Jim Downey & Norm Macdonald Were Both Fired From “SNL” | Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend

[@thegrandlegislature]

More Jim Downey please! Have him back for ten more episodes!

[@datascience4lyfe]

More Downey!

[@florete2310]

He's a pretty cool dude. So, I second this motion🤚

[@MISNM0]

Yes to the freaking Please! This was Phenomenal and adds another look into why people come into this orbit and stay together as q real work family. I love every thing I heard from this man and will eagerly look for more content by him in the future. (Had no idea about his acting work but was L I V I N G for your commentary on, There Will Be Blood. Straight effing 💀)

[@waylonnicholson371]

Would love if Jim had his own podcast on the Team Coco network. He could talk about anything and it would be interesting.

[@christianfarmer]

And Kevin Nealon

[@Mudder1310]

I love the joke Norm did about women drivers, then challenging the audience with “that joke was written by a woman”. Then “nah, we don’t hire women”. I don’t know who wrote that but it’s absolutely genius.

[@alexandercain732]

I believe that was one of Jim's jokes, with Norm modifying it a bit for the live show.

[@mikeshelogowski434]

"Now ya don't know WHAT to think!" 😅

[@nhibbs3]

You missed the best part at the end saying “I’m just kidding we don’t hire women”

[@OneBoundMusic]

​@@nhibbs3I think you missed the part of his comment, lol

[@1craley878]

The fact that norm went to battle for this writer is just another example of how much respect i have for him. I miss him so much. Legend

[@ryanmichaluk352]

Theres something very funny about describing Jim Downey as "this writer"

[@McNuuuuggggiiiieeeessss]

​@@ryanmichaluk352I thought it was a matter of record

[@CasperLD]

Norm walking away from his dream job cause tgey wanted to get rid of Jim. And then not even telling Jim.....made me tear up. A great man.

[@ColoursOfDan02]

This is something I hope to learn from Norm. Doing the good deed is enough getting praise for that act cheapens it.

[@James_Bee]

Norm was Christian and Christianity teaches to do the right thing because God says it's the right thing, not because you could get anything for doing it.

[@captainchaos3667]

@@James_Bee Doesn't Christianity teach that you have to do the right thing because otherwise you'll go to hell?

[@lukeotoole6970]

@@captainchaos3667no it doesn’t you dork

[@kyrozudesoya1829]

@@captainchaos3667 Virtue is its own reward.

[@tsgorman]

"Well, it is finally official. Murder is legal in the state of California" - Norm McDonald and Jim Downey

[@PrimarchX]

Thank you for telling us that it was really important to have Norm on your last shows, Conan. It was a real mystery to many of us why he wasn't there given the gold he had spun with you and Andy over the years. It was clearer what was going on just a few months later, when Norm passed. But to know how important it was to you to have him there means a lot.

[@davidhurtado2725]

Listen to his episode on Norm's death with Smiley (I think) and Andy. He talks about this there

[@NuttyMongrel]

Goes to show sometimes you just don't know what's going on behind the scenes. Some people were speculating that Conan and Norm had a falling out.

[@primus103]

which proves you can't trust the internet. People were bashing Conan for not having Norm on, thinking he was boycotted.

[@PrimarchX]

@@jaygray26 Or maybe it was at the time? I'm glad you can add your all-knowing insight to my perspective about how much it meant to me to have this clarified.

[@DaveChurchill]

I want a 24 hour version of this podcast. Please have an entire special with Jim. I absolutely live for these sort of "inside" stories and shared experiences between Conan and other writers. Please, please have more content like this

[@michaelduck11]

Trim the fat and cut into the muscle

[@odaydrums]

Me too! When I discovered Norms first podcast with Adam "Egret" I thought " this is so cool! I am seeing how comedians work"

[@Footerismyname]

Norm interrupting Jim during his speech in Dirty Work is still comic gold.

[@hankgowdey3255]

How about 2 dollars?

[@roycopeland9560]

Here’s your 2 dollars.

[@hankgowdey3255]

Right that's the line@@roycopeland9560

[@drobinson-uo7ic]

At the time I didn't know about Jim Downey but I instantly recognized him as "The guy from Billy Madison who said my favorite line".

[@alb2620]

Jim's recall is incredible. A total legend.

[@Ellierua]

This man needs his own podcast. Such a story teller and has such history. Lovely seeing him after hearing his name mentioned over the years.

[@roywhiteo5]

the homeless newspaper was a great jim/norm story

[@davidlrogers]

i like the Fly on the Wall podcast (David Spade & Dana Carvey) because of the neat behind-the-scenes history (and comedians laughing with comedians is the best stuff) but i missed the episode with Downey; i'll have to go back and pick it up :) he's great

[@ALK-le6pv]

@@davidlrogers Their Downey episode was fantastic.

[@Walperion_Music]

Omg yes!

[@craigstahl1874]

It is so cool hearing this from Downey himself. Conan is awesome for giving time to the people who really make the sausage.

[@LIamaLlama554]

It truly is incredible isn’t it? Not to mention that he wrote a lot of great comedy in addition to making all of those sausages.

[@foolishsamurai]

I always knew Norm was a class act, but yet, the more i hear such stories about Norm, the more and more i adore him. Someone i'd like to emulate in my life. God rest your soul, in peace, good man. ❤

[@sweetssandbox3526]

I miss Norm so much. He could say the same line six different ways and I’d laugh 7 times

[@leobender2910]

And between the attempts where he just smirks at his own joke

[@modsquad20]

Are you a woman? I'm sensing someone not good at math.

[@Psychol-Snooper]

Or so the Germans would have us believe.

[@TWOhype23]

@@Psychol-SnooperYou don’t strike me as someone who owns a doghouse

[@prashantnegi007]

Hah?

[@Paulafan5]

Norm's appearance on Letterman after being fired from Update is a masterclass in how to destroy someone in the most roundabout way. Don Ohlmeyer had a long career, including MNF and coining "Must See TV" for NBC... and all people will remember is him firing Norm and that Letterman appearance by Norm.

[@LIamaLlama554]

That Letterman appearance was hotter than a two dollar pistol, by god.

[@vanmoody]

Talking about Don, "The Quisling" Ohlmeyer.

[@daveidmarx8296]

Norm and Dave were both fearless legends. Them together was the epitome of Must See TV in my book.

[@GEM4sta]

​@@derfroschprinzausbayernyeah but he's a good guy, he just didn't think Norm was funny

[@jonmcdaniel8492]

I don't know what that means,​@@vanmoody

[@MrBudNess]

Every single time I think of Norm Macdonald dying I get a lump in my throat all over again. His comedy meant so much to me. Such a profoundly funny human being.

[@gobabawonan2199]

Very glad Jim is getting the attention he deserves after so many years of working behind the scenes!

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

Plus he was at SNL so long that he has stories that could sink ships lol. Give him a 10 part documentary

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

I could listen to people talk about Norm all day.

[@driftless7134]

Sorry about your girlfriend.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

@@driftless7134 Her name is Mom to you. Got it, buddy? You're grounded for the week.

[@driftless7134]

@@TheKitchenerLeslie You're a bit of a rough and tumble character... When she went to the doctor, he told her to open up and say oink!

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

@@driftless7134 Hey hey there friend! I'll have you know that pig is my girlfriend! I don't care too much for you, Cap'n.

[@driftless7134]

@@TheKitchenerLeslie I don't work day and night in a dank, coaly mine to take guff from you, fella!

[@robinheil]

Thank you Jim for telling that story about Norm sticking up for you. What a standup guy.

[@scotthighmark9810]

I'm so glad that Conan brought up Norm. Conan seems to have a good understanding of what his audience wants. Jim is hilarious and a great storyteller.

[@seanlittle7035]

One of the best guests in the entire run of the podcast.

[@mikefraley6935]

Norm was beloved by some audiences, but not nearly as much as he was by other comedians. He was so original and deeply, darkly funny in ways that make average audiences squirm.

[@GlennTillema]

There are quite a few stories from other comedians that Norm would discover himself tanking in front of a crowd but instead of being discouraged he'd adjust his material for the comedians watching! They'd be laughing there heads off while Norm would tell the stupidest jokes to a dead audience and he'd be doing it just for them. One particular story stands out where he was touring with a bunch of comedians and they played some midwest venue and he was tanking, so he just doubled-down on the worst jokes much to the delight of the crew he was traveling with!

[@cmfrtblynmb02]

@@GlennTillema Norm was the chef that other chefs love to eat from. And he had such simplicity when he made his jokes, he didn't go out of his way to make them complicated. But his jokes had layers. If you analyze them, there is a lot. but then as you go deeper, you go back to the beginning and realize it is a simple joke. That's why nearly every comedian refers to him as a master. It is a cliche now but he didn't try to be the smartest guy in the room though he often was. A lot of bad comedians like Bill Maher are doing just the opposite.

[@hankdatank09]

Norm is a legend! Jim Downey is the gift that keeps on giving. Love this!

[@Demion83]

As a comedy geek and comedy historian I knew I loved Downey, but his comedy ethics and principles are so inspiring and powerful. He is subtley calling out every single piece of comedy that is out there right now. Even Conan (who is a god to me) is having little epiphanies while he speaks where he is remembering where he used to be and questioning what he is doing and has been doing. I wouldn't be surprised if Conan actually made changes after this interview.

[@gkniffen]

Imagine getting fired by your boss and his justification for giving YOU the ax was that HIS "best friend" was a knife-wielding murderer. 😂

[@leezysaurus]

Jim could have his own podcast, so funny, honest and charismatic

[@Fergus316]

We've been hearing the name Jim Downey for decades from the lips of David Letterman, Norm, SNL folks...It's nice to have him step in front of the camera for an interview and find he can talk with such grace and humor about his work.

[@jaytrace1006]

It’s odd, and great, that Norm’s legend grows with each day that passes since his death. Like his firing from SNL, he left us at the top of his game, and we were wanting more. I love the guy…

[@chaunceyrichardson6624]

Norm felt like a friend, man I miss him!

[@authorrayrogers]

Those of us who loved Norm and understood his style of comedy appreciated that commitment to the bit that would die, but was really brilliant.

[@joseville]

My impression of Norm is that he was just simply happy to entertain himself. If other people found it funny too, well, that's just gravy.

[@terrylodercreative]

So THAT’s why I don’t get gigs!!! So…….. don’t … call me…. I guess.

[@butchie2752]

Well said.

[@dannyp8503]

I was so angry at conan for not inviting norm on his final week. There was controversy with fallon cancelling norms appearance about a year earlier and i thought conan was following suit. I was wrong. Conan you are the man and im sorry i doubted you. Noone gets it more than you in late night.

[@Paulafan5]

Conan isn't like that. His L.A. writers, probably, but not Conan.

[@Shannon-v3r]

When Norm was going through all the stuff at SNL, Donny told Conan to not have Norm on. Conan wrote him a letter saying his job was to put in the best show he can, and that his best guest was Norm. Donny said something to the effect that he expected better from Conan

[@Baqota]

This guy was great. I’d never heard of him before, and I’m so glad to now have him on my radar so that I can appreciate all of his creative contributions. I’d love to hear more from him.

[@davidalexander3320]

He was the guy in Billy Madison moderating the quiz at the end. The "i award you no points and my God have mercy on your soul" guy

[@sirchadiusmaximusiii]

Norm was the absolute King. I didn’t even know him but he felt like family and I miss him everyday.

[@patreekotime4578]

I started crying listening to the pod when Jim was telling how Norm quit SNL because they were firing Jim. Absolutely amazing.

[@rdlystad23]

We need more Jim and more guests like him. I could listen to his stories all day. Hilarious man.

[@RonUSMC]

I like Jim's cadence in storytelling. I could listen to him for 10 hours. You know he has a bunch of stories no one has heard.

[@beloved6003]

I’m loving these video of Jim Downey and Conan. To listen to the progression of comedy over time is very special and moving.

[@SanaZub]

Thank you for these conversations. For sharing with us a little snippet of Norm's life. We miss him so much. Please continue to talk about him. He was truly a good soul. RIP

[@JHW773]

New norm clips are my favorite drug

[@Shannon-v3r]

I never realized Mr. Downie had gotten fired for that as well. This was a great show. I was very excited to see he was the guest this week. I could listen to Conan interviewing him for 4 more hours

[@HG-pi3qp]

Cried at the "no way" about firing Downey. That is beautiful.

[@uncleflansy5621]

Norm would have loved the thumbnail for this video. Norm's name taking up half the screen, but another guy's face is the picture, but a tiny thumbnail of Norm in the corner. It's perfect.

[@AttilatheThrilla]

You can tell Gourley was 💯 invested in these stories.. True respect for a legend.

[@InfamousMS]

Jim Downey is an unsung National treasure. Thank you for this interview! 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️

[@JonnyDIY]

How sad we all are and didnt even know Norm personally. His friends and family must be still hurting a lot. Norm wouldnt like this "mushy" talk 😂💕😭

[@hammer3122]

I can’t remember whose podcast it was on, but Downey tells a great story about there being a newspaper for the homeless in New York and he and Norm pitching an idea for a sketch about a tough, no-nonsense newspaper editor yelling to his news staff about getting him 500 words about “going to the bathroom in your pants” and “a human interest piece on urine-stained mattresses.”

[@jonjaime]

​@@user-cl3re8xi7yand norm said "and they hated it." It was so hilarious the way Norm said that 😂

[@butchie2752]

Norm could read a grocery list and make it funny when he’d start laughing at the end. And he probably did. Proof? I’ve watched the moth joke and the turtle joke a hundred times each. I still laugh every time. It’s the telling more than the joke. Genius.

[@85tclower]

I think it was Dennis Miller’s show? You’re right. It’s hilarious 😂😂

[@hansjuker8296]

The more I learn about this Norm guy. The more I like him.

[@jseanperry]

😂

[@CoreyDowning]

I remember watching weekend update when I was young in the 90s and absolutely loved it. Norm and Jim had a profound effect on my sense of humor.

[@johnbod]

Norm embodied comedic integrity

[@alibabaschultz352]

Just "integrity" in general.

[@VotePaineJefferson]

THANK YOU for the Norm memories, Jim.

[@adamcoe]

we need so many more jim downeys and conan o'briens on this planet

[@bgheadjack]

I was there during this time. I got my first joke on with Norm and Jim on 11/15/97. 6 weeks later they'd be fired. After Norm and Jim were fired from Update, both were still employed by SNL. Norm stuck around for another 4 episodes (or so), but Downey's stay was much more amusing and under the radar. Jim would call in to the script department every Wednesday in the late morning (Wednesday is read-thru day) and would free-form write a sketch that one of our top script coordinators would have to type out. Literally he'd write it from the back of a towncar that was driving him around and she would have to just type the whole thing out. Each week this happened the sketches got longer and longer - 14 pages, then 17 pages, then 20, and finally we had something like a 32 page sketch of madness that concluded this crazy pattern. The sketches were funny (Downey's the greatest late night writer of all time, imo), and weird, but what always stood out is that he would cast NBC execs to appear in the beginning of them. It would go something like this: NBC LAWYER NAME: Hi, my name is NBC Lawyer Name. (Thunderous applause from audience. This lasts for 30 seconds at least) NBC EXEC And I'm NBC Exec. (silence) ...sketch continues. Each sketch had execs and lawyers and it was just bizarre and awesome. Jim and Norm are the best. Just true disciples of The Joke and masters of their craft.

[@IBAndreas]

Too funny.

[@rachelisagrapefruit]

I could listen to these two talk about comedy and norm stories for hours

[@fischkopf]

Some folks here may not know Conan and David Letterman kept inviting Norm, and being on TV back then kept his career afloat.

[@richb313]

There will never be another Norm.

[@jairkerker2821]

Norm didnt talk about his cancer because empathy ruins comedy. Maybe he didn't tell Downey about standing up for him because it might ruin their dynamic. It's a wonderful thing that these two men worked together. Those (way too few) stories about Norm's comradery with Downey, Drake Sather and others with a similar style of humor to his really fills that Norm shaped hole in my heart.

[@karlgustav999]

I think he would've found it gross or cheap(?) to tell Downey. Like bragging about donating to charity.

[@mikehunt9884]

tv execs are the worst, they didn't just fired him, but after that they kept making it difficult for norm to do other shows and to promote them. Then they had the balls to invite him to host the show again, which he did, cause norm is a classy guy who just loved to make people laugh.

[@mattwilliams7454]

There's never enough interviews with people talking about norm. Still miss him

[@ylette]

As a Norm fan I can't believe I haven't heard about this guy until now. I can totally see these two being on the same wavelength.

[@Tonyhouse1168]

I read his Wikipedia page yesterday; he really is a legend

[@thedude4672]

I don't think that you have the Norm Macdonald everyone knows and loves without Jim Downey.

[@hubes96]

If you were not old enough for the Jim Downey yrs of SNL, you would not have heard of him

[@mattm3023]

​@@hubes96 I could be wrong but I think Jim Downey wrote for Norm's podcast (Norm Macdonald Live) which is arguably Norm's greatest and most often referenced work. I think he even mentions him in the podcast a few times but I could be misremembering

[@AndrewRyan-rd1wl]

I think SNL was the only Job besides stand up that he really loved doing, so it was really a blow to him when he was fired. And when SNL wanted Norm to stay and to get rid of JIm it shows how much loyalty and respect Norm had for his friend when he said "if you fire him then I go to" and they did.

[@blackjesus804]

Ohlmeyer ordered Conan to stop booking Macdonald as a guest. Insane OJ pal. Conan said nope.

[@gingerbaker_toad696]

3:47 "he didn't want to do heartwearming stuff" my heart got so warm just now ❤

[@sonnieandjacob]

Jim is a comedic genius... Or so the Germans would have us believe

[@sichard.rimmons]

Love conan and downey keeping norm’s legend alive. I didn’t even know he was sick

[@georgesotiriou7051]

Norm and Downey was a real meeting of the minds. Minds. Plural god damn it!

[@karlgustav999]

Guarantee Downey has owned has owned a dog house or two.

[@georgesotiriou7051]

@@karlgustav999 He might have an unconventional private life but nobody criticises him

[@godofgamingnos]

The more I hear about this Norm fella, the more I like him.

[@CircleEF]

I love me a Norm story.

[@georgesotiriou7051]

They hated it

[@DJ-bj8ku]

The Norm jokes on OJ were brilliant, lacerating, courageous and unlike anything done before or after on SNL. So of course they were fired.

[@me007gold2]

I could listen to Jim and Conan talk for hours. What a great guest.

[@wardengentles53]

Downey one of the best comedic writers, and minds of my generation. Conan, my generations late night host. And Norm Macdonald my favorite comedian of all time.

[@johnfazzari6208]

I love Norm stories.

[@davidvondoom2853]

Jim and Norm sound like a match made in heaven.

[@alanbainbridge_tville_ut]

I can't get over that he says "We were yanked ... off" and no one says anything (1:50)

[@karlgustav999]

Huhuhuh Huhuhuh

[@nuckle4270]

I could listen to people talk about norm for hours.

[@sadhbh4652]

Great interview.

[@alexstewart9068]

Norm's brother Neil would be an excellent interview with Conan.

[@jackburton2680]

Has he ever spoken out before about norm? Be interesting to hear how norm was growing up

[@truantbuick]

Can't wait for the off-the-cuff badinage.

[@willlofland3559]

Even before I understood the genius of Norm, seeing him on weekend update as a teen, I knew whatever he was doing was something special. The way he would hold the joke when the audience didnt get it, was just next level brilliance. Absolute Legend!

[@notachannel7495]

This is amazing. The amount of talent and skill that goes into what seems like a simple joke is humbling. On 'trim the fat', it's just like 'kill your darlings'.

[@allergic2life]

Miss norm so much! This was a great interview.

[@Erilis000]

Having Jim on was a delight and I love any talk about Norm.

[@Walperion_Music]

One of THE most in-depth guests I've ever seen Conan speaking to! You just get completely immersed in his stories and thinking! I really hope the industry gets more such pernickety comedy whiters like Norm and Jim, even if I'd ever be one I wish to practice their way of thinking. In any art form - This Is The Stuff.

[@TheIRedIQueen]

I have listened to this entire podcast every night before I fall asleep for 2 weeks straight. Please for the LOVE OF GOD bring Jim back on!!!

[@RANSOME99]

I have always (even before his passing) believed that going out that way and keeping it a secret was heroic - I still do - however, his explanation of him wanting to keep it funny and not be some hero or something makes me understand it even more. Norm is a legend and that will never change, the fact he had the foresight to understand that and take action to protect that speaks volumes about the man behind the act.

[@willjeffrey2285]

I was shocked norm wasn’t on the last Conan show, when Norm passed it made sense.

[@ginaheller333]

Yet more reasons to love Norm!

[@user-hf2ut2jk5y]

More Jim Downey please. Thanks

[@yeetboi9817]

Norm was a cool guy because he made out he got fired. He was secretly honourable, not doing it to look good.

[@shephusted2714]

this episode should be retitled to 'walking through ankle deep blood and bones to find a gambling den in northern canadian escarpment'

[@JnnyUtah35]

Uncomfortable silence evolving into laughter…. Norm was a master at that. Cornan used that too- I always loved it. The story at the end- the risky joke vs the cheap sure thing… Norm was there anti-Leno. My grandmother can take Leno. Norm all day for me.

[@k_hack9441]

These stories are amazing.

[@RoryWynne]

So in conclusion norm is the most humble, funniest, authentic man and all he cared about was the joke and the people he loved Absolute legend

[@MichaelLasotaMusic]

Nice to see Jim Downey. I heard his name thousands of times. Now I see the face.

[@patrickjohn277]

His speech in Billy Madison is amazing.

[@machinesandthings7121]

This format is so much better than the TV show. It's hard to express how much more I enjoy this.

[@matttilley8620]

This just goes to show that those closest to us need to know how much they mean to our everyday existence. I would hate to have regrets if my closest friend died tomorrow. I'm not suggesting this guy has any regrets, but the way Norm shed his mortal coil was stoic and dignified.

[@karlgustav999]

Exactly. A class act to the very end.

[@jgbgw591]

Norm is loyal and brave. Many people turned on him when he dared to say something that the hive mind didn't agree with. It made me cringe to watch everyone scramble around when he passed away acting like they didn't distance themselves from him when he wasn't woke enough. Conan was one of the few that didn't seem to participate in that.

[@thedude4672]

Norm wouldn't like to be told that he is loyal and brave, nor would he want to make anything political. So your comment is disrespectful.

[@LIamaLlama554]

@@thedude4672jeez Louise, you sound like that old battle axe I call my wife. God love her.

[@cartoonistaaronhazouri]

Conan sure did get raked over the coals for not having Norm on his show until fairly recently, when Conan explained they'd tried to but Norm just wasn't up to it. It all makes total sense in hindsight.

[@jamesbenton4123]

Mr Downey is such a great human. I'm so glad I could experience his gifts

[@aanchaallllllll]

0:06: 📺 The speaker believes that getting the right wording is crucial and that their work on update was proof of that, even though they were fired for it. 2:25: 📺 Norm Macdonald defended his colleague Jim Downey and threatened to quit if the network fired him. 4:13: 📺 The speaker recalls trying to get a late-night show guest, who later passed away, on their show. 6:39: ! The speaker discusses the process of preparing for a show and negotiating segment lengths. 8:16: ✨ The speaker discusses the importance of maintaining a high standard of performance and being willing to let go of material that doesn't meet that standard. Recap by Tammy AI

[@thbemky827]

"theres not really a great place to laugh in that joke" omg when he said that I started crying laughing.. that is hilarious

[@glennvastine5713]

I loved Norm and I like Conan more and more because of his relationship to Norm and the stories he shares. Both are such kind souls in a f***ed up world.

[@CharlieTWilbury]

Norm choosing to go down with his friend over the firing is just pure Norm.