Los Angeles (CBSLA) – Legendary comedian, actor and writer Norm Macdonald has died at the age of 61.
FILE – Norm MacDonald performs on stage at the Saban Community Clinic 50th Anniversary Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on November 13, 2017. (Getty Images)
Macdonald died after a long battle with cancer, CBSLA confirmed with its manager Marc Gurvitz.
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His girlfriend and production partner Lori Jo Hoekstra posted a statement that Macdonald had privately battled cancer for nine years but kept his diagnosis a secret, even from his family.
“He was most proud of his comedy,” Hoekstra said in the statement. “He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comedian. He once wrote: “A joke should surprise someone, it should never be flattering.” He’s certainly never flattered. Norm is terribly missed. “
The native Canadian, known for his expressive performance, was a stand-up comic and author of the sitcom “Roseanne” when he was discovered by “SNL” producer Lorne Michaels. Macdonald was on the show from 1993 to 1998, hosting the famous “Weekend Update” news segment of the variety show.
After being ousted from the show by an NBC executive, Macdonald has his own comedy series “Norm”. He also co-wrote and starred in the 1998 film Dirty Work, in which he played the unlucky person who starts a revenge-for-hire business.
He has made numerous film and television films, including “Billy Madison”, “Doctor Dolittle”, “The Middle”, “Family Guy” and “The Orville”.
After the news of his death, tributes poured in from all over the comedy world.
Nobody could break you like that Norm Macdonald. Funny and unique. F-Cancer, ”Jon Stewart tweeted.
We loved Norm MacDonald. Unique. https://t.co/0sXoCLEtuG
– Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) September 14, 2021
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This photo was taken after I was a guest on Norm’s show. At dinner the laughter just went on non-stop. He will be missed. RIP standard Macdonald pic.twitter.com/DToJCUBdU2
– Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) September 14, 2021
In such a controversial era, even among comedians, we can all agree that Norm MacDonald was the best. Rest in peace
– Ken Jeong (@kenjeong) September 14, 2021
Never forget that Norm Macdonald appearance on Conan in 1997 with Courtney Thorne-Smith.
Hilarious. All of it.
Rest in peace, norm… pic.twitter.com/LQRMT3fCN7
– Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) September 14, 2021
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(© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All rights reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
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