Norm MacDonald Net Worth 2024
Norm Macdonald was a comedian who took his work seriously and was always trying to make people laugh. His deadpan style was unique and memorable.
He began his career in comedy clubs in Ottawa before becoming a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” in 1993. He hosted the show’s “Weekend Update” segment and made many impressions of celebrities.
Norm Macdonald Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $2.5 Million |
| Birthdate | October 17, 1959 – September 14, 2021 (61 years old) |
| Birthplace | Quebec City, Canada |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 6 ft (1.85 m) |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian, Voice Actor, Screenwriter, Television Producer, Presenter, Film Producer |
| Nationality | Canada |
| Full Name | Norman Gene Macdonald |
| Spouse | Connie Vaillancourt (m. 1988; div. 1999) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Neil Macdonald (Brother), Joyce Napier (Sister-in-law) |
| Website | www.normmacdonald.com |
| Years Active | 1985–2021 |
| Genres | Observational comedy, Deadpan, Anti-humor, Non-sequitur, Black comedy, Insult comedy, Shaggy dog story, Political satire |
| Education | Carleton University, Algonquin College |
| Notable Works | Saturday Night Live, The Norm Show, Dirty Work, Family Guy, The Fairly OddParents, Mike Tyson Mysteries, Dr. Dolittle films |
| Famous For | Deadpan humor, Weekend Update on SNL, Voice acting |
| Notable Awards/Nominations | 3 Primetime Emmy Nominations for Netflix special |
| Cause of Death | Leukemia (Private battle) |
| Published Works | Based on a True Story (Novel) |
Norm Macdonald Net Worth Overview
Macdonald’s wealth was largely shaped by his long run on SNL. During his time on the show, he was both a cast member and Weekend Update host. His dry, quick wit made him a fan favorite and earned him many quotable lines.
After leaving SNL, Norm Macdonald continued to work in television and film. His career grew even further when he starred in his own show, The Norm Show. He also worked as a voice actor for Bell Mobility, AT&T, and appeared in numerous KFC commercials.
Throughout his career, Norm Macdonald struggled with gambling addiction. His gambling habit led to significant losses that depleted a portion of his income. However, he never gave up on his dream and tried his luck in new opportunities.
Norm Macdonald died on September 14, 2021, after a private battle with cancer. He left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come. His final stand-up special was released on Netflix in May 2022, and earned three Primetime Emmy nominations.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Macdonald first made his name on Saturday Night Live (SNL), both as a cast member and the host of the show’s Weekend Update segment. During his time on the show, he was known for his impressions and ability to poke fun at celebrities.
After SNL, Macdonald had a short-lived sitcom called The Norm Show and appeared in movies like Screwed and Dirty Work. He also voiced characters in TV shows including Mike Tyson Mysteries, The Adventures of Panda Warrior, and the Disney cartoon series The Fairly OddParents.
He also did a lot of endorsements with companies like Bell Mobility and AT&T and famously voiced Lucky the dog in KFC commercials. Additionally, he invested in real estate and once owned a Santa Monica condo worth $2.2 million. However, his gambling addiction depleted a good portion of his wealth and he once shared that he lost $400,000 in a single session. This is an important aspect to know because it reflects his struggle with addiction and his financial downfalls over the years.
Breakthrough Moments in Comedy
Macdonald started off his career in comedy by performing at local venues and honed his craft over the years. However, his professional journey truly took off when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1993. He made a name for himself as part of the Weekend Update segment and earned a significant amount of money. This helped him establish himself as a household name, which opened up the door for other opportunities down the line.
For example, he was able to land starring roles in films such as The People vs. Larry Flynt, which featured Woody Harrelson, and Man on the Moon, with Jim Carrey. Both of these films showcased his talent for acting, as well as his ability to transition into different genres.
Norm Macdonald also gained a good amount of money from endorsements and voiceovers. He worked with brands such as telecommunications firm Bell Mobility and AT&T, as well as starred as Colonel Sanders in a series of KFC commercials. He also invested in real estate, which contributed to his overall wealth.
Earnings from Television Shows
Macdonald was a regular on shows like The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and David Letterman, where he made his money through various appearances. He also did a few advertising campaigns, including being a spokesperson for Safe Auto Insurance and appearing as Colonel Sanders in several KFC commercials.
His biggest break came when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1993, where he became known for his dry jokes and impressions of celebrities such as Bob Dole, Charles Kuralt, Quentin Tarantino, and Burt Reynolds. He anchored the Weekend Update segment for three seasons until he was removed from the show by producer Don Ohlmeyer due to his relentless O.J. Simpson jokes.
After leaving SNL, Norm Macdonald wrote for shows such as Roseanne and The Dennis Miller Show and starred in a few movies like Dirty Work. He was also a voice actor for popular characters such as Lucky the Dog in Eddie Murphy’s Dr. Dolittle trilogy and Pigeon on Adult Swim’s Mike Tyson Mysteries. He even starred in his own TV series called The Norm Show from 1999 to 2001.
Stand-Up Comedy Income
Norm MacDonald’s deadpan style was unique and attracted a loyal fan base. His ability to make a living in comedy is a testament to his talent and popularity.
After his time on “Saturday Night Live,” MacDonald starred in the show’s spin-off series The Norm Show from 1999 to 2001, and made several guest appearances on late-night television shows. His writing career also took off, as he wrote for several sitcoms and the 1998 film Dirty Work. He even lent his voice to a few commercials, most notably as Colonel Sanders in a series of Kentucky Fried Chicken advertisements.
Norm MacDonald’s earnings from stand-up comedy remained consistent as his fame increased throughout the 1990s and 2000s. His deadpan approach to humor may have turned off some, but fans enjoyed his wry wit and often-repeated jokes. MacDonald’s success as a comedian helped him branch out into acting and writing, which also proved lucrative. He landed a role as Lucky in the movie Dr. Dolittle and appeared in its sequels, bringing in additional income from his acting and voice over work.
Film Appearances and Earnings
After leaving SNL, MacDonald starred in several comedy films, including 1998’s Dirty Work, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His film roles helped him earn additional income and established him as a star beyond the television screen.
MacDonald also appeared on numerous talk shows, including The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and Late Night with David Letterman. He wrote for several series, including Roseanne and Mike Tyson Mysteries. He also did voice-over work, notably as Lucky in Dr. Dolittle and Mitch Weaver in The Fairly OddParents.
In addition to his acting and writing career, MacDonald made some money from endorsements and advertising. He was a spokesman for Safe Auto Insurance and lent his voice to commercials for the telecommunications company AT&T. His most famous brand partnership was probably his role as Colonel Sanders in a series of Kentucky Fried Chicken commercials.
Norm Macdonald’s Writing Career
Macdonald was a prolific writer as well as a comedian, writing for shows that he starred in and even a 1998 comedy film called Dirty Work. He also wrote for TV commercials, most notably the short-lived series of ads for KFC in which he played Colonel Sanders.
His writing career benefited from his deadpan humor, which was perfect for writing snarky one-liners and sketches that were often biting. In addition to writing for other performers, he penned his own show The Norm Show that ran on ABC from 1999 until 2001. You can explore more about his contributions and style similar to other notable figures like Mauricio Umansky.
Macdonald’s popularity waned slightly in the late 1990s after he was removed from Weekend Update by NBC president Don Ohlmeyer due to controversial jokes about taboo subjects like Michael Jackson and OJ Simpson’s murder trial. He did manage to make a comeback with his role in the 2000 comedy film Back to Norm and his appearance on the Eddie Murphy adaptation of Dr. Dolittle in which he voiced Lucky the Dog. He would also guest star in several popular television shows and make frequent appearances on talk shows.
Podcast and Digital Media Ventures
Macdonald racked up significant wealth from his time on Saturday Night Live and acting roles in television and films. His deadpan style made him a star in his own right, and he became known for his writing career, as well. In fact, Paste Magazine named him one of its 50 best stand-up comedians of all time.
He was a frequent guest on talk shows, including The Howard Stern Show and Late Night with David Letterman. He also hosted his own TV show, Norm Macdonald Live, and appeared on other comedy shows. He even did some voice work, including on the Disney animated series The Fairly OddParents, as Norm the Genie.
In his podcast, Norm Macdonald Would Tell You, the host interviews celebrities and other famous people in a round-table format. He had a reputation for being honest and brutally scathing, but the show was also funny. In his 10 episodes, he interviewed such people as Drew Barrymore, Judy “Judge Judy” Sheindlin, Chevy Chase, and M. Night Shyamalan, and he also spoofed the O.J. Simpson case and his infamous jokes about the jury that acquitted him. He was also an endorsement celebrity, appearing in ads for Bell Mobility and AT&T and voicing Colonel Sanders in KFC commercials.
Conclusion
Norm Macdonald was a groundbreaking comedian whose unique deadpan humor left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. From his iconic stint on “Saturday Night Live” to his acting, voice-over work, and writing, Macdonald’s career was multifaceted and influential. Despite his struggles with gambling and a private battle with cancer, he remained a beloved figure whose legacy continues to inspire both fans and fellow comedians. His work in film, television, and digital media, along with his final stand-up special, ensures that his comedic brilliance will be remembered for years to come.
FAQs
What was Norm Macdonald’s net worth at the time of his death?
Norm Macdonald’s net worth was estimated at around $2.5 million at the time of his death in 2021, after years of work in comedy, acting, and endorsements.
What was Norm Macdonald best known for?
He was best known for his role on Saturday Night Live, especially as the anchor of the “Weekend Update” segment, where his deadpan humor made him a fan favorite.
Did Norm Macdonald struggle with gambling addiction?
Yes, Norm Macdonald had a well-documented gambling addiction, which led to significant financial losses, including a claim that he once lost $400,000 in a single session.
What were some of Norm Macdonald’s notable acting roles?
He starred in Dirty Work, voiced Lucky the Dog in Dr. Dolittle, and had his own sitcom The Norm Show. He also made appearances in films like Screwed and Man on the Moon.
How did Norm Macdonald die?
Norm Macdonald passed away on September 14, 2021, after privately battling cancer for nearly a decade.
Did Norm Macdonald work on any projects before his death?
Yes, his final stand-up special was released posthumously on Netflix in 2022 and earned three Primetime Emmy nominations. He was also working on other media and writing projects prior to his passing.
What was Norm Macdonald’s style of comedy?
Macdonald’s style was often characterized by his dry, deadpan delivery and ability to subtly dissect his subject matter, making him one of the most distinct voices in comedy.
