Lorne Michaels
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Born Name:
Lorne David Lipowitz
Born Date: November 17, 1944
Born Place: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Producer, writer, comedian
Brief Biography: Lorne Michaels is best known as the creator, executive producer, and mastermind behind the cultural institution Saturday Night Live (SNL).
Early Life & Career Beginnings:
His father, a furrier, died when Lorne was young, prompting a move away from the original family name, Lipowitz. He attended the University of Toronto, graduating in 1966 with a degree in English. He began his career in entertainment as a writer and broadcaster for CBC Radio before relocating to Los Angeles in 1968 to write for shows like Laugh-In and The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show.
Building the SNL Empire:
In 1975, Michaels teamed up with Dick Ebersol and NBC to launch NBC's Saturday Night (later renamed Saturday Night Live). He served as the show's writer and executive producer from 1975 to 1980, and returned in 1985 to helm the legendary sketch show. Over the past five decades, Michaels has served as a relentless talent scout, launching the careers of comedy greats like: John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler.
Expanding to Late Night & Film:
Beyond SNL, Michaels’ production company, Broadway Video, has dominated the television and film comedy landscape. His production and producing credits include:
Television: Late Night with various hosts, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Kids in the Hall, and 30 Rock.
Film: Cult-classic films including Wayne's World, Tommy Boy, and the original and musical iterations of Mean Girls.
Legacy & Accolades:
Michaels has received unprecedented industry recognition, holding the record for the most Primetime Emmy Award nominations for an individual, securing over 20 wins.
Born Date: November 17, 1944
Born Place: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Producer, writer, comedian
Brief Biography: Lorne Michaels is best known as the creator, executive producer, and mastermind behind the cultural institution Saturday Night Live (SNL).
Early Life & Career Beginnings:
His father, a furrier, died when Lorne was young, prompting a move away from the original family name, Lipowitz. He attended the University of Toronto, graduating in 1966 with a degree in English. He began his career in entertainment as a writer and broadcaster for CBC Radio before relocating to Los Angeles in 1968 to write for shows like Laugh-In and The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show.
Building the SNL Empire:
In 1975, Michaels teamed up with Dick Ebersol and NBC to launch NBC's Saturday Night (later renamed Saturday Night Live). He served as the show's writer and executive producer from 1975 to 1980, and returned in 1985 to helm the legendary sketch show. Over the past five decades, Michaels has served as a relentless talent scout, launching the careers of comedy greats like: John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler.
Expanding to Late Night & Film:
Beyond SNL, Michaels’ production company, Broadway Video, has dominated the television and film comedy landscape. His production and producing credits include:
Television: Late Night with various hosts, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Kids in the Hall, and 30 Rock.
Film: Cult-classic films including Wayne's World, Tommy Boy, and the original and musical iterations of Mean Girls.
Legacy & Accolades:
Michaels has received unprecedented industry recognition, holding the record for the most Primetime Emmy Award nominations for an individual, securing over 20 wins.