There is a reason this article is so late. From the moment I was tasked to write this, I had no clue what I was going to write. Truth be told, it’s still a mystery. But I knew I had to write something.

Norm Macdonald, Canadian comedian, writer, and actor, passed away on September 14th, 2021, at the age of 61.

Being of my generation, I never grew up with Norm being a household name. I mean, his run on “Saturday Night Live” ended before I was even born, so what chance did I have, right? But I do remember the first time I heard his voice: as Norm the Genie in two episodes of “The Fairly OddParents.” And, even as a kid, there’s no way to forget his impressionable voice performance.

I’d say I was 12 when I heard that voice again while watching old episodes of “Family Guy.” Norm Macdonald of course played Death in the episode “Death is a Bitch,” and when I learned of the voice behind the character, I was able to fall down the rabbit hole of his previous work (seriously, say what you will about the days of the internet, but it is fantastic that all it takes is a simple typing of a comedian’s name and we can get swept up in an entire archive of their work.) I’ve been attached ever since, watching his works on “Saturday Night Live” and his own shows. I also have appreciated him as a writer, not just for his run on “SNL,” but also for “Roseanne.” Let’s not forget his appearance at “The Roast of Bob Saget.”

I think it’s safe to say that for most, “SNL” was where they would know Norm Macdonald from. He’s personally my favorite host of The Weekend Update segment. But, the most famous bit from his run was his impression of Burt Reynolds during the Celebrity Jeopardy! segments, also featuring Will Ferrell as Alex Trebek.

It was really easy to be swept up in what Norm Macdonald had brought to comedy: even in the day and age we live in, he could make anything funny. Anything can be funny, but not everyone can make anything funny. Macdonald was clearly an exception. Even when his jokes got dark (and often, it would be very close to what could be called too far,) he’d make it funny. How? Like, f*****g how does one do that? He’s not the first to use a deadpan cadence, but he may have perfected it. Hell, people have tried to use “dark humor” as a way of getting away with spouting of random offensive material solely for the sake of shocking the audience, but Norm Macdonald was able to be subversive with his jokes in a way many others could not (and probably will not ever be able to do.) I’d say he’d be doubly subversive, as you never know if you’re getting a bleak punchline or a long story leading up to a pun.

Many will make conversation about Macdonald’s decision to never publicly announce his illness. But, truth is, it’s not for any of us to really discuss in detail. Like Chadwick Boseman, we would only learn of his prolonged struggle with cancer after he had passed. Quite frankly, there’s no right or wrong in his decision to hide the information, because the decision was solely his to make. I don’t find it wrong for celebrities to disclose such struggles, as it could mean inspiration for a fan with struggles of their own, but there are many reasons for someone in such a spotlight to keep matters such as cancer a secret. So there is no room for judgment on that element, only a bit of sorrow that he did have such a long road with cancer.

It was truly heartwarming to see so many people acknowledge his genius on the day of his passing. Norm Macdonald may go down as one of the most underappreciated and underutilized comedians in Hollywood, as it is truly mindboggling that he wasn’t as big a name as some of his “SNL” costars. Alas, he was clearly both appreciated and respected, by his audience and his peers. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will not be forgotten, and one can only hope that the news of his death and subsequent tributes will lead many a person to search the name of Norm Macdonald and dive deep into the archive of his work, as I once did.

Truly, one of the best entertainers to ever grace Hollywood. There will never be another Norm Macdonald. Rest in Peace.

Jared Douglas Tonsfeldt

I’ve loved movies all my life and it’s a dream come true to be able to share about my views on film! My favorite Director is Alfred Hitchcock and my favorite movie is Dr.Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

Jared Douglas Tonsfeldt

I’ve loved movies all my life and it’s a dream come true to be able to share about my views on film! My favorite Director is Alfred Hitchcock and my favorite movie is Dr.Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

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