Norm Macdonald Supported Shane Gillis Following ‘SNL’ Dismissal

Shane Gillis, a rising comedian, has often expressed his admiration for the late Norm Macdonald. Macdonald, known for his unique humor, played a pivotal role in supporting Gillis during tough times in his career. Following Gillis’s dismissal from Saturday Night Live (SNL), Macdonald reached out to him personally, offering words of encouragement that deeply resonated with the young comic.

Norm Macdonald’s Impact on Shane Gillis

Gillis revealed in an interview that he became emotional while watching clips of Macdonald, particularly his poignant final appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. The comedian recalled sharing this moment with his girlfriend, who caught him shedding tears. “Norm got me,” Gillis said, highlighting the profound influence Macdonald had on him.

Support During Difficult Times

Gillis faced a challenging period after being fired from SNL, a situation reminiscent of Macdonald’s own controversial exit from the show. During Macdonald’s tenure, he faced backlash for his comedy, especially for jokes about O.J. Simpson. He poignantly recalled the moment he learned about his firing, noting the shock among his peers.

Many in the comedy world, including SNL’s creators, were aware of the issues surrounding Macdonald’s firing and viewed it as a significant loss for the show. Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, reportedly attempted to advocate for both Macdonald and Gillis, but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Public Support for Gillis

Macdonald’s support for Gillis was public as well. Shortly after Gillis’s release from SNL, Macdonald shared a clip of him on social media, suggesting that Gillis’s work was superior to much of the current content produced by SNL. Comedian Joe Rogan highlighted this support, noting that Macdonald’s gesture emphasized the talent that SNL had let go.

Reflections on Grief

• Gillis and his colleague Bert Kreischer both mourned Macdonald’s passing in 2021.
• Kreischer faced criticism for not publicly honoring Macdonald but felt pressured by social media expectations.
• Gillis chose to share one of Macdonald’s jokes, feeling it was a fitting tribute without overstepping bounds.

The loss of Norm Macdonald left a significant void in the comedy community. His legacy of support and humor continues to influence comedians like Shane Gillis, who remember the encouragement they received during their most challenging times.