Norm Macdonald had died. The former “Saturday Night Live” star passed away on September 14 at the age of 61 after privately battling cancer for nearly a decade, per Us Weekly.
Macdonald, who was known for “SNL” skits such as “Weekend Update,” as well as his work in movies like “Billy Madison” and on TV’s “The Middle, reportedly wanted to keep his health issues a secret from his family, friends, and fans, according to his longtime friend Lori Jo Hoekstra.
“He was most proud of his comedy,” Hoekstra, who was with him at the time of his death, 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,” she added.
The comedian is survived by his son, Dylan, 28, whom he shares with ex-wife Connie Vaillancourt.
Celebrities react to Norm Macdonald’s death from cancer
After news of Norm Macdonald’s death rocked the internet, fans and other celebrities alike began to share their thoughts on the news. “Seriouisly this really hurt,” comedian and actor Patton Oswalt said.
“I was a huge fan of Norm Macdonald and I essentially ripped off his delivery when I first started acting. I would stay up specifically to watch him on talk shows. He was the funniest guest of all time. We lost a comedy giant today. One of the the [sic] all time greats. RIP,” Seth Rogen tweeted on Tuesday.
“Oh come on! Damnit. Not Norm. Absolutely gutted. One of the most underrated and hilarious SNL performers. RIP #NormMacdonald,” actor Josh Gad wrote.
While fans are trying to comprehend the news of Macdonald’s death they’re also watching for a statement from his close friend and frequent co-star Adam Sandler. The two comedians often delighted fans on “Saturday Night Live” back in the 90s and gathered laughs in movies together as well. Norm will famously be remembered for portraying actor Burt Reynolds during the “Celebrity Jeopardy” sketches on the show.
Although news of Norm Macdonald’s death is shocking, he’ll live on forever through his comedy, which is sure to make fans laugh for years to come.