studio executives or losing gigs. His stand-up remains deeply influential, his <em>SNL<\/em> run iconic, and his interviews endlessly rewatched for their mischievous brilliance. For comedy fans, he embodied the spirit of pure stand-up: funny, unpredictable, and impossible to imitate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Quote<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;I always told the truth. And I always thought I was funny.&#8221;<\/em> \u2014 Norm Macdonald<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lists:The Funniest Comedians in 2025 Name: Norm MacdonaldFull Name: Norman Gene MacdonaldBorn: October 17, 1959Died: September 14, 2021Birthplace: Quebec City, Quebec, CanadaOccupation: Stand-up comedian, writer, actor, producerYears Active: 1985\u20132021 Overview Norm Macdonald was a Canadian stand-up comedian and writer celebrated for his dry, deadpan delivery, absurdist sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to his own [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2159,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[165],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-comedians"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2158"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2158\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2189,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2158\/revisions\/2189"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}