Cult comedian and former star of Saturday Night Live (of 1993 to 1998), Norm McDonald , died at 61 years after a private battle with cancer, reported Deadline and Variety.
The death of the actor, writer and producer was confirmed by his advertising team at Brillstein Entertainment.
McDonald’s friend, Lori Jo Hoekstra , who was with him when he passed away, said the artist had been battling cancer for nearly a decade, but was determined to keep his battle away from family, friends and fans.
“ He was very proud of his comedy ,” said Hoekstra , who was also his longtime producing partner. “He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comedian . He once wrote that ‘a joke should surprise someone, it should never please’. It certainly never pleased. You will be missed very much “.
MacDonald launched his career in show business in the comedy clubs of his native Canada, where he perfected his trademark laconic style.