# 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.
- Title: Norm Macdonald's SNL firing reshaped his comedy legacy
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: norm macdonald, snl, don ohlmeyer, oj simpson, comedy, saturday night live, judd apatow, norm macdonald live, weekend update, carrot top, charles woodson, heisman
- Source: AV Club — https://avclub.com/norm-macdonald-tale-of-documentary-judd-apatow-snl-weekend-update-firing-don-ohlmeyer
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: norm macdonald, snl, don ohlmeyer, oj simpson, comedy, saturday night live, judd apatow, norm macdonald live, weekend update, carrot top, charles woodson, heisman
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.