Norm MacDonald was one of the most iconic and beloved comedians to ever perform on Saturday Night Live. Some of his best performances were as an anchor on SNL’s Weekend Update segment and his great impersonations of Larry King and Burt Reynolds. To honor the comedian’s recent passing, the SNL crew has shared a video on social media with MacDonald’s best impersonations and most memorable lines.

Norm MacDonald Was One of the Most Emblematic Comedians to Ever Perform During the 46 Seasons of SNL

MacDonald was a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1993 to 1998. He became synonymous with the role of the Weekend Update’s anchor as he led the segment for three seasons. Norm MacDonald passed away at the age of 61 after losing his battle with cancer. The current Weekend Update anchor, Colin Jost, pointed out that MacDonald was his biggest influence for the role.

As the World Mourns the Passing of Norm MacDonald, the SNL Crew Has Paid Their Respects

SNL producer and creator Lorne Michaels came out with the official statement addressing the death of the beloved comedian. He posted his pain-ridden words on social media, together with the video highlighting the unforgettable performances of the comedian. Michaels stated that it was a sad day for all of the crew at SNL who mourned the loss of Norm Macdonald. He continued to point out MacDonald’s role as one of the most impactful comedic voices of his and any other generation, praising the late comedian’s unflinching integrity, generosity, and consistent ability to surprise. Michaels ended the statement by simply stating that above all else, Norm was just plain funny, and no one was quite like him.

Norm MacDonald did many sketches during his time at SNL, and one of his most iconic routines was his impersonation of Burt Reynolds during the Celebrity Jeopardy! – segment. Norm was so popular for this performance that he did the impersonation many times and reprised the role on SNL’s 40th-anniversary special. In the shoes of Burt Reynolds and the Weekend Update‘s anchor, MacDonald has said many everlasting lines, poking fun at the Oscars, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Donald Trump, and others.

Kevin Strickland was born on June 7, 1959, in Kansas. He was 20 years old, when he was sent to prison for a triple murder he did not commit. He was convicted by an all-white jury while no physical evidence linked him to the crime.

Kevin spent the next 43 years in prison, serving a life sentence while being innocent. In 2021, his case gained national attention after former prosecutors in his trial admitted that he should be released because he was most likely not guilty.

Kevin Strickland Always Claimed His Innocence

For four decades Kevin maintained his innocence. At the time of the crime, he was watching television and wasn’t anywhere near the location of the murders. Cynthia Douglas was an eyewitness who pick him up out of a lineup after being pressured by the local police.

Ms. Douglas would later seek the assistance of the Missouri Innocents Projects to recant her testimony, but unfortunately, she passed away before being able to do so. Her children, however, made it clear that it was in her will to see Kevin freed, which led to the re-examination of his case.

The Law Failed Kevin Once More

Missouri law states that wrongfully imprisoned inmates should receive $50 per day of post-conviction confinement only if their innocence has been proven via DNA evidence. Kevin Strickland was not freed that way!

This led to the creation of a GoFundMe campaign that aimed to help Kevin get back on his feet after being released from prison. It raised over $1.6 million from caring strangers who also offered Strickland messages of support.

While money cannot make up for the lost time. It will surely give Kevin Strickland the peace, comfort, and tranquility he deserves after spending almost his entire life behind bars. It will enable him to believe in a better future and hopefully leave the past behind.