BREAKING: Norm MacDonald Passes Away At The Age Of 61

Source - Norm Macdonald, whose laconic delivery of sharp and incisive observations made him one of Saturday Night Live‘s most influential and beloved cast members, died today after a nine-year private battle with cancer. He was 61.

Macdonald’s death was announced to Deadline by his management firm Brillstein Entertainment. The comedian’s longtime producing partner and friend Lori Jo Hoekstra, who was with him at the time of his death this morning, said Macdonald had been battling cancer for nearly a decade but was determined to keep his health struggles private, away from family, friends and fans.

I don't know even what to say. I honestly didn't believe the news when I heard it. I had no idea he was sick let alone battling cancer. No one did. Here's a statement from his friend and producing partner, Lori Jo Hoekstra:

“He was most proud of his comedy,” Hoekstra said. “He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly.”

Nothing I write will properly memorialize Norm and the immeasurable impact he had on comedy, so I'm just going to end the blog here. Rest in peace, Norm. Truly one of the greats. Now here's Norm's last ever stand up on Letterman. Enjoy it if you can...

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