Saturday Night Live alum and beloved Canadian comedian Norm MacDonald has died, as per Deadline .
The comedian, best known for his time as the “Weekend Update” news anchor had been privately fighting a battle with cancer, as reported by the news outlet.
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Norm Macdonald is one of the most iconic comedians ever.
He was best known for his time on SNL for the “Weekend Update” and spent years making people laugh both on the show, and even just in his interviews.
There was no one quite like him.
In 1998, Macdonald left SNL to do his own show called *The Norm Show* that lasted from 1999 to 2001.
In 2016 he reminisced about his time doing comedy on television.
You can watch the video above to see what he had to say about his time on screen, and how much it meant to him.
Watching this knowing that he has now passed away makes it all the more heartbreaking.
Fans were shocked to learn the 61-year-old comedian had been privately battling cancer for nearly a decade before his death.
The actor’s death was announced by his management firm Brillstein Entertainment.
Norm’s longtime producing partner and friend Lori Jo Hoekstra was by his side when died.
Lori said the comedian was determined to keep his health struggles a secret from family, friends, and fans.
“He was most proud of his comedy,” Lori said in a statement. “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.”
Fans have taken to social media to send their love to Norm and his legacy.
They are commenting about their favorite moments, best jokes, and how the comedian inspired them in their day-to-day lives.
It’s truly such a beautiful thing to see.
People all over the internet are paying tribute.
“Shocked and so very saddened to hear that Norm Macdonald has passed. He was, in a word, hysterical. Unique, witty and brilliant. His work on SNL, the movie Dirty Work, his stand up and appearances on the @ConanOBrien show are amongst my favorite moments. Godspeed sir.” wrote one user.
Another wrote:
“Damn, RIP Norm MacDonald, who always had me cracking up as Burt Reynolds on SNL’s Jeopardy.
Thanks for the laughter.”
We’re keeping the comedian’s friends and family in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.
Do you have any iconic memories of the comedian that you want to share? If so, comment down below with them. We would love to hear from you.
h/t: Deadline
