Lorne Michaels

Born on November 17, 1944, in Toronto, Ontario, Lorne David Lipowitz studied English literature at University College, University of Toronto, graduating in 1966. Beginning his career as a comedy writer and performer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Michaels moved to Los Angeles in 1968, writing for 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In'. In 1975, NBC executive Dick Ebersol approached Michaels to develop a live late-night variety sketch comedy show for the network. On October 11, 1975, from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, Michaels launched 'Saturday Night Live' (originally 'NBC's Saturday Night'). With its rebellious countercultural humor, razor-sharp political satire, and legendary original cast—the 'Not Ready for Prime Time Players' (Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner)—SNL revolutionized television and became an American cultural institution. Over five decades, Michaels' uncanny eye for comedic genius discovered and nurtured generations of comedy titans, including Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon. Beyond SNL, Michaels produced blockbuster film comedies, including 'Wayne's World' (1992), 'Tommy Boy' (1995), and 'Mean Girls' (2004), and executive produced acclaimed late-night talk shows, including 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien', 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon', 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', and 'Late Night with Seth Meyers', alongside hit sitcoms like '30 Rock'. With over 100 Emmy nominations and 21 Primetime Emmy wins, Michaels is the most nominated individual in television history. Awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2004, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, and Kennedy Center Honors in 2021, Michaels stands as the undisputed godfather of modern television comedy.