Norm McDonald died this week from cancer, at the age of 61. I remember him from his Saturday Night Live days. His style was deadpan, and he delivered zingers without apology. Calling Michael Jackson a homosexual pedophile, and O.J. Simpson a killer, he took no prisoners, especially from his several years as the anchor of "Weekend Update".
He was considered one of the best late night guests out there. One bit in particular that he used on the talk show circuit revolved around a joke being told in a very long and convoluted way, finally getting to the punch line. He did that several times, and would reprise characters from previous story-jokes on other talk shows. For audience members who were now becoming familiar with these circuitous jokes, there was much laughter from the beginning of the bit. Andy Richter called it "a 4-mile hike to see a dog turd."
McDonald was fearless in his jokes, and flawless in his presentation. He said what the rest of us were thinking. He was a treasure that SNL didn't recognize until he was unceremoniously fired, bringing him back less than two years later to host. And be sure to listen to that monologue, where he is full of righteous indignation.
Take a few moments to watch/listen to the many tributes and compilations on the web of this late, great man. You'll love meeting "Turd Ferguson"!
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