Lorne Michaels is a television and film producer best known for creating the long running NBC sketch show Saturday Night Live. He has launched the careers of numerous actors and comedians such as: Eddie Murphy, Dana Carvey, Mike Myers, Will Ferrell, and Chris Farley.
Early Days
Michaels was born in Toronto, Canada and attended the University of Toronto. After graduation he came to Los Angeles to become a writer. He worked on such hits as Laugh In.
Saturday Night
Michaels created the show NBC's Saturday Night which evolved into the popular show Saturday Night Live that continues today. Michaels has overseen the production of the show since its inception in 1977 and currently acts as showrunner and makes occasional cameo appearances.
Beyond SNL
Michaels formed the production company Broadway Video in 1994. It currently produces the hits 30 Rock and Late Night with Conan O'Brien for television and has produced Wayne's World, Mean Girls and Enigma for film.
Saturday Night Live Fast Facts
- Series premiere: October 11, 1975
- New episodes: Saturdays at 11:30 ET
- Alumni: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, Steve Martin, Tina Fey
Featured Video
Lorne Michaels Timeline
Note: The majority of the links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups.
1975: Saturday Night Live
1979: Mr. Mike's Mondo Video
1980: Gilda Live
1986: Three Amigos!
1992: Wayne's World
1995: Tommy Boy
1996: Black Sheep
1998: A Night at the Roxbury
2004: Mean Girls
2006: 30 Rock
2007: Baby Mama