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Well, damn. Hopefully this won't be too late for those within range ... but, Norm will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Despite having a touch of the flu, Our Hero is also scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Sunday at Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. We've added Ticketmaster to our links, so check with them from time-to-time if you'd like to see Norm's standup.
The hype-machine is at full jiggle (thanks to Mariah Carey), so -- unless you've been trapped under something awfully heavy -- you've undoubtly heard about MTV's Spring Break '98. Our Hero was in Panama City Beach earlier this month to tape his part in the annual hedonism, "Top 10 Spring Break Performances." Also, as we predicted, the show featured clips from "Dirty Work" his eagerly awaited -- well, sort of -- movie. We've transcribed some of Norm's Spring Break Tips for your enjoyment. If you missed the show, never fear, MTV will revisit their spring break programming in April.
 MGM has selected May 15 as theng for Norm's first feature, "Dirty Work." In the film he co-wrote, Our Hero plays an entrepreneur who a business helping people get revenge. MGM must think he's funny, because they've tapped Norm to star in a comedy by the hot writing duo of Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski ("Ed Wood," "The People vs. Larry Flint"). The film, "Ballbusted," is the story of a disgruntled chauffeur who decides to kidnap his rich employer's dog. Read the story.
Norm fulfilled his weekly, contractual obligation to NBC with his "Burt Reynolds" impression in an utterly lame sketch we won't bore you with. However, as Norm, er, Burt was headed to "the can," a brave woman in the audience broke a momentary silence with, "HEY, NORM!" or "YEA! NORM!" Thata girl!!! Also, Our Hero was referred to in another brilliant cartoon by Robert Smigel. The gutsy piece was a "Schoolhouse Rock" parody about corporate control of the media titled "Conspiracy Theory Rock." The mention: Why'd they take Norm Macdonald away? / Because he made too many jokes about O.J. / Was Lorne Michaels overruled? / Now don't be fooled / He and Marion Barry went to the same high school.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The parody was orginally scheduled to be aired a week prior, but they "ran out of time." When the episode was rerun, Smigel's piece was not included -- Lorne said it didn't work comedically. This was also Norm's final appearance on SNL. -N!, 7/98
The King of All Media's E! show featured Norm and his buddy, "Dirty Work" costar, Artie Lange (who was also fired ... from Mad TV). Stern's cable show brings his nationwide radio program to TV with in-studio cameras. The episode was taped the day after Our Hero announced his "reassignment" (on January 7). In addition to talking about the Crisis, Norm spoke candidly about his gambling addiction -- stating he'd lost "everything" before recently kicking the habit. In post-production, the Stern crew added some interesting interviews with SNL cast members concerning Norm:
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT NORM MACDONALD
BEING FIRED FROM "UPDATE"?
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I miss Norm alot. I wasn't a supporter of it. But, I think Colin is very funny and I think he'll fill in great.
-- TIM "THE LADIES MAN" MEADOWS
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I think it's sad. I think Colin's doing a great job, but I miss Norm. He was great.
-- CHRIS "MR. PEEPERS" KATTAN
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Doesn't affect me at all.
-- JIM "GOAT BOY" BREUER
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I think [it's] terrible, because like I said it on the news -- and I'll say it again -- he was a real support. The only reason people know I did any of that stuff was because he got me on. It's very, very horrible for me.
-- COLIN "TRAITOR" QUINN
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We're honoring Norm's wish to leave SNL by changing the focus of our campaign. Instead of lobbying NBC to return Our Hero to "Weekend Update" ... we're now demanding that The Weasel immediately release Norm from his contract. Before making this decision, we asked our fellow Crack Whores to share their thoughts on the matter ... the response was overwhelmingly in favor of "SET NORM FREE!"
Norm led the cast onto the air as "Larry King" during theng sketch of the broadcast. "Weekend Update" featured a jab at O.J. Simpson.
For the first time, Norm publicly stated he wants to leave "Saturday Night Live." During a guest appearance on "The Late Show with David Letterman," he spoke about his troubles at NBC. He said now agrees with Dave's previous assessment that Don Ohlmeyer is an "idiot" and a "pinhead." And, that NBC refuses to release Our Hero from his contract. Both he and Letterman repeatedly goofed on the NBC suit who made the notorious "reassignment." It's our feeling that the appearance was a thinly disguised attempt to call The Weasel out -- to force him to either fire, or release Norm. Because, as we've reported, there are strong rumors that CBS is eager to hire the "unfunny" comedian.
EXPANDED COVERAGE: We're pleased to present a transcript of Norm's "Late Show" appearance, along with 10 audioclips from the broadcast. Check it out.
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