Norm Macdonald Supported Shane Gillis Following SNL Dismissal
Comedian Shane Gillis Reflects on Norm Macdonald’s Legacy and Support During Challenging Times
Shane Gillis, an esteemed comedian, recently shared an emotional moment when he was brought to tears watching clips of the late Norm Macdonald. During a conversation with Bert Kreischer, Gillis recounted a poignant instance where his girlfriend walked in on him while he was in tears, reminiscing Norm Macdonald’s heartfelt final stint on The Late Show with David Letterman. Gillis admitted that Macdonald held a special place in his life, especially for offering support during trying times.
The Impact of Norm Macdonald’s Support on Shane Gillis
Macdonald famously reached out to Gillis amid a significant backlash, offering words of courage and support. “He said some really cool things,” Gillis shared with Kreischer. This connection stems from Macdonald’s own experience with controversy, such as his well-known exit from Saturday Night Live (SNL) after persistent jokes about NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer’s friend, O.J. Simpson. The incident is still remembered with disbelief among SNL colleagues.
Norm Macdonald’s Legacy in Comedy
Macdonald’s tenure with SNL was notorious but also celebrated. The decision to remove Macdonald due to his bold humor created a lasting legacy. Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, endeavored to keep both Macdonald and Gillis on board but faced overwhelming pushback. Despite their controversial departures, Michaels later invited both men to host the show they once contributed to significantly.
Public Tributes and Personal Grieving
In the wake of Macdonald’s passing in 2021, both Gillis and Kreischer expressed their grief in different ways. While Joe Rogan reminisced about Macdonald’s candid support for Gillis on a podcast, sharing, “This is better than anything SNL has done,” Gillis opted for a more personal tribute by sharing one of Macdonald’s jokes rather than a public declaration of admiration. Kreischer, on the other hand, penned several tributes but struggled with publicly sharing them. “I cried. Because he was just so cool to me,” Kreischer revealed.
Both Gillis and Kreischer continue to cherish Macdonald’s influence, honoring his memory and contributions to the comedy world through personal remembrances that extend beyond public testimonials.
