Yesterday, the world lost one of Canada’s funniest: Norm Macdonald.
Macdonald, 61, was living privately with cancer for nine years. It was confirmed on Tuesday he died in Los Angeles from leukemia.
Macdonald came to prominence with his role on Saturday Night Live from 1993 to 1998, where he mostly manned the desk of the ‘Weekend Update’ segment.
From there he made appearances in movies throughout the early 2000’s but has become known for his iconic appearances on late night shows such as Late Night with David Letterman and Conan.
Known as a ‘comic’s comic,’ Macdonald had a dry wit and held a stoic philosophy on comedy that divides audiences everywhere to this day.
Macdonald subverted the classic setup-punchline joke audiences are used to and would hold audience attention with an ineffable pause and reflection. His voice was unique and his jokes were strange. His long pauses and vacant stare served as a type of wink to his amass following as he precluded jokes that would leave you wanting more, only to realize there is nothing left.
Macdonald never claimed to have the answers to life’s problems, all he wanted to do was tell jokes, and that’s what he did.
He even joked about Victoria.
In a video posted to YouTube, from an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman, Macdonald tells a story about playing Scrabble one night at a bed & breakfast on Vancouver Island with Old Harold Delaney.
Victoria Buzz is thinking about Norm Macdonald and his impact on the comedy world, and we’re sad to see him go.
But we’re happy he was here when we had him. Thanks Norm, rest easy.
