News of comedian and “Saturday Night Live” cast member Norm Macdonald’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry on Tuesday.
After a secret nine-year battle with cancer, he died at the age of 61. The Canadian native’s friend Lori Jo Hoekstra was with Macdonald when he passed and explained to Deadline that the stand-up battled the disease for almost a decade.
“He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic,” she said.
One of Macdonald’s most memorable roles was starring on the NBC late-night comedy sketch show. He helmed the “Weekend Update” segment and starred on the series from 1993 until 1998. However, the performer was known for playing other comedic parts in TV shows and movies.
Take a walk down memory lane and look at Macdonald’s other unforgettable roles throughout his eclectic career.
Billy Madison (1995)
Norm Macdonald (left) and Adam Sandler in “Billy Madison.”©Universal/Courtesy EverettThe Adam Sandler comedy flick was Macdonald’s feature film debut, and he starred as his fellow “SNL” alum’s pal Frank. Sandler spoke about working with Macdonald, in a 2016 interview with Conan O’Brien, during the film’s pool scene before Sandler’s Madison chases an imaginary penguin.
“I’m doing a scene with Norm at the pool. I say my line, and I think I did it very well. And I’m like, ‘Let me see how Norm ping-pongs this line back.’ So there was a little bit of a delay, and I was like, ‘Old Norm likes to a take his time,’ ” he said.
“Then I’m waiting longer and going, ‘Wow, he’s really milking this one.’ And a few more seconds later, I noticed old Norm was sleeping.” The comedian then revealed that Macdonald gave an amazing excuse for his current state, “They wanted to me to play a drunk so I said, ‘You got some booze?’ “
Dirty Work (1998)
Bob Saget (left) and Norm Macdonald on the set of “Dirty Work.”©Universal/Courtesy Everett“Full House” dad Bob Saget directed this movie with the stand-up comic as the lead and as the co-writer. Based on the Roald Dahl short story, the plot follows friends Mitch (Macdonald) and Sam (Artie Lange) who start a revenge-for-hire business to help pay for Sam’s dad’s heart operation.
Dr. Dolittle franchise (1998-2006)
Macdonald lent his voice to the Eddie Murphy film “Dr. Dolittle” as well as its many sequels. He played the dog Lucky Dolittle in the series, and you could say it wasn’t a “ruff” job.
Screwed (2000)
(From left) Norm Macdonald, Sarah Silverman, Dave Chappelle and Elaine Stritch in “Screwed.”©Universal/Courtesy EverettThis comedy of errors also starred the talents of Dave Chappelle, Danny DeVito and Sarah Silverman. Macdonald played an exhausted and underpaid chauffeur to a bitchy pie heiress. He kidnaps his boss’ dog to hold it for ransom for a simple slice of revenge.
The Norm Show (1999-2001)
Ian Gomez, Norm Macdonald and Laurie Metcalf on “The Norm Show.”©Warner Bros/courtesy EverettThis ABC sitcom starred Macdonald as an ex-NHL hockey player who’s banned for life from the league because of his gambling addiction and tax-evasion issues. He must do five years of community service as a social worker to avoid jail time. The funnyman created and produced the series and starred alongside Laurie Metcalf and Ian Gomez.
My Name Is Earl (2007)
Norm Macdonald in a scene from “My Name Is Earl.”©20thCentFox/Courtesy EverettLittle Chubby was the name of the character Macdonald played on this ABC sitcom. He portrayed the mean son of Richard Chubby, a wealthy businessman on two episodes of the show.
The Middle (2010)
Norm Macdonald in a scene from “The Middle.”©ABC/Courtesy Everett CollectionRusty Heck is the name, so don’t wear it out. Macdonald’s character showed up on the ABC series as the brother of Mike Heck and son of Big Mike Heck. Rusty was seen to be lazy, drunk and a frequent smoker.
Vampire Dog (2012)
The actor voiced another animated character in the kids’ comedy “Vampire Dog.” The Canadian family flick starred Macdonald as, you guessed it, a vamp doggie named “Fang.”
