MacDonald's Cancer

Last week's news came out of nowhere and you wouldn't think this would have happened. We hear stories more of celebrities with cancer. This one stung with the passing of comedian Norm MacDonald at the age of 61. Tributes from many comedians, talk show hosts, it has been pouring in throughout the week. It brings up the story of keeping the cancer private and a glimpse of what he had been doing for a long time.

From stories on many websites, MacDonald started doing stand up in the 80s in his home nation of Canada. One of his major TV breakthroughs was working on Roseanne, something I had no idea he was involved in. He was part of the production as a writer and helped with stories. That was in 1992 and a year later, he was on Saturday Night Live. On NBC's sketch comedy show, he was part of the transition of the very few people to return and to be with a newer cast in 1995. His notoriety was being the Weekend Update anchor, which some speculate was why he was fired in early 1998. The reason supposedly was NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer being friends with O.J. Simpson and him getting tired of the jokes. Some say MacDonald was the best Weekend Update anchor ever.

MacDonald did try to do a show of his own and it only lasted a couple of years. Films where he was the main star failed and ones where he wasn't varied in success. There was still a lot of respect towards him and he was still a notable name to have. A staple on late night shows with Conan O'Brien, David Letterman. Voice over work on stuff like Fairly OddParents. Guest starring for shows like The Middle. Something about his presence I would assume made people comfortable due to the way he delivered on his comedy.

There was a lot of love for him altogether. But this brings up the whole thing about cancer. From all reports, he kept it private for nine years. That's his right. Same thing that happened with both Chadwick Boseman and Kelly Preston last year. That had to have been draining. I believe they're saying acute leukemia. I'm going to have to assume MacDonald had health issues in his childhood unless this is something you can get later on in life. Celebrities take a lot of crap from people and it's nice to see them keep it private. That way no tabloid and trash like TMZ make false stories. Either way, sad to see him go. Comedy lost one of the greats.