David Letterman complemented Norm Macdonald recently, calling the SNL alumnus one of the “funniest of the funny” on Macdonald’s webcast talk show. The Canadian standup veteran has been firing off wry observations since 1987—delivering his often-offbeat punchlines with a knowing smirk that can sometimes feel exclusionary. Perhaps that’s part of the reason he was booted from the Weekend Update desk and ultimately SNL in 1998 (though he claims he was canned for calling O.J. Simpson a “murderer” on air). Macdonald got the last laugh, returning to host SNL in 1999 after his starring role in the cult comedy Dirty Work.
Norm Macdonald
Thu, 8pm, $25
The Improv, San Jose
Norm Macdonald at The Improv
