I can't imagine how it must have felt for Norm having just been fired from his signature bit on SNL, and having his hero David Letterman vehemently defend him and insist so sincerely that he get his own show on the same network as him. To have your idol be that supportive of you and your talent must have been somewhat shocking to someone like Norm who seemed to be a pretty humble guy. What a great guy. What a life he lived.
@@quiricomazarin476 no, he’s from Gary, Indiana. No one wants to tell anyone they’re from S-t hole Gary so they try to fool ya by putting their heritage in before “Gary”.
How awesome the way Letterman, a man from a competing network, stuck up for him. That says a lot about the love and respect Norm seemed to get from his peers. That means something.
(That "man from a competing network" was far more vocationally-r^ped by NBC than MacDonald. I think it was as much about lingering--and justified--bitterness over old betrayals as it was about empathy for Norm.)
I think it was his best interview ever. He kept going deeper,.asking the questions many of us had at the time but couldn't just post online and hash it out with strangers! LOL
@@tcherylp You just described a friend you quizzling. Having someone's back is the same thing, do you always rephrase what other people say for no reason?
Shrugged off harsh times. We’ll said, I didn’t appreciate that this would cripple most of us and he seems as if he’s talking about something funny that happened.
I always knew of Norm but never really watched his stuff. Im watching a lot of his stuff and having to hit pause while I laugh so as to not miss anything.
@Norm Meunier Worth it. OJ was guilty and one of the first people found innocent because he was a certain color. But just as Norm said, murder is now officially legal in California. It also started the trend of black on jewish hate crimes.
@Norm Meunier as a security camera technician, I can tell you, security cameras in the mid-90s were nowhere near the level of what they are today. Many systems utilized VHS tapes at that time, and absolutely everything was hardwired, so not only was it expensive to run the wires for those cameras, it would have been time-consuming and they would have had to cut into the drywall, which would make any young woman nervous.
It's January 4th, 2023, and still I'm missing Norm, and still, I'm watching him daily, all thanks to RUclips. I recently found a video of Sarah Silverman finding out about Norm's passing. I think that theirs was an acrimonious relationship, but her words I found quite moving. I think yes he was an angel, and yes, he is dearly missed. The Great Pretender that nobody really knew, but as Sarah said: "He was cynical, but wide eyed as well." Appreciated in death, more than in life, was the magnificent and Late Great, Norm Macdonald 1959-2021. I loved him so.
Norm Macdonald and Bill Murray are spiritual allies. Everything is a joke in their minds. Every single word in a conversation is an opportunity to make a joke. You are missed, Norm.
Norm made it. Made movies, SNL, stand up, dave, leno, He helped me through my depression. Rest easy norm. You made your mark in this world and will never be forgotten!
I usually don’t get too upset when celebrities die, I mean I’m not happy, but it’s not personal. But between Charlie Watts and Norm, two of the classiest guys around, I do feel bad.
The first interview really shows how much of a decent human being Norm really was. Even through the rough times he kept his composure and unique sense of humor. He was such a genuinely funny guy.
He was too genuine for mainstream TV. This was when the cancel culture PC bullshit started to really take. Norm and Dave weren’t fake enough for today’s standards. Just look at the worms who shill on the shows today
Loved Norm's scrabble story and going to a play with his Mom. You never know where Norm's gonna take you, but you know it's gonna be funny as hell. David Letterman's reactions are fantastic as well - especially sticking up for him after being fired from SNL weekend update. David and Norm really had a terrific bond on his Late Stow appearances. Great stuff! Thanks for posting!
Norm was so self deprecating...he was highly intelligent and a deep thinker. There’s no way he didn’t know what quisling means. “Nobody can take your place.” Truer words...
he knew his niche and he knew his funniest angle was as "just a little above" average joe. and to just deadpan the savage in there. goddamn that nack is missed by me.
Oh yes he definitely would know that - Norm was highly literate. God damn I’m sad over his death, like I was when Tom Petty died, and Garry Shandling. It’s like…. important pieces of our world are now gone and I gotta figure out how to make sense of the senseless.
@@bcdrummer1962 I am usually unaffected by the deaths of people I don’t know personally, except to sympathize with their loved ones, etc. With Norm it’s different somehow. I feel a real loss. Gone too soon, for sure, and we are all the lesser for it.
@@bellalugosi5853 yes, indeed we are lesser for it my friend. That said - guess what I just did - rented Dirty Work and I’m gonna watch the hell out of it right now :-) Cheers bro.
I don't know why the audience wasn't dying. They liked it, but that story and the way he told it was really, really, really hard to beat. Dave visibly approved highly and had a good laugh, yet he had already heard it: you can tell from how he somehow knows when it's over. There's no actual signal in the story itself, so how else could he know? It was pre-cleared. If this had been the first time Dave heard it, I say it would have just slain him.
Even when Dave tells Norm that he does a good Cosby impression and Norm says "maybe I should play him on the show..." I've always thought the humor in that line got overlooked
Ohlmeyer died in 2017. His obituary included this: "Ohlmeyer's second tenure at NBC was also caught up in a mild controversy over the firing of Norm Macdonald from Saturday Night Live in 1998, reportedly for the comedian's off-color jokes about O.J. Simpson. Ohlmeyer and Simpson were close friends."
This is on his Wikipedia: "Ohlmeyer is best known as the man who fired comedian Norm Macdonald from Saturday Night Live and as a steadfast supporter of OJ Simpson."
I wish I had made that my high school quote, and or "I dont know a lot of words". (I'm 20) i came close tho with a quote of a buddy of mine, ya know who says he says "Everyone says stupid things some time i just say them lots of times"
@@FIXTREME I've never watched any interviews from him but having enjoyed some of his weird movies and knowing his "artsy" name I can presume he's a pretentious arse.
I never watched Letterman growing up (34 now) but have so much respect for him after watching these clips. You could tell he genuinely was upset Norm lost his weekend update role due to bureaucracy rather than genuine reasons. It's funny, Norm was never really a main character in a lot of things, but I felt like I knew him better than what many would consider A-List celebrities. The pain from his passing is up there for me with Steve Irwin and Robin Williams, just absolutely treasures of our generation. As you said Norm, cancer didn't win, it's a draw as the cancer dies with you. Thank you for everything and I will miss you
The last paragraph of his wikipedia summary ends with "He also fired Norm McDonald from Saturday Night Live." a nice little bookend to what he'll be remembered for.
Thank you Norm. You left the world with a great example of how to be humble, funny, brave, and honest. You represent all those things… all while making us laugh. A true gift. ❤️✌🏼
The SNL firing appearance is, to this day, the greatest talk show appearance ever. Only the Kaufmann/Lawler stuff rivals it. Didn't realise the Cosby story was on this appearance too. Letterman and Norm MACDonald. Two absolute titans.
I haven't seen Norm in sometime. He was perhaps the greatest comedian of all time. His deadpan delivery really appeals to my sense of humor. I am so happy to see these clips! RIP to the funniest guy of my generation! I was born in the same year as Norm but he always seemed either younger or older than I was at the peak of his career! So versatile!
This whole compilation was my favorite because he made the best humor out of his firing. I'd be like "damn I'm gonna miss this guy so much when he's gone" but i didn't think it'd be so soon.
Apparently Olmeyer was besties with O.J. and Norm ( and his writers) were doing tons of (absolutely hilarious) jokes about him. Olmeyer was a titan at NBC at the time and unfortunately everyone bowed. Too bad , Norm's Weekend Updates were unparalleled.
I’ve watched this over and over again. I’m a little older and I’ve watched talkshows my whole life and this appearance is one of the best moments in the history of late night. Raw feelings and still so funny. Dave was great and the conversation between them is classic. The Cosby bit is one of my favorites that Norm did. Dave genuinely love Norm and even years later he did everything he could to give Norm a chance to shine.
Absolutely crushed by Norms passing. He was so fortunate to have friends like Dave. These episodes with Norm are comedy gems that I go back to over and over. Thanks Norm you were a gem and will be sorely missed
Norm's Bob Uecker impression talking about John Fogerty, "You probably think of him as some f@ck&r who likes to bite the heads off of chickens" got the biggest laugh from Dave that I've ever seen. Here’s the link: ruclips.net/video/eiooeRAdcjU/видео.html
"I'm firing you from the show." "Oh... that's not good. Why is that, now?" "Oh, you're not funny." "Holy Lord, that's even worse news!" Might be my favorite thing Norm's ever said. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@igot5onit423 I agree. CK , Norm, Dave, Burr. They put in the work and are deserving of such praise. Norm is naturally funny. Kindve like a reflex he has if that makes sense
@@DrPhil-kx3ci burr is good at stand up but I think he's funnier on his podcast or in conversation.. that goes for norm to.. Ck and Dave are my fav in terms of pure standup .. But Dave & CK you can find roots of their comedy.. norm is the Exception to all the rules but it works..( if that makes sense lol)
Highlights 0:36 Norm gets fired from SNL weekend update 19:10 Norm talks about visiting Don Ohlmeyer ( Dave knocks the stuffing out of Ohlmeyer, figuratively ) 24:25 Norm's very funny 'Ol' Harold Delaney' scrabble story 31:43 Dave gushing over Norm 32:01 Norm on the road stories watching pay 'movies'. 35:06 Going to Broadway shows with his mom 43:03 Norm's 'Dirty Work' movie 43:43 Don Rickles impersonation 45:48 Bob Saget 47:34 New country music 49:15 Don Ohlmeyer attempting to sabotage Norm's career
Dave being given the ammo to rip into Ohlmeyer is classic. Also, I think that line about "[not being able to] produce a fart after a bean dinner" is a tribute to Carson... I remember reading about Carson describing Chevy Chase with the same line.
Awesome seeing everyone watching norm clips and saying they love him. Hell yea he was hilarious. His mind, timing, delivery and just the vibe he gave. Anyone who knew him or was his friend probably had too much fun and laughs.
I'll listen and watch Norm 'til the end of my days - thanks to everyone who's put up videos and audio and compilations. Thank U!!! Thanks Norm - I'll see U when I get there. "It ain't whiskey, but it's good" Dave's handling of Norm's firing is among the greatest things I've ever seen on TV. Bravo to Dave!
As much as I love these guys, I always feel a twinge of sadness watching these comps, cos as a 40 year old Englishman who grew up watching stand-ups any chance I got; Letterman wasn't shown over here when I was younger! We missed all these amazing moments that I now have to hunt down on here, so many thanks to Don Giller for putting these up here - you Sir, like Dave & Norm, are a legend in your own time!
It used to be. I watched the letterman show on BBC2 (90% positive it was that channel) in the 90's. I loved it! I'd learn all the top tens and recite them for the kids in class the following day.
@@andresromanoguzzo3845 Tv is just a medium, it's not different to you tube. If the medium exists and guys like Norm and Dave can throw a bit of light into the darkness, then that's a good thing. You get over yourself if you think typing random shit on you tube means you've freed yourself from some yolk of tyranny or another!
@@markbtv11 Not in the days I used to watch it. There was no such thing lol I think it was on bbc 2 on a thursdays, but don't quote me. I remember this because I would memorize the top tens and perform them for my class buddies the following day!
I am a Uber driver and I will listen to Norm while I'm riding around in my customers really get a kick out of it! I was just listening to him this morning and now I will pick up my phone and find out he passed away! The very idea that he may been have been dying while I was riding around listening to him it's just heartbreaking. He always reminded me of Paul Newman in Coolhand Luke.
I’d forgotten about this episode- it’s great watching this again. So glad you posted it. Thank you. 🧡🧡. Norm lives on in all our hearts and conversations. He is out of pain and on to better things, waaaaaaay better things.
The Don Rickles impression at 44:04 is great. Rickles really did have an almost surrealist/absurdist vibe to some of his insult stuff. Just total nonsense but somehow it made a weird kind of sense and was inexplicably hilarious.
Absolutely man thank you for putting this content out. As you know there is no more late-night comedy. So thankfully thank God we have this to watch. Thank you so much and God bless you and your family.
Dave having Norm on immediately after his firing is huge. Imagine someone being fired from SNL now? No late night host would touch them. Better times back then.
I think Kimmel or Conan would. They were Letterman's apprentices and have shown themselves to be guys that do the right thing. I mean, when NBC screwed over Conan, he paid his staff out of pocket. The moral of the story here is that NBC had a lot of idiots working there.
I still seek these clips out, even rewatch them. If I have a cup of coffee with me, ( I often do) I raise my cup to Norm, and all Norm left us in his wake. Thanks RUclips contributors!♥️
Is it just me or is Norm funnier being interviewed than he is when he is interviewing others? I love these Letterman segments and all the cal Ins to the Dennis Miller radio shows.
So sad Norm is gone. He was so strong, and fought a long time, now we know. Funniest guy ever, its an opinion, dont kill me over it. RIP, warm hearted man, we need more people like this.
0:01 January 7, 1998. Norm fired as SNL's "Weekend Update" anchor. 16:57 March 6, 1998. "Dirty Work" opening in May (later, moved back to June). 31:01 May 1, 1998. 42:03 June 2, 1998. Promotes "Dirty Work." Clip deleted due to copyright caution.
That Scrabble story is hilarious. I love Norm's stories as you can't tell if they've actually happened or he's making the entire thing up but either way he tells them with such conviction.
That Harold Delany story would have been so much better and would have made more sense if Norm ended it with the revelation that he had gone to the wrong address and wasn't at a Bed & Breakfast after all but just some old guy's house.
It's not a true story. There are two Bs in a Scrabble set. No way they could have made RABBIT and BOOT without either overlap or blanks. But both overlap and blanks are explicitly ruled out in the story.
I've watched these first two interviews innumerable times, the first two right after Norm's bs firing. Two of the best and most hilarious I've seen, anywhere. Dave going to bat for Norm was so goddamn wholesome. The first time Dave insults ol' Don, calling him an idiot, we get a glimpse of Norm being truly surprised and temporarily dumbfounded. Someday I hope we all have relationships like this, someone with the power and ability to help their friends and partners 100%, displaying absolute faith in their friends own abilities. That was more of a comment, really. Miss you, Norm
Dave was excellent, but so are Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, James Corden, and Seth Meyers. Just bc you revered Letterman doesn't mean this era's late night hosts are thus crap.
@@california You’re joking. They are crap to middling. Cordon is crappest, and in descending order of crapness Kimmel, Colbert, Myers. The last good host was Craig Fergusson.
@@california No, they're just crap. It has nothing to do with a reverence towards Dave. In fact, I didn't even really care for Dave. The only episodes I ever saw were the ones with Norm. But these out of touch, sheltered commercial doofuses they have in charge of late night now are absolutely embarrassing. Clueless ignoramuses doing watered down jokes written by sjws. The fact you think they're good says a lot. I'm surprised you're even here.
I don;t know who put this video together but to understand the growth in confidence in sequence is either an accident or pure genius . . either way it's a communication. . Thanks for putting it out. .
I've watched this and all your norm videos probably 10 times through at this point, and I had never noticed just how uncomfortable Norm was in the January 7th interview when Dave was ripping on Lorne and NBC. I bet Norm was thinking the next day at work was going to suck. Or maybe he even had a shot to get update back if he played cool for a while since since was still under contract. Also, the look on Dave's face when Norm tells him Ohlmeyer gave him a lighter and an umbrella is priceless.
Honestly, being fired because he was thought to be too hard on the murderer friend of a TV executive really is a feather in Norm's cap.
Actually, the murderer friend offered to kill Norm, but his TV executive friend thought that it might look a little suspicious.
@@billolsen4360 It might have been outside his wheelhouse since Norm was neither a woman or a waiter.
Should be a lawsuit.
The sense of humour. So raw.
ya it makes no sense, maybe he was fired & poisoned for the Clinton jokes that led to the tRump win, so the OJ stuff is a cover story 🤔
David's loyalty is so admirable. No wonder Norm loved him so much. RIP
Dave is great.
Norm loved him since he was a kid.
I think Dave just hated NBC
@@Drewitall54 a bit of both
I agree. Hollywood is a demonic place. Carson,Letterman, Conan we're the last 👍
Leno is a piece of 💩
I can't imagine how it must have felt for Norm having just been fired from his signature bit on SNL, and having his hero David Letterman vehemently defend him and insist so sincerely that he get his own show on the same network as him. To have your idol be that supportive of you and your talent must have been somewhat shocking to someone like Norm who seemed to be a pretty humble guy. What a great guy. What a life he lived.
The vindication most can only dream of
What a gentleman Norm was.Waitef for Dave to sit first.So handsome.
That look on his face when Dave went on that mini-rant was priceless.
Nice! And Carson helped make Letterman
Brother...I'm darn near choked up. I'm watching these for first time.
Norm is really great
timing
his pause
classic
rest on Norm
It's physically impossible to watch just one Norm clip...absolute hero
From Ireland?
@@quiricomazarin476 no, he’s from Gary, Indiana. No one wants to tell anyone they’re from S-t hole Gary so they try to fool ya by putting their heritage in before “Gary”.
@@smelltheglove2038 Lol Michael did....
Normie actually is from an Irish village.....in quebec where Winnie the pooh was.
@@quiricomazarin476 I know where Norm is from, I was talking about IrishGary.
Hey, by the way, I was wondering………..
You, uh, got any gum?
Dave: "I'll tell you who's taking your place - NOBODY can take your place."
So true. RIP Norm MACdonald.
:(
He was surprisingly sweet towards Norm.
@@teocantsleep4611 surprisingly? Real recognizes real, maybe.
truth
Who did follow Norm after he was let go, I can't recall?
How awesome the way Letterman, a man from a competing network, stuck up for him. That says a lot about the love and respect Norm seemed to get from his peers. That means something.
(That "man from a competing network" was far more vocationally-r^ped by NBC than MacDonald. I think it was as much about lingering--and justified--bitterness over old betrayals as it was about empathy for Norm.)
@@mulemule I agree with the part in the parentheses, but the rest is hogwash.
Letterman is a good man, as was Norm. Conan, too. They all made late night amazing.
@@lomarsweed6604 That breaks this "ol' lump o' coal's" heart.
I think it was his best interview ever. He kept going deeper,.asking the questions many of us had at the time but couldn't just post online and hash it out with strangers! LOL
This is why Norm cried on his last appearance on Letterman, the guy had his back
A
@@James33160 A
Nah man. They were good friends. Letterman was his idol growing up.
@@tcherylp You just described a friend you quizzling. Having someone's back is the same thing, do you always rephrase what other people say for no reason?
@@serpentines6356 not really
Norm was such a wild energy. He was so insightful with his nuances but gentle in delivery. So unique. I'll miss his genius.
‘Then I sobered up and realized I still had some whiskey left’. Classic
That has happened to me . But wasn’t funny , more pathetic . I have a disease , probably the best disease . LoL
Norm Macdonald was a man to be admired. He shrugged off the harsh times of life like a champ, and he went out his own way
It also helped that he was on a lot of xanax and whiskey!
@@EpicM1lkmanWhat a battleaxe! Now he's finished!
Shrugged off harsh times. We’ll said, I didn’t appreciate that this would cripple most of us and he seems as if he’s talking about something funny that happened.
Actually, he went out just like Andy Kaufman.
Drunk and in debt?
All us Norm fans are rewatching everything we can. He will always be the best. So natural. So sincere. So fuckin funny
Crying and laughing now 💔
been rewatching his stuff for years now, and now that he passed away, its so sad =[
That guy tore me up!! He just had that fry delivery that was flawless!
@@meanjean3023 I
I always knew of Norm but never really watched his stuff. Im watching a lot of his stuff and having to hit pause while I laugh so as to not miss anything.
"He also thinks that OJ is innocent."
Case in point right there.
Wtf
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️😜😜😜😜😜
@Norm Meunier Worth it. OJ was guilty and one of the first people found innocent because he was a certain color.
But just as Norm said, murder is now officially legal in California.
It also started the trend of black on jewish hate crimes.
@Norm Meunier as a security camera technician, I can tell you, security cameras in the mid-90s were nowhere near the level of what they are today. Many systems utilized VHS tapes at that time, and absolutely everything was hardwired, so not only was it expensive to run the wires for those cameras, it would have been time-consuming and they would have had to cut into the drywall, which would make any young woman nervous.
@Norm Meunier Would you spend that money?
Norm is the perfect combination of a child and an old man.
Love watching him with Dave.
Wow, that is the best description for Norm!
You nailed norm!
lol
🤭
Norm has that old timey flo…. A young man with old timer wisdom
genius.
It's January 4th, 2023, and still I'm missing Norm, and still, I'm watching him daily, all thanks to RUclips.
I recently found a video of Sarah Silverman finding out about Norm's passing. I think that theirs was an acrimonious relationship, but her words I found quite moving. I think yes he was an angel, and yes, he is dearly missed. The Great Pretender that nobody really knew, but as Sarah said: "He was cynical, but wide eyed as well."
Appreciated in death, more than in life, was the magnificent and Late Great, Norm Macdonald 1959-2021.
I loved him so.
Well said, and likewise. No one makes me laugh like he does. I laugh so much it hurts 😅
Good ol' Norm. Hi-fucking-larious!
Norm Macdonald and Bill Murray are spiritual allies. Everything is a joke in their minds. Every single word in a conversation is an opportunity to make a joke.
You are missed, Norm.
Thanks for making me cry. ‘Don’t be sad that it’s over; be happy that it happened.’
I think its only fair to explain to the folks what acrimonious means ...
Norm made it. Made movies, SNL, stand up, dave, leno, He helped me through my depression. Rest easy norm. You made your mark in this world and will never be forgotten!
He helped me through my depression too, So I have started drinking again.
Most of Norm's material wouldn't even be funny coming from anyone else. He has the best delivery.
Most of norms material doesnt even sound like material cause his delivery is so natural.
Retelling his jokes is a dangerous game you can’t win
Best deadpan ever!!!
He could take a mediocre forgettable joke and turn it into a hilarious unforgettable joke with his delivery and his personality.
@@GeoffJRC his voice, delivery, cadence and his way with words can't and won't ever be matched.
Watching these again. I am so sad that he has passed away. He was the funniest guy ever. Dave really loved him. RIP Norm.
I just heard a few hours ago and am actually still very sad about it🥺this one hit hard
I usually don’t get too upset when celebrities die, I mean I’m not happy, but it’s not personal. But between Charlie Watts and Norm, two of the classiest guys around, I do feel bad.
@@badbadmanly903 I know. First Charlie, now Norm. May they both rest in peace.
Well said 👍 RIP 🥺👏👏
Me too, Norm will be missed
Dave really surprised me here, he really didn't give a shit about these suits and had Norm's back.
Letterman made fun of NBCs execs when he was at NBC. The rumor is, he didn't get the Tonight Show due to that.
Dave and Stern were famous for digging on management, don’t know if it was for real or for material.
@@Notrocketscience101 the difference between letterman and stern is letterman isn't a cocksucker
The first interview really shows how much of a decent human being Norm really was. Even through the rough times he kept his composure and unique sense of humor. He was such a genuinely funny guy.
He was too genuine for mainstream TV. This was when the cancel culture PC bullshit started to really take. Norm and Dave weren’t fake enough for today’s standards. Just look at the worms who shill on the shows today
norm just didn't give a fuck honestly lol...he realized life was too absurd to take seriously
@@themanmachine125 You're his close family member, right? I thought I recognized the name HennessyOnMyPancakes!!!!
Loved Norm's scrabble story and going to a play with his Mom. You never know where Norm's gonna take you, but you know it's gonna be funny as hell. David Letterman's reactions are fantastic as well - especially sticking up for him after being fired from SNL weekend update. David and Norm really had a terrific bond on his Late Stow appearances. Great stuff! Thanks for posting!
I totally didn't get the scrabble story :/
Sounds like a you problem @@holdenmcgroin3995
Love how Dave just enjoys listening to Norm's genius ramble on.
Norm was so self deprecating...he was highly intelligent and a deep thinker. There’s no way he didn’t know what quisling means. “Nobody can take your place.” Truer words...
he knew his niche and he knew his funniest angle was as "just a little above" average joe. and to just deadpan the savage in there.
goddamn that nack is missed by me.
Oh yes he definitely would know that - Norm was highly literate. God damn I’m sad over his death, like I was when Tom Petty died, and Garry Shandling. It’s like…. important pieces of our world are now gone and I gotta figure out how to make sense of the senseless.
@@bcdrummer1962 I am usually unaffected by the deaths of people I don’t know personally, except to sympathize with their loved ones, etc. With Norm it’s different somehow. I feel a real loss. Gone too soon, for sure, and we are all the lesser for it.
@@bellalugosi5853 yes, indeed we are lesser for it my friend. That said - guess what I just did - rented
Dirty Work and I’m gonna watch the hell out of it right now :-) Cheers bro.
@@bcdrummer1962 Enjoy!
Dave was wonderful with his friend Norm. And Norm killed it. The dead dad story had me in tears
I don't know why the audience wasn't dying. They liked it, but that story and the way he told it was really, really, really hard to beat. Dave visibly approved highly and had a good laugh, yet he had already heard it: you can tell from how he somehow knows when it's over. There's no actual signal in the story itself, so how else could he know? It was pre-cleared.
If this had been the first time Dave heard it, I say it would have just slain him.
Even when Dave tells Norm that he does a good Cosby impression and Norm says "maybe I should play him on the show..." I've always thought the humor in that line got overlooked
@@ourtime-downhere6931 I miss the days when we could make gentle Cosby jokes.
One can tell that Letterman truly cared for Norm.
Hmmm….
So, you uh… you got any gum?
@@smelltheglove2038If someone has Juicy Fruit can you get an extra piece for me? They don't sell it near me anymore. 😢
@@smelltheglove2038”waddle,waddle”
2 Legends of comedy. Two of my all time favorites. RIP Norm Macdonald. The world needs more entertainers like you.
Ohlmeyer died in 2017. His obituary included this: "Ohlmeyer's second tenure at NBC was also caught up in a mild controversy over the firing of Norm Macdonald from Saturday Night Live in 1998, reportedly for the comedian's off-color jokes about O.J. Simpson. Ohlmeyer and Simpson were close friends."
Thanks Cronkite!
That explains why he was such a jackass.
This is on his Wikipedia: "Ohlmeyer is best known as the man who fired comedian Norm Macdonald from Saturday Night Live and as a steadfast supporter of OJ Simpson."
Amazing
And neither one of them owned a doghouse.
They were too friggin sweet to each other. I love how sincere real comedians are.
"He says to me, he says to me, he says..." - Norm Macdonald
I wish I had made that my high school quote, and or "I dont know a lot of words". (I'm 20) i came close tho with a quote of a buddy of mine, ya know who says he says "Everyone says stupid things some time i just say them lots of times"
Tig? Lol
He's like that small child strammering about having a dream where you could you could you you could fo anything.
@@Turtleproof Norm speaks like that Harmony jerk who made Gummo... except Norm is a funny, likeable guy and not a total creep
@@FIXTREME I've never watched any interviews from him but having enjoyed some of his weird movies and knowing his "artsy" name I can presume he's a pretentious arse.
“It ain’t whisky, but it’s good.”
“Now, there’s a good song!”
Classic.
I don't get it. Is it actually a song?
@@1988NickF It's a good title for a country song is all. Lol.
When ever I feel blue, I just watch Norm Macdonald compilation. Always cheers me up.
Weekend Update has never been better than when Norm did it. Dave was absolutely right to have his back here!
Absolutely.
I'm partial to Tina Fey but Norm is a very close 2nd... theyve all been great though imo
When Tina left the show died. Although it’s had several deaths/rebirths
@@Fetidaf All of them? Really? Alright. You sound like a fun, easy soul to be around.
@@Fetidaf All of them? Really? Alright. You sound like a fun, easy soul to be around.
RIP and God bless Norm. He was a great guy and absolutely hilarious.
I have been watching all his videos laughing and crying
@@DavidaVeddar me too. I wish now I had seen him live. I imagine I could have many times over the years.
He's a good man though...
He was probably the best weekend update anchor SNL ever had. His delivery was priceless! What a legend
He sadly passed from cancer but at least he didn't have the disease of alcoholism, those symptoms are really bad🤣
It sucks that Norm got fired, but it did lead to the greatest SNL monologue of all time.
@Mr Heck ruclips.net/video/ofXxinOtPiQ/видео.html
Jacob Russell a
A fantastic monologue that was so good that every other comedian was talking about it with each other
Comedy = tragedy + time
@@WisamSafi1978 does that mean comedy - time = tragedy?
Dave and Norm perfectly compliment each other. Priceless.
Would've loved to seen them in like a weekly show or something.
I can watch Norm telling his "Old Harold Delaney" story over and over again.....
RIP Harold Delaney
@@bshayc79 You, uh, you got any gum?
@@smelltheglove2038 hey, you...uhh.. gotta any gum? 🤣
@@bshayc79 Ehhhhh……. Enjoying your shrimp?
@@smelltheglove2038 you..uh.. got any gum?
"It's just his opinion... He also thinks that O.J. is innocent."
it is clearly visible that norm was pretty depressed regarding the snl situatuion and dave is such a great friend.
There is no shock in your life like getting fired. It makes you feel like complete caca.
And Norm is so humble that he was trying not to fight back. It's so disheartening. Those idiots at NBC.
Norm didn’t give a s***!
@@jameshastings5779 Sounds like you’ve lived a gilded existence, friend.
@@lauriehere6408 how do you know?
I love that letterman always supported him and wanted to see him succeed. God we're gonna miss ya norm. Rest in peace brother..
I never watched Letterman growing up (34 now) but have so much respect for him after watching these clips. You could tell he genuinely was upset Norm lost his weekend update role due to bureaucracy rather than genuine reasons.
It's funny, Norm was never really a main character in a lot of things, but I felt like I knew him better than what many would consider A-List celebrities. The pain from his passing is up there for me with Steve Irwin and Robin Williams, just absolutely treasures of our generation.
As you said Norm, cancer didn't win, it's a draw as the cancer dies with you. Thank you for everything and I will miss you
I never knew he was Canadian. No wonder he was so adorable. 😘
Gonna miss Norm. These clips put me in a better mood. Letterman a class act for giving him the forum.
The more I learn about this Ohlmeyer fella, the less I care for him.
The last paragraph of his wikipedia summary ends with "He also fired Norm McDonald from Saturday Night Live." a nice little bookend to what he'll be remembered for.
He was no Hitler, but still...
The guy sounds like A REAL JERK!
@@themrreepodcast4201 haha
Great!
@benadryl cabbagepatch Is that your excuse ?
RIP Norm. What a sad day. This loss hurts.
I’ve watched the first three compilations, and this is by far the best one. This was great stuff!
Norm: "I'm horrible at sketches".
Also Norm: Best Burt Reynolds impersonation ever.
You're a gem and a class act, Norm. We'll never forget you.
Thank you Norm. You left the world with a great example of how to be humble, funny, brave, and honest. You represent all those things… all while making us laugh. A true gift. ❤️✌🏼
“Anything on the top shelf”-love Dave’s genuine cackle at 20:48
at 20:56 Norm thinks to himself "anything on the middle shelf" might have been funnier
@@rajnandy7472 Loo lol lol
When you can make Letterman laugh for 30 minutes straight, you know you're a legend.
He was often called "The comedian's comedian"
It's been months and I still cry when Norm tears up on his last appearance on Letterman's last show.
The SNL firing appearance is, to this day, the greatest talk show appearance ever. Only the Kaufmann/Lawler stuff rivals it. Didn't realise the Cosby story was on this appearance too. Letterman and Norm MACDonald. Two absolute titans.
I haven't seen Norm in sometime. He was perhaps the greatest comedian of all time. His deadpan delivery really appeals to my sense of humor. I am so happy to see these clips! RIP to the funniest guy of my generation! I was born in the same year as Norm but he always seemed either younger or older than I was at the peak of his career! So versatile!
well said Tim! he left too early, but he left so much comedy for us.
This whole compilation was my favorite because he made the best humor out of his firing. I'd be like "damn I'm gonna miss this guy so much when he's gone" but i didn't think it'd be so soon.
Apparently Olmeyer was besties with O.J. and Norm ( and his writers) were doing tons of (absolutely hilarious) jokes about him. Olmeyer was a titan at NBC at the time and unfortunately everyone bowed. Too bad , Norm's Weekend Updates were unparalleled.
I’ve watched this over and over again. I’m a little older and I’ve watched talkshows my whole life and this appearance is one of the best moments in the history of late night. Raw feelings and still so funny. Dave was great and the conversation between them is classic. The Cosby bit is one of my favorites that Norm did. Dave genuinely love Norm and even years later he did everything he could to give Norm a chance to shine.
Norm has passed, David has been off the air for 10 years. These were the best years never forget it!
Isn’t in ironic, Don Ohlmeyer is only remembered as the guy who fired Norm McDonald because he made too many jokes about O.J. Simpson.
Absolutely crushed by Norms passing. He was so fortunate to have friends like Dave. These episodes with Norm are comedy gems that I go back to over and over. Thanks Norm you were a gem and will be sorely missed
"Anything on the top shelf"
That line gets probably the most genuine big laugh I've ever seen from Dave.
No the first time Norm does his Bob Uecker impression Dave laughed harder than he probably ever has
It was definitely him talking about intermission at the coffee play
Norm's Bob Uecker impression talking about John Fogerty, "You probably think of him as some f@ck&r who likes to bite the heads off of chickens" got the biggest laugh from Dave that I've ever seen. Here’s the link: ruclips.net/video/eiooeRAdcjU/видео.html
I can't believe how good natured Norm is about getting summarily fired by a humor-challenged corporate suit.
"...fired by a humor-free corporate shit." Thought I'd fix those typos.
"I'm firing you from the show."
"Oh... that's not good. Why is that, now?"
"Oh, you're not funny."
"Holy Lord, that's even worse news!"
Might be my favorite thing Norm's ever said. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
The Cosby joke with Dave set up is bananas! And Dave’s anger at norm getting canned is so great
He was the funniest comedian of all time. Rest in Peace.
ehhhhhhhhhh he was definitely one of them
@President Camacho I feel the top tier are norm, Dave and mr.ck
Saying of all time is very difficult to give to any one comedian. He’s definitely on the mt. Rushmore
@@igot5onit423 I agree. CK , Norm, Dave, Burr. They put in the work and are deserving of such praise. Norm is naturally funny. Kindve like a reflex he has if that makes sense
@@DrPhil-kx3ci burr is good at stand up but I think he's funnier on his podcast or in conversation.. that goes for norm to..
Ck and Dave are my fav in terms of pure standup ..
But Dave & CK you can find roots of their comedy.. norm is the Exception to all the rules but it works..( if that makes sense lol)
So sorry you have died Norm, my condolences to your dear family and dear friends. A big loss to them as well as us, your fans.
He won't read this. Cause, ya know, he's dead
Actually, condolences to us all for our great loss at a time when good humor is so critically needed.
Nah, but he was a good guy........
@@jakebetts2885 no, it’s meant for a different one
@@Cantbuyathrill 8:40
Highlights
0:36 Norm gets fired from SNL weekend update
19:10 Norm talks about visiting Don Ohlmeyer ( Dave knocks the stuffing out of Ohlmeyer, figuratively )
24:25 Norm's very funny 'Ol' Harold Delaney' scrabble story
31:43 Dave gushing over Norm
32:01 Norm on the road stories watching pay 'movies'.
35:06 Going to Broadway shows with his mom
43:03 Norm's 'Dirty Work' movie
43:43 Don Rickles impersonation
45:48 Bob Saget
47:34 New country music
49:15 Don Ohlmeyer attempting to sabotage Norm's career
These are great. Just one nit: “highlights” is one word, not two. :)
@@dongiller That's funny because I had it as one word, looked at it and then changed it to two. There'll be other errors no doubt. Thanks Don. Fixed.
Every second of 90s/2000s Norm is a highlight
@@thriller985 True
Dave being given the ammo to rip into Ohlmeyer is classic. Also, I think that line about "[not being able to] produce a fart after a bean dinner" is a tribute to Carson... I remember reading about Carson describing Chevy Chase with the same line.
Thanks for this… Good to have a good laugh despite the recent sad news. These guys popped so well off each other, I could watch for hours…
Thanks so much for posting this Norm on Letterman series. I'm going to binge watch all of them!
I love you so much Norm. This was too soon and too big a blow to all of our hearts. May you rest in peace. I love you. ❤️
Awesome seeing everyone watching norm clips and saying they love him. Hell yea he was hilarious. His mind, timing, delivery and just the vibe he gave. Anyone who knew him or was his friend probably had too much fun and laughs.
So sad about Norm. He was the best - hilarious, creative and handsome! Thank you for the laughs good sir.
There is always a smile on my face when I watch these episodes.
I'll listen and watch Norm 'til the end of my days - thanks to everyone who's put up videos and audio and compilations. Thank U!!! Thanks Norm - I'll see U when I get there. "It ain't whiskey, but it's good" Dave's handling of Norm's firing is among the greatest things I've ever seen on TV. Bravo to Dave!
As much as I love these guys, I always feel a twinge of sadness watching these comps, cos as a 40 year old Englishman who grew up watching stand-ups any chance I got; Letterman wasn't shown over here when I was younger! We missed all these amazing moments that I now have to hunt down on here, so many thanks to Don Giller for putting these up here - you Sir, like Dave & Norm, are a legend in your own time!
its just tv man... you got the jokes here on youtube... you cant be simpin on tv shit... please... get a hold of yourself!!
It used to be. I watched the letterman show on BBC2 (90% positive it was that channel) in the 90's. I loved it! I'd learn all the top tens and recite them for the kids in class the following day.
@@andresromanoguzzo3845 Tv is just a medium, it's not different to you tube. If the medium exists and guys like Norm and Dave can throw a bit of light into the darkness, then that's a good thing. You get over yourself if you think typing random shit on you tube means you've freed yourself from some yolk of tyranny or another!
It used to be on itv2 at 2am
@@markbtv11 Not in the days I used to watch it. There was no such thing lol I think it was on bbc 2 on a thursdays, but don't quote me. I remember this because I would memorize the top tens and perform them for my class buddies the following day!
I am a Uber driver and I will listen to Norm while I'm riding around in my customers really get a kick out of it! I was just listening to him this morning and now I will pick up my phone and find out he passed away! The very idea that he may been have been dying while I was riding around listening to him it's just heartbreaking. He always reminded me of Paul Newman in Coolhand Luke.
In co? Don.t know what that is. So sad about another great 🇨🇦comedian. We sure have a lot of them. I felt just as bad about John Candy. RIP
@@heatherdequetteville9184 Coolhand Luke. I make comments here using voice text. Voice typos baby.
Yeah cool hand luke
That’s awesome man. Keep Norm’s legacy alive. He was a true genius and a good man.
Yes, you really was handsome as well!
I’d forgotten about this episode- it’s great watching this again. So glad you posted it. Thank you. 🧡🧡. Norm lives on in all our hearts and conversations. He is out of pain and on to better things, waaaaaaay better things.
These clips are fantastic! Norm was a true genius... His last comedy special was so great
"Between you and me, he's an idiot!"
Millions of people watching. 😂
The Don Rickles impression at 44:04 is great. Rickles really did have an almost surrealist/absurdist vibe to some of his insult stuff. Just total nonsense but somehow it made a weird kind of sense and was inexplicably hilarious.
Absolutely man thank you for putting this content out. As you know there is no more late-night comedy. So thankfully thank God we have this to watch. Thank you so much and God bless you and your family.
Thanks, John!
“Well I’m a courageous, classy dude.” Cracking me up. ♥️norm!
Dave having Norm on immediately after his firing is huge. Imagine someone being fired from SNL now? No late night host would touch them. Better times back then.
I believe he was fired on the same day that he was scheduled to be on letterman.
@@__nickinabox__5803 you are correct! cuz on the next appearance Norm corrects Dave and tells him he came on that same day
I think Kimmel or Conan would. They were Letterman's apprentices and have shown themselves to be guys that do the right thing. I mean, when NBC screwed over Conan, he paid his staff out of pocket. The moral of the story here is that NBC had a lot of idiots working there.
The hosts today are slimy little worms and complete shills.
7:45 gets me everytime. The way he pulls out the "he says to me, he says.." just perfect
my favorite moment lol
9:47 “Sure...I mean...ya know...?” Classic! He has such a fantastic, unique sense of timing.
"So, after I spent all night drinking whiskey, then I woke up and realized i still have more whiskey."
Don Giller always has the best entertainment vids .
Thank you once again for all you do for us , Don .
YOU'RE THE MAN.
I still seek these clips out, even rewatch them. If I have a cup of coffee with me, ( I often do) I raise my cup to Norm, and all Norm left us in his wake. Thanks RUclips contributors!♥️
The first one with David Letterman has to be one of the best talk show interviews of all time
This dude was hilarious! I remember him crying on his last appearance on Letterman. Very endearing. R.I.P. Norm.
Is it just me or is Norm funnier being interviewed than he is when he is interviewing others? I love these Letterman segments and all the cal Ins to the Dennis Miller radio shows.
there's something about norm and Dennis Miller that's hysterical. I nearly ROFLd when I hear segments with those two
@@jonathanbrown7250 me too… norm was great on these shows.
Norm is one of the best to ever do comedy. And he is one of the best guest you ll ever get on any show.
Well said
So sad Norm is gone. He was so strong, and fought a long time, now we know. Funniest guy ever, its an opinion, dont kill me over it. RIP, warm hearted man, we need more people like this.
Norm was such a savage, he never once worried it would be taken badly.
Rip Norm
Nobody will ever replace Norm, such a national tragedy.
Not just a tragedy for Canada but a tragedy for the entire english speaking world.
@@globalmonkey007now almost everybody speak english. He had fans all over the world
@@aa11ct9 Yeah, that's what I said.
0:01 January 7, 1998. Norm fired as SNL's "Weekend Update" anchor.
16:57 March 6, 1998. "Dirty Work" opening in May (later, moved back to June).
31:01 May 1, 1998.
42:03 June 2, 1998. Promotes "Dirty Work." Clip deleted due to copyright caution.
That Scrabble story is hilarious. I love Norm's stories as you can't tell if they've actually happened or he's making the entire thing up but either way he tells them with such conviction.
That Harold Delany story would have been so much better and would have made more sense if Norm ended it with the revelation that he had gone to the wrong address and wasn't at a Bed & Breakfast after all but just some old guy's house.
@@hv3115 DelanEy and 100% true.
@@hv3115 but you'd expect that result, and that wasn't Norm's style. It was all about subverting expectations
It's not a true story. There are two Bs in a Scrabble set. No way they could have made RABBIT and BOOT without either overlap or blanks. But both overlap and blanks are explicitly ruled out in the story.
@@buntnermcgee6157 You’ve never heard tell of a boot?
I've watched these first two interviews innumerable times, the first two right after Norm's bs firing.
Two of the best and most hilarious I've seen, anywhere. Dave going to bat for Norm was so goddamn wholesome. The first time Dave insults ol' Don, calling him an idiot, we get a glimpse of Norm being truly surprised and temporarily dumbfounded.
Someday I hope we all have relationships like this, someone with the power and ability to help their friends and partners 100%, displaying absolute faith in their friends own abilities.
That was more of a comment, really.
Miss you, Norm
Thanks you for making these compilations. Norm getting me through some hard times. He'll always live on.
Thanks for putting these together Don. Comedy gold. 👍
I miss Dave now that I see this again. So much better than the current cra* ..and Norm is awesome
it was a different time thats to be sure
Dave was excellent, but so are Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, James Corden, and Seth Meyers. Just bc you revered Letterman doesn't mean this era's late night hosts are thus crap.
@@california You’re joking. They are crap to middling. Cordon is crappest, and in descending order of crapness Kimmel, Colbert, Myers. The last good host was Craig Fergusson.
I never cared for Dave. However, with what we have now, I love the guy.
@@california No, they're just crap. It has nothing to do with a reverence towards Dave. In fact, I didn't even really care for Dave. The only episodes I ever saw were the ones with Norm. But these out of touch, sheltered commercial doofuses they have in charge of late night now are absolutely embarrassing. Clueless ignoramuses doing watered down jokes written by sjws.
The fact you think they're good says a lot.
I'm surprised you're even here.
The only guy who could have "My father's dead" as a punchline. RIP Norm.
I don;t know who put this video together but to understand the growth in confidence in sequence is either an accident or pure genius . . either way it's a communication. . Thanks for putting it out. .
You’re quite welcome.
I've watched this and all your norm videos probably 10 times through at this point, and I had never noticed just how uncomfortable Norm was in the January 7th interview when Dave was ripping on Lorne and NBC. I bet Norm was thinking the next day at work was going to suck. Or maybe he even had a shot to get update back if he played cool for a while since since was still under contract.
Also, the look on Dave's face when Norm tells him Ohlmeyer gave him a lighter and an umbrella is priceless.