From AV Club · · 2m
Norm Macdonald's SNL firing reshaped his comedy legacy
Norm Macdonald's 1997 SNL firing became his defining comedy moment after NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer dismissed him for joking about O.J. Simpson's murder.
In brief
Norm Macdonald's 1997 SNL firing became his defining comedy moment after NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer dismissed him for joking about O.J. Simpson's murder. Norm Macdonald's 1997 SNL firing for O.J. Simpson jokes defined his career, showing his humor relied on audience rapport despite his controversial style. Originally…
Norm Macdonald's SNL firing
Norm Macdonald was fired from SNL in 1997 by NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer for joking about O.J. Simpson murdering his wife and friend Ron Goldman.
“I said nothing against Don Ohlmeyer after being fired. Not one thing.”
Macdonald's post-firing career
Macdonald found mainstream success with cult comedy Dirty Work and short-lived sitcom The Norm Show after his SNL firing.
Macdonald's humor style
Macdonald's deadpan delivery and rope-a-dope timing made him a great stand-up comedian, often treating audiences like unwitting accessories.
O.J. Simpson jokes
Macdonald joked about O.J. Simpson's guilt after his acquittal, quipping that murder was now legal in California on Weekend Update.
Colleagues' defense
SNL writer Jim Downey and Conan O'Brien praised Macdonald for his fearless humor and refusal to chase easy laughs.
“doesn't care in a way that frightens me”
Macdonald's response
Macdonald defended Don Ohlmeyer as a 'troubled man' who was a heavy drinker and sex pest after his firing.
Ohlmeyer's legacy
The Hollywood Reporter obituary for Ohlmeyer ran a subheadline claiming he was 'also known for firing Norm Macdonald from SNL.'
Macdonald's podcast
Macdonald hosted a podcast after his SNL firing, joking about losing ManGrate grill sponsorships.
Audience rapport
Macdonald treated interviewers as comic foils, getting unfiltered responses from talk show hosts.
Carrot Top incident
Macdonald joked about Carrot Top co-star Courtney Thorne-Smith, who said it was a funny joke and not personal.
“we're comics and it was a fucking joke, and it was funny”
Macdonald's regret
Macdonald regretted making fun of Carrot Top's co-star, saying he never got into comedy to hurt anyone's feelings.
“I never got into comedy to hurt anyone's feelings”
O.J. Simpson connection
Macdonald joked about O.J. Simpson's 1998 ESPY Award hosting, causing mortified reactions from football players.
Macdonald's legacy
Macdonald preferred to be known as a stand-up comedian rather than for his four years on SNL.
The lasting impact
Macdonald's humor relied on audience rapport, making his SNL firing a defining moment in his comedy career.
What it means
Norm Macdonald's 1997 SNL firing for O.J. Simpson jokes defined his career, showing his humor relied on audience rapport despite his controversial style.
